Tenerife: Masca Hike & Laurel Forest Trek with Pickup

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Guide in English, Spanish or Russian09:30

Guide in English, Spanish or RussianFrom 14 Nov · 09:00

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Pine forest to laurel woods: a 7.5km climb through Tenerife's hidden ridge

You hike 7.5km through pine forest and relict laurel woods in the Teno Mountains, climbing 300 meters to a viewpoint overlooking Masca Gorge and the Teide volcano. The route avoids crowded trails and includes an aerial perspective of Masca village from above. Car transfer to the trailhead and hiking poles are provided, with return transport included.

Step-by-step itinerary

Hike through Teno Mountains and Masca

• Start trek in pine forest
• View Teide volcano and eruption site
• Reach 1300 meters altitude viewpoint
• See mountains, ocean, Masca Gorge
• Follow main route along mountain slope
• Visit scenic overlooks and landmarks
• Hike through relict laurel forest
• Enjoy aerial view of Masca village
• Complete 7.5 km trek with 300m gain

The Experience

The car pulls up to the trailhead within five minutes of pickup, and you step out into the Teno Mountains. Pine forest surrounds the starting point at around 1,000 meters, and the first seventy minutes of walking climb steadily toward 1,300 meters. The air gets thinner, the trees change, and then the view opens. You're looking down at the Masca Gorge cutting into the island, the ocean beyond it, and the serpentine road that winds through the mountains like a ribbon someone dropped. The Teide volcano sits on the horizon, and if you know where to look, you can still see the scar from the 1909 eruption.

After that viewpoint, the main route follows the mountain slope itself. There are more overlooks, places where you stop and just stand there because the angle is impossible. You're seeing Masca village from directly above, the kind of perspective you don't get from the road. The hiking poles help here. The terrain is steep enough that they matter. You're moving through a landscape that shifts as you climb: volcanic rock, scrub, then something different entirely. The relict laurel forest appears gradually, a pocket ecosystem that exists because of how Tenerife's climate works. It's quieter in there, older-feeling, and the crowded tourist trails are nowhere in sight.

The full hike covers 7.5 kilometers with 300 meters of elevation gain. It's not a casual walk, but it's not a scramble either: moderate fitness gets you through, though the altitude and the slope mean you'll feel it. The car brings you back down when you're done, so you don't have to navigate the descent on tired legs or figure out transport from a remote point. Bring water, wear proper hiking shoes, and the poles are provided.

What’s included

• Car transfer to the trailhead within 5 minutes of pickup.
• hiking poles.
• return transport to your starting point.

Days and timesWed · Fri · Sat · Sun · 2 departure times, from 09:00 to 09:30

Ages18 to 65 years · Under 18 — No ticket type: can't be added to a booking

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup12 pickup points to choose from.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 7 days ago

Good to know

Moderate physical levelPublic transport nearbyNot for pregnant travelersNot for heart conditionsNot for back problemsInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Sherpa

Is this one for you?Right for hikers with moderate fitness who want mountain views and solitude without arranging their own transport to a remote trailhead or carrying poles up 300 meters of elevation.

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Top questions

What languages is the guide in?

Live guide in English, Spanish and Russian.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24h before the start.

How long is the hike?

7.5 kilometers with 300 meters of elevation gain. The first seventy minutes takes you to 1,300 meters altitude. The full trek takes several hours depending on pace and photo stops.

What's included in the price?

Car transfer to the trailhead (within 5 minutes of pickup), hiking poles, and return transport. Entry fees and lunch are not mentioned.

Do I need to be very fit?

Moderate fitness is required. The altitude, slope, and distance mean you'll feel the effort, but it's not a technical climb or scramble.

What will I see?

Pine forest at the start, views of the Masca Gorge and ocean from the 1,300-meter viewpoint, an aerial perspective of Masca village, the Teide volcano, and a relict laurel forest in the final section.

Is there public transport to the trailhead?

Public transportation options are available nearby, though the car transfer is included in the tour.

What should I bring?

Water, proper hiking shoes, and sun protection. Hiking poles are provided.