Tenerife: Mount Teide Hiking & Volcanic Landscape 12km

Hiking Tenerife's Volcano & Forest in One Morning

You're picked up from your hotel and driven to the trailhead, then walk 12 kilometers through Canarian pine forest and volcanic terrain with Mount Teide in view for the entire day. Your guide Andy provides context and timing. You bring a picnic and water for the lunch stop. The hike takes four and a half hours plus transport, and you're back at your accommodation by early afternoon.

Step-by-step itinerary

Classic Tenerife volcano and forest hike

• Start hike in Canarian pine forest
• Walk through aromatic pine forest paths
• Traverse volcanic Montañas Negras area
• Enjoy views of Mount Teide and north coast
• Complete 12km hike with 350m ascent
• Return from hike to starting point

The Experience

You're driving up into the Canarian pine forest before most of Tenerife wakes, the air already warming as the elevation climbs. The route covers about 12 kilometers over four and a half hours, and it moves through two completely different landscapes, which is why locals call it the classic hike. Your guide Andy picks you up from your accommodation, handles the transport both ways (roughly 50 minutes each direction), and walks the whole thing with you, pointing out the aromatic pines and the sudden views that open up when the tree line breaks.

The first section feels gentle, almost meditative. You're on proper paths and tracks through forest, and then the terrain shifts. You're walking across the volcanic section now, traversing around Montañas Negras, the volcano that erupted in 1706 and was the biggest lava eruption Tenerife has recorded. The ground under your feet is picón, which is loose and volcanic, so it demands attention, but the payoff is the backdrop: Mount Teide rising behind you and the north coast dropping away in front. The walk gains about 350 meters of elevation and reaches a maximum altitude of 1,250 meters, so it's not flat, but it's graded as easy-moderate. The kind of hike where you're working but not suffering.

You'll need to bring your own picnic and plenty of water. There's a stop built in for lunch, and you'll understand why once you're standing there looking at the view. The whole day is structured around not rushing. You get the informative discussion as you walk, the time to absorb what you're seeing, and the drive back down without having to navigate or worry about timing. Almost everyone who's done this hike with Andy has called it fabulous, and it's because it doesn't try to cram too much in or move too fast.

What’s included

• Private transportation from your accommodation.
• guide Andy for the full walk.
• informative discussion along the route.
• a lunch stop (bring your own picnic and water).
• return transport to your hotel.

Days and timesNo departures until 17 Jul 2027

Ages18 to 75 years · Under 18 — No ticket type: can't be added to a booking

Meeting point and pickupPickup optional · ends where it startsMeeting point, per the operator: “Meet at the camping/BBQ site at San Jose de Los Llanos.”

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 15 days ago

Good to know

Moderate physical levelStroller friendlyPublic transport nearbyNot for heart conditionsInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Tenerife guided walks

Is this one for you?Book this if you want to see two sides of Tenerife (forest and volcano) without arranging your own transport or timing the walk yourself. The private pickup and fixed route are what make a full morning hike possible without the logistics.

Traveler reviews

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Top questions

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 difficult is the hike?

It's graded easy-moderate. You gain about 350 meters of elevation over 12 kilometers, and the volcanic ground (picón) is loose underfoot, so it requires attention, but it's not a technical climb.

What's included in the price?

Private transportation from your accommodation, the guide Andy for the full walk, and an informative discussion along the route. You bring your own picnic and water.

How long is the whole day?

The hike itself is four and a half hours. Add roughly 50 minutes of transport each way, so plan for about six and a half hours total from pickup to return.

What was Montañas Negras?

A volcano that erupted in 1706 and produced the largest lava eruption recorded in Tenerife. You walk across the volcanic terrain during the hike.

Can I bring children?

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller on the easier forest sections. The volcanic section is more challenging underfoot, so it depends on the child's age and ability.

What should I bring?

A picnic lunch and plenty of water. The hike reaches 1,250 meters altitude and is exposed in places, so bring sun protection and appropriate footwear for loose volcanic ground.

Is public transport available?

Yes, public transportation options are available nearby, though the private transport and guide are included in this tour.