Tenerife: Mt Teide & Masca Valley Day Trip with Pickup

Summary

Volcanic peaks, ancient trees, cliffside villages—Tenerife’s wild side in one day

You’ll ride through cloud forests and lunar landscapes on this Tenerife day trip from south hotels—with stops at Mt Teide’s volcanic heart, Vilaflor village, Garachico’s lava-scarred streets, Icod de los Vinos’ dragon tree, and Masca’s cliffside hamlet. Expect local stories from your guide, time for lunch wherever you like, and moments when the silence or scenery catch you off guard.

What’s the experience like?

Did you ever wonder what it feels like to drive through clouds? That’s kind of how our day started as we left southern Tenerife behind and climbed up toward Mt Teide. The air got thinner and colder (I was glad I’d grabbed that extra layer), and our guide, Marta, kept pointing out these weirdly beautiful lava fields—some of them still blackened from eruptions over a hundred years ago. At one point we stopped near Los Roques de García, and honestly, it felt like walking on another planet. The silence up there is different—like your ears are waiting for something that never comes.

Vilaflor surprised me. It’s this tiny village way up high—one of the highest in Spain apparently—and the people there just move at their own pace. We grabbed coffee at a bar where everyone seemed to know each other. Then in Icod de los Vinos, Marta told us about the dragon tree (she called it “el drago milenario”). There’s this old story that if you cut it, it bleeds red sap—I didn’t try obviously, but the tree itself looks ancient enough to believe anything. The plaza smelled faintly of oranges and dust; I still think about that mix sometimes.

Garachico was next—a port town that got half-buried by lava back in 1706. You can see where the old streets just stop at these jagged rocks. We wandered under shady trees in the main square while some locals played dominoes (they barely glanced at us). Lunch was casual—there are plenty of places to sit if you bring your own food or you can try one of the restaurants Marta recommended (I went for grilled fish and papas arrugadas; salty but good). Afterward came Masca—the road there winds so much I got a bit queasy but wow…that view down into the gorge is something else. The houses look glued onto the cliffs.

I didn’t expect to feel so small standing among all those mountains and valleys. It’s not just about seeing sights—it’s more like being reminded how old this island really is, and how people have found ways to live here anyway. If you get a clear day up at Teide, don’t forget to look back down—sometimes you can see all the way to the sea through a break in the clouds. So yeah, bring warm clothes (even if it’s hot at your hotel) and maybe some ginger candy for those mountain roads.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Mt Teide and Masca Valley

• Pick up from north or south Tenerife
• Stop at Vilaflor village
• Walk around Los Roques de García
• See Chiñero volcano lava fields
• Visit Icod de los Vinos dragon tree
• Explore Masca Valley village
• Stroll through Garachico town center

Top questions

How long does the Mt Teide & Masca Valley tour take?

The tour is a full-day trip departing from southern Tenerife hotels.

Is lunch included on this Tenerife day trip?

No set lunch is included; you’ll have free time to eat at recommended restaurants or bring your own food.

Does this tour include pickup from my hotel?

Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off are included for most areas in southern Tenerife.

What should I wear for visiting Mt Teide?

Bring warm clothes—even if it’s hot at lower altitudes—and comfortable walking shoes.

Is there a local guide on this Mt Teide tour?

Yes, tours are led by multilingual local guides who share stories along the way.

Can infants join this tour?

Yes; infants can ride in prams or must sit on an adult's lap during transport.

Are there stops for photos during the trip?

Yes; several scenic stops are made throughout Mt Teide National Park and other sites.

Will we visit Garachico on this itinerary?

Yes; there’s time to stroll Garachico’s center or relax in its main plaza during the tour.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup and drop-off in an air-conditioned vehicle with a multilingual local guide leading you through Tenerife's volcanic landscapes and villages. There’s free time for lunch wherever suits you best before returning later in the afternoon.