Tenerife: Hiking Tour Above Masca & Enchanted Forest

Exploring Tenerife’s Best-Kept Secrets on Foot

If you’re seeking an active way to experience Tenerife beyond lounging by the pool, this Hiking Tour Above Masca & Enchanted Forest offers a compelling blend of rugged scenery, lush greenery, and breathtaking vistas. Operating in the southern part of the island, this 5-hour guided trek is praised for its knowledgeable guides, stunning landscapes, and the chance to see a side of Tenerife that many visitors miss. What makes this trip particularly appealing is that it combines moderate hiking with some cultural and natural highlights that truly showcase the island’s diversity.

I particularly appreciate how the tour balances scenic views with intimate encounters with nature. The highlight for many is the enchanting laurel forest, which feels like stepping into a fairy tale with moss-covered trees, ferns, and mist swirling around. The tour also offers spectacular panoramic views of Mount Teide and Los Gigantes Cliffs, which are sure to leave you awe-inspired. Plus, the inclusion of a picnic in the wild makes it not just an activity, but an experience of total immersion in nature.

One consideration to keep in mind, though, is the moderate level of fitness required. The route is around 8.8 km with an elevation gain of roughly 300 meters, making it suitable for most hikers but possibly challenging for those with limited mobility or low endurance. Also, while the price of $91 might seem a bit steep, many reviewers agree that the value is there—especially given the small group size, personalized attention, and included photos.

This tour stands out as an excellent way to see Tenerife’s natural beauty in a way that’s active, engaging, and enriching, especially if you enjoy discovering the island’s lesser-known treasures.

Key points / Takeaways

• Small Group Experience: Limited to 8 participants, ensuring a more personalized and engaging hike.
• Diverse Climate Zones: Cross four different climatic zones in just 8 km, making the walk surprisingly varied.
• Expert Guides: Guides like Elena and Alex are frequently praised for their friendliness, knowledge, and storytelling.
• Stunning Vistas: Panoramic views of Mount Teide, Masca Gorge, and Los Gigantes Cliffs are unforgettable.
• Unique Forest Experience: The enchanted laurel forest feels like stepping into a storybook, with mosses, ferns, and mist.
• Photo Packages: After your walk, you’ll receive 20-40 photos, capturing memories of your adventure.

Why This Hike is a Treasure for Nature Lovers

You’ll find this tour a perfect fit if you’re eager to see Tenerife’s dramatic landscape up close while enjoying a well-organized, moderate trek. It’s designed to give you a taste of the island’s contrasting terrains — from the pine forests and volcanic vistas to the lush, mossy forest almost like a hidden world.

I love the fact that the tour begins in a fragrant pine forest, leading you to a viewpoint where you can see both the alien terrain of Teide National Park and the rugged cliffs of Masca Gorge. This duality is what makes Tenerife special—an island of sharp contrasts, and this walk captures that beautifully. A guide named Alex, for example, is praised for taking “really lovely photos” and sharing fascinating facts that add depth to the experience.

The enchanting laurel forest feels almost otherworldly—softly lit, moss-draped branches, quietness interrupted only by the birds, and clouds swirling around the trees. This part of the hike is what many reviews highlight as the “most magical,” with visitors describing it as “straight out of a storybook.” It’s a peaceful, mystical setting that contrasts sharply with the more exposed volcanic and cliff views.

The tour’s picnic stop adds a thoughtful touch, providing a moment to relax and soak in the scenery before heading back into the forests or toward the viewpoint. The included snacks and water (though you should bring your own water bottle) complement the experience well. Reviewers especially appreciate guides like Elena and Alex, who are described as friendly, knowledgeable, and capable of adjusting the pace for different fitness levels.

The Itinerary: What to Expect From Start to Finish

The tour begins with convenient hotel pickups in the South Tenerife area, including popular spots like Los Cristianos, Playa de las Américas, Adeje, and others. This logistics setup means you won’t need to worry about getting to the trailhead — just be ready for a prompt morning pickup. If you’re staying outside the pickup zones, the meeting point is in Santiago del Teide near the church.

After arriving at Teno Rural Park, the first stop is a scenic viewpoint where you get a sweeping view of Tenerife’s volcanic landscape and coastline. Here, you’ll have a chance to take photos and soak in the scenery. The guide will brief you on what’s ahead, setting expectations for the hike.

The actual walking portion is approximately 2 hours in the first segment, crossing through varied terrain and climatic zones. Expect breathtaking vistas of the Masca Valley and the Teide volcano, with plenty of opportunities to pause, photograph, and appreciate the raw beauty of this part of the island.

Next, you’ll stop for a 15-minute picnic surrounded by nature, usually featuring pastries, juice, and cereal bars. Many reviews mention how this small break, combined with the natural setting, is a highlight.

Subsequently, you’ll continue your trek for another 2 hours, exploring the lush laurel forest. Expect to walk under a canopy of moss and ferns, with the possibility of clouds and mist adding to the magical atmosphere. The guide will share insights into the local flora and history, making it a hands-on educational experience.

The tour concludes with a drop-off at your hotel or designated location, ensuring you return comfortably after a day immersed in natural beauty.

Guides, Atmosphere, and Practical Tips

Reviews repeatedly mention guides like Elena and Alex as the heart of the experience. Their friendly demeanor, stories about Tenerife’s flora and geography, and ability to make everyone feel comfortable shine through. Many mention how guides took photos during the hike and sent them afterward, which adds a thoughtful touch to the experience.

The group size of up to 8 people ensures you don’t feel lost in a crowd, and it allows guides to give more tailored attention. The pace of the hike is described as moderate, suitable for most fit travelers but possibly tiring for those with low endurance. Therefore, packing good hiking shoes, sun protection, and water is essential.

You’ll likely love the variety of scenery and the chance to see Tenerife from various angles, from volcanic craters to lush forests. The views of Mount Teide are spectacular, especially from the highest viewpoint in Teno Rural Park, where you can get a full 360° panorama.

Many reviewers recommend bringing layers because it can get cooler at higher elevations, even on sunny days. Also, sturdy shoes are a must, as terrain can be slippery in spots, especially through the mossy forest. Sandals or flip-flops are explicitly discouraged for safety reasons.

Analyzing the Cost and Overall Value

At $91 per person, this tour isn’t the cheapest option available in Tenerife, but it offers a lot of bang for your buck. The inclusion of hotel pickup and drop-off, a guided hike, a picnic, and a package of photos makes it a well-rounded experience. The small size and knowledgeable guides mean you get personal attention, which many larger tours lack.

Many reviews emphasize that this is great value considering the quality of scenery, the level of organization, and the personal touch guides bring. If you’re a nature lover looking for a meaningful outing that combines physical activity with breathtaking sights, this tour delivers.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This experience suits travelers who want more than just a sightseeing bus tour. It’s perfect for those who enjoy moderate hikes, nature photography, and learning about the local environment through passionate guides. It’s also a good pick for travelers staying in South Tenerife, as the pickup and drop-off are included.

However, if you have low fitness levels or mobility issues, this might be a bit challenging, though still manageable with some effort. It’s ideal if you’re prepared with good shoes, sun protection, and a sense of adventure.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the duration of the tour?
The hike lasts around 5 hours, including breaks and picnic. Check with the provider for specific starting times.

Is hotel pickup included?
Yes, pickup and drop-off from South Tenerife hotels are included, covering areas from Los Cristianos to Los Gigantes.

What should I bring?
Bring a windbreaker or warm clothes if needed, sun hat, hiking shoes, sunscreen, water, and sports shoes. Sandals or flip-flops are not allowed.

Is this tour suitable for children?
The route is about 8.8 km with a moderate level of fitness required, so it’s more suitable for older children and adults with decent mobility.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, full refunds are available if you cancel at least 24 hours in advance.

Are there guides who speak my language?
Guides speak Russian, Ukrainian, and English.

To sum it up, this Tenerife hike above Masca and through the Enchanted Forest offers more than just a walk — it’s a chance to experience the island’s contrasting landscapes in a way that’s both active and personal. The guides’ passion, the breathtaking scenery, and the intimate group setting make it a standout choice for travelers who want to connect with Tenerife’s natural beauty. It’s ideal for those with a moderate fitness level, a love for discovering hidden corners, and a desire for authentic, memorable adventures. Whether you’re snapping photos of mossy trees or gazing at volcanic vistas, this tour promises a day of nature, discovery, and spectacular views.