Masca Gorge Guided Trek and Boat Trip Tenerife
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Overview
This guided Masca Gorge trek takes you down the Barranco de Masca in the Teno mountains of north-west Tenerife, a walk of about five kilometres from the mountain hamlet to a hidden cove, followed by a boat trip along the Los Gigantes cliffs to the marina. The price covers a local hiking guide, the ravine entry permit, the boat ticket, a safety helmet, insurance and transport from and back to the starting point. It suits fit, sure-footed walkers aged eight and over who own proper hiking boots.
Highlights
- Walk about five kilometres down the Barranco de Masca, Tenerife's best-known ravine
- Reach a hidden cove at the bottom that most visitors never see
- Sail along the coast by boat to Los Gigantes marina
- See the Los Gigantes cliffs rise about 450 metres from the sea
- Local expert hiking guide, ravine entry permit and helmet included
- Transport up to Masca and back to the starting point is arranged for you
- Guides speak English, Spanish and German
Full Description
The Masca Gorge hike (Barranco de Masca)
The Barranco de Masca is the most famous walk in Tenerife, a deep ravine cut through the Teno Massif that drops from the village of Masca almost to sea level. On this Masca Gorge guided hike you follow an old stone path for around five kilometres, crossing boulders, dry stream beds and stretches of steep steps, with palms, wild figs and towering volcanic walls on both sides.
Allow about three and a half hours for the descent. Many visitors ask whether the Masca Gorge is worth it: with a guide who knows every turn, and with the permit already arranged for you, it is one of the island's most rewarding adventures. The route is of medium difficulty and there is no shortcut back, so start rested.
Masca village and the Teno mountains
Masca is a tiny hamlet of stone houses perched roughly 600 metres above the sea in the Teno rural park, at the end of a famously winding mountain road. Local legend says pirates once hid in these ravines. If you are wondering how to get to Masca without driving the narrow bends yourself, this tour solves it: our transport takes the group up from the starting point in about half an hour.
Before the descent your guide briefs the group on the route, the rules of the reserve and the plants and birds you may spot along the way. Keep the camera ready, because the first viewpoints over the gorge are among the best in Tenerife, and an early start gives the softest light.
Masca beach and the boat trip to Los Gigantes
At the bottom of the gorge the trail opens onto a small pebble cove, where most walkers finally meet the Atlantic. After a rest and photos the group boards a boat for a trip of about twenty minutes along the wild Teno coast. This is the part many travellers search for as a Los Gigantes boat trip, and the boat ticket is already included.
From the water you see the Los Gigantes cliffs rise about 450 metres straight out of the sea, a view that is impossible from land. The boat finishes at Los Gigantes marina, and our transport then brings the group back to the starting point. Sea conditions can change the timing a little, so keep the rest of the day flexible.
Permits, boots and the best time to hike Masca Gorge
Access to the ravine is regulated, so every walker needs a personal entry permit. When you book we ask for the full name and ID or passport number of each participant, and the permit is issued in that name; without these details entry cannot be arranged. Mountain boots with a good tread are mandatory, and sandals, flip-flops, open shoes and light sports shoes are refused at the entrance.
The best time to hike Masca Gorge is in the cooler months and early in the day, when the ravine is shaded and the light is good; in summer bring extra water and a hat. If the ravine closes because of weather or safety, we contact you to arrange another date, or an alternative walk on the day. Food and drinks are not included, so pack your own.
Itinerary
- Meeting at the starting point in Santiago del TeideMeet your guide, show your ID, receive your helmet and hear the safety briefing.
- Transfer to Masca villageA scenic drive of about 30 minutes up the winding mountain road.
- Descent through the Masca GorgeAbout 3.5 hours of guided walking along the ravine with photo stops.
- Masca beachRest, photos and a chance to eat the food you brought.
- Boat trip along the Los Gigantes cliffsAbout 20 minutes on the water to Los Gigantes marina.
- Return transportTransport takes the group back to the starting point in Santiago del Teide.
What's included
- Transport from the starting point to Masca
- Return transport to the starting point
- Local expert hiking guide
- Helmet (mandatory equipment)
- Ravine entry ticket
- Boat trip ticket
- Accident and civil liability insurance
Not included
- Food
- Drinks
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
Is this right for you?
Great for
- Families with children — a child price for ages 0–17
- Anyone who wants to see it from the water
- Travellers who want a proven choice — rated 4.7/5 by past travellers
Think twice if
- You want a private tour — this one is shared with other travellers
- Walking is difficult for you — expect active parts
- You get seasick easily
Not suitable for
- Children under 8 years old
- Pregnant women
- Wheelchair users
- People with respiratory problems
- People over 70 years old
- Anyone without proper mountain hiking boots
Meeting point
The tour starts at the route starting point in Santiago del Teide, and the exact meeting spot and time are confirmed with your booking. Hotel pickup is not included in this option, so plan to reach the starting point yourself and arrive well in advance. The return transport from Los Gigantes brings the group back to the same point.
Important information
- Bring your passport or ID card; we need the full name and ID or passport number of every participant when you book.
- Wear mountain hiking boots with good grip; sandals, flip-flops, open shoes and light sports shoes are refused and the fee is not returned.
- Minimum age is 8 years, and children should be used to walking for several hours.
- Bring water, food, a sun hat, sunscreen and outdoor clothing; food and drinks are not included.
- A helmet is provided and must be worn in the ravine.
- The recommended car park is near the cemetery in Santiago del Teide, around a nine-minute walk from the meeting point.
- If the ravine is closed for weather or safety reasons we will contact you to arrange another date, or offer an alternative route on the day.
Good to know
Frequently Asked Questions
Straight answers to what travellers ask us most, before they book.
How much does the Masca Gorge tour ticket cost?
The price depends on the option and the number of guests. The booking panel on this page shows the current price for each option, adult and child, for the date you choose.
Is hotel pickup included?
No. This option includes transport from the starting point to Masca and back to the starting point, but not hotel pickup and drop-off. The exact meeting spot is confirmed with your booking.
How long is the Masca Gorge tour?
The whole activity with transport takes about six hours: roughly 3.5 hours of hiking, about 20 minutes on the boat, plus the transfers.
Is the Masca Gorge tour suitable for children?
Children must be at least 8 years old, comfortable walking for several hours and wearing proper hiking boots. Younger children are not allowed into the ravine.
What should I wear and bring?
Wear mountain hiking boots with a good tread, comfortable outdoor clothing and a hat. Bring your ID or passport, water, food and sunscreen. We provide the helmet.
Can I book for today or tomorrow?
The booking panel shows the dates that are open. Because every walker needs a named entry permit, book as early as you can and have the full names and ID numbers ready.
What is the difference between the options?
This page offers one option: the guided descent of the Masca Gorge with the boat trip and transport. Choose your date and the number of adults and children in the booking panel.
Is the Masca Gorge hike difficult?
It is of medium difficulty. The path is uneven and includes steep, rocky sections, so some hiking experience and good fitness are recommended.
How do I get from Masca to Los Gigantes?
You walk down the gorge to the cove and then travel by boat for about 20 minutes to Los Gigantes marina. Our transport returns the group to the starting point.
What happens if the ravine is closed?
If the ravine is closed for weather or other reasons before the day, we contact you to propose another date. If it happens on the day, we can offer an alternative walking route.
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