Mt. Teide and Masca Valley Tour in Tenerife

Planning a trip to Tenerife and trying to decide which excursions to prioritize? This full-day tour of Mt. Teide and Masca Valley offers a well-rounded experience of some of the island’s most iconic sights. With a solid rating of 4.5 out of 5 based on 886 reviews, it clearly appeals to many travelers, but like all tours, it has its quirks.

What we love about this experience is how it combines stunning natural scenery, local village charm, and expert guiding — all at a surprisingly accessible price point of around $59.31 per person. Plus, the convenience of hotel pickup and drop-off makes it easier to relax and enjoy the day without worrying about logistics.

One possible consideration is the short amount of time at each stop — nature lovers and those wanting a leisurely exploration might find themselves rushing through some locations. Still, this tour is best suited for travelers who want a rundown of Tenerife’s highlights, especially if they prefer organized group excursions with guided insights.

Key Points

• Affordable full-day experience with round-trip transport included
• Focuses on Tenerife’s natural beauty and picturesque villages
• Knowledgeable multilingual guides enrich the trip
• Limited time at stops means a brisk but comprehensive visit
• Ideal for those who want a hassle-free day to see multiple sights
• Not suited for travelers seeking long explorations or with mobility issues

What Makes This Tour Stand Out

This tour provides a balanced mix of natural wonders, local culture, and panoramic vistas. Its value lies in the expert guidance, which helps you appreciate what you’re seeing, from volcanic landscapes to historic villages. At just over nine hours, it packs in a lot without feeling overly rushed — provided you’re okay with a busy schedule.

The price point of roughly $60 makes it an attractive option for travelers on a budget. For that, you get hotel pickup, transport in a comfortable air-conditioned coach, and access to several iconic sites. Many reviewers find that the guides are knowledgeable and engaging, often explaining the island’s geology, history, and local stories with enthusiasm.

Itinerary Breakdown: What to Expect

Pickup and Starting Point

Most travelers are picked up from their hotels early in the morning in Los Cristianos or other southern Tenerife locations. The tour runs with a maximum of 32 travelers, helping to keep the group manageable and the experience intimate enough to ask questions.

Valle de La Orotava (North pickups only)

For those starting from the north, this scenic stop offers a quick taste of Tenerife’s lush greenery. It’s a brief 20-minute pause, primarily for comfort and photos. Reviewers note that this stop is mostly for picking up travelers, so don’t expect an in-depth exploration here — but the drive through the vibrant north is beautiful.

Vilaflor: One of Spain’s Highest Villages

In the south, you’ll visit Vilaflor, a tiny mountain village perched high above the island. With just 15 minutes, it’s more of a quick photo opportunity and a chance to breathe in the fresh mountain air. Several travelers mention that this stop is a great photo op but short on time to explore.

Los Roques de Garcia and Teide National Park

Next up is the famous rock formations of Los Roques de Garcia, where you’ll take a leisurely 20-minute walk. Many describe this as a highlight, with incredible views of Mount Teide and the volcanic landscape. It’s an easy walk that provides perfect photo opportunities.

A brief stop at the Chiñero lava fields—the most recent eruption site from 1906—gives a feel for Tenerife’s volcanic activity. Reviewers mention that the drive through Teide National Park itself offers sweeping views of volcanoes and lunar-like terrain, making it a true highlight for natural scenery lovers.

Icod de los Vinos and the Dragon Tree

In Icod, you’ll see the legendary dragon tree, which is reputed to be around 1,000 years old and 72 feet tall. Many travelers find the tree impressive and enjoy the rustic village atmosphere. The stop here typically lasts around 30 minutes, giving you time to photograph the tree and wander the square.

Masca Village: A Mountain Hamlet

Masca is often praised for its exquisite, dramatic scenery. Many describe it as “possibly the most beautiful village in Tenerife,” with its tiny streets and mountain views. The 30-minute stop allows you to stroll around, take photos, and soak in the mountain village charm. Several reviews mention that the drive to Masca involves winding, narrow roads — a bit of a thrill for some and a hair-raising adventure for others.

Garachico and Natural Pools

The tour concludes in Garachico, a historic port town destroyed by a volcanic eruption in 1706 but reborn with its natural volcanic pools. You get around 40 minutes here to enjoy a stroll through the town or relax by the natural pools. Many reviews mention that Garachico offers a quieter, more authentic Tenerife experience, with beautiful scenery and a relaxed vibe.

What We Think About the Experience

The Guides and Transportation

It’s clear from reviews that guides play a key role in making this trip memorable. The guides are described as knowledgeable and friendly, often explaining the island’s geology, local legends, and history with enthusiasm. They also manage the group’s pace well, considering the number of stops and the tight schedule.

The coach itself is air-conditioned and comfortable, which is especially appreciated given Tenerife’s variable weather at higher altitudes. Some reviews mention that timing can be tight, especially at stops like the lunch or village visits, so it’s worth being prepared for a fast-paced day.

The Scenery and Photo Opportunities

You’ll love the spectacular views of Mount Teide, the lava fields, and the mountain villages. The rock formations at Los Roques de Garcia provide a surreal landscape that’s hard to forget. Many reviewers highlight the excellent photo opportunities, especially if the weather is clear.

Food and Rest Stops

While breakfast isn’t included, some hotels may offer packed breakfasts if booked in advance. As for lunch, many travelers choose to bring their own food, since the scheduled stop in Masca or Garachico might not coincide with preferred mealtimes. Several reviews mention the lunch in local restaurants as a nice break, but portions and quality vary, and some found it not as memorable as the scenery.

Timing and Pacing

This is a long and active day, with many stops in quick succession. Travelers report that some locations feel rushed, with only about 20-30 minutes at each. This is a trade-off for seeing so many highlights in one day, but if you prefer longer explorations, you might feel slightly hurried.

Value for Money

Considering the price, the value is quite good. You get multiple scenic stops, expert guides, and transportation included — a lot of what you pay for is the convenience and insights. The reviews highlight that many travelers found it worth the cost for the variety and quality of sights covered.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This trip is perfect for first-timers wanting a broad overview of Tenerife’s natural beauty and cultural highlights. It’s also suited for adventurous travelers who don’t mind a busy schedule and winding mountain roads. If you’re eager to capture stunning photos and learn about the island from knowledgeable guides, this tour ticks all those boxes.

However, if you prefer leisurely, unhurried explorations or more time at each stop, you might find the schedule a little too packed. It’s also handy for those who want the ease of transport and local insights without the hassle of planning multiple trips.

The Sum Up

This Mt. Teide and Masca Valley tour offers a fantastic way to see some of Tenerife’s most iconic landscapes and villages without the hassle of organizing your own transport. The expert guides, combined with breathtaking scenery and authentic villages, make it a great value for travelers eager to experience Tenerife’s diverse beauty.

While it features a fast pace and limited time on each stop, the variety of sites — from volcanic landscapes to mountain villages and historic towns — makes it an excellent choice for those who want a comprehensive snapshot of the island in one day.

If you’re looking for an adventure-packed, well-organized tour that balances nature, culture, and scenery, this excursion is likely to satisfy. Just prepare for a long day on the road and bring your camera — you’ll want to capture the memories.

FAQs

Is hotel pickup available?
Yes, the tour offers hotel pickup and drop-off from locations in southern Tenerife, making it convenient and stress-free.

How long does the tour last?
The tour is approximately 9 hours and 30 minutes, including all stops, transportation, and guide commentary.

Are meals included?
No, meals and drinks are not included. Travelers often bring snacks or plan to buy lunch at the stops.

Can I visit Mount Teide’s cable car on this tour?
No, this tour does not include the cable car to the top of Mount Teide. It focuses on the west side of Tenerife and the surrounding natural sites.

Is this tour suitable for children?
While most travelers of all ages have enjoyed it, younger children might find the driving over winding mountain roads a bit intense. Check with your family’s comfort level.

What should I wear?
Bring comfortable walking shoes, warm clothes (especially at higher altitudes), and water. Some stops are at mountain elevations where it can be cooler.

How many people are in a group?
The tour typically accommodates up to 32 travelers, ensuring a comfortable group size for interaction and safety.

Is there free cancellation?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, providing flexibility if your plans change.

This tour offers a well-rounded experience of Tenerife’s volcanoes, charming villages, and natural beauty. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or returning for more, it’s an accessible and memorable way to explore the island’s highlights.