Tenerife: La Laguna & Anaga hike

Exploring Tenerife doesn’t have to be just about beaches and resorts. This tour offers a refreshing look into the island’s natural beauty and cultural heritage. We’re reviewing a day trip that takes you from the breathtaking Anaga Mountains’ laurel forests to the charming, UNESCO-listed streets of La Laguna. While not perfect, it can be a rewarding experience for those who enjoy nature and local culture.

What we particularly like about this tour is the chance to walk through primary laurel forests, which are rare and environmentally significant. The visit to La Laguna offers a taste of authentic Canarian life, away from tourist hotspots. The local produce market is a highlight, providing a chance to see, smell, and maybe even taste some regional flavors.

One potential drawback is the long bus ride—some reviews mention it feels quite extended, sometimes with delays. Plus, the experience may be less appealing if you’re expecting a detailed botanical or historical excursion, as some found the forest walk to be somewhat limited or repetitive.

This tour suits travelers who appreciate nature walks paired with cultural exploration. It’s best for those prepared for a moderate hike, comfortable with bus journeys, and keen to experience both natural landscapes and local towns without spending a fortune.

Key Points

Natural beauty: The emphasis on walking through Tenerife’s iconic laurel forest makes this a nature lover’s trip.
Cultural stop: La Laguna provides a glimpse into Canarian history, especially through its UNESCO World Heritage-listed streets.
Local flavor: The visit to a local produce market adds a tangible sense of island life and regional flavors.
Value for money: At $65, the tour offers a balanced mix of nature, culture, and transport, though some might feel the bus time is lengthy.
Guided experience: Knowledgeable guides enrich the trip with insights into the flora and local history—though some reviews found this a highlight.
Practical planning: Remember to bring suitable hiking gear and rainproof clothing, especially given the unpredictable mountain weather.

You can check availability for your dates here:

The Itinerary in Detail

Pick-up and Transportation

The tour begins with a pickup from a hotel or a nearby point, which is convenient but can vary depending on your location. Once everyone is on board, the group departs along Tenerife’s southeast coast, heading towards the Anaga Mountains. Expect a roughly 30-minute drive that some travelers find lengthy, especially if the bus makes multiple stops or waits for late arrivals. As one reviewer pointed out, this can make the journey feel quite long, and no dedicated meeting points are organized aside from hotel pickups, which might not suit everyone.

The Laurel Forest of Las Mercedes

The highlight of the day is the hike through the impressive laurel forest. This is a primary forest, meaning it’s old-growth and relatively untouched, giving a sense of walking through a living, breathing piece of nature. Your guide will detail the unique flora, including the types of trees, plants, and insects that thrive here.

However, reviews suggest that the forest trail itself may not be very long or varied—some visitors expected more extensive botanical commentary or scenic viewpoints. One reviewer described it as “a forest trail with detailed stories about every tree and insect,” which implies an educational focus. If you’re looking for a quick walk with a botanical twist, this part of the trip delivers well.

La Laguna – A UNESCO Heritage Gem

After the forests, the tour heads to La Laguna, a charming city with well-preserved historic streets. The visit is freeform, allowing you to explore at your own pace. Expect pedestrian-friendly streets lined with colorful houses, colonial architecture, and lively cafés. One reviewer noted that the timing was less than ideal—they arrived during a siesta period, which made some shops and streets quiet.

Despite the timing hiccup, the city offers plenty of photogenic spots and a sense of authentic local life. If you’re a history buff or enjoy wandering through vibrant markets, you’ll appreciate the opportunity to soak up La Laguna’s atmosphere, especially if you enjoy exploring without a strict schedule.

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Local Produce Market Experience

The tour includes a stop at a local produce market, which visitors often find a highlight. Here, you can see a variety of regional fruits, vegetables, cheeses, and other local products. It’s a sensory experience that adds flavor to the day and offers insight into Canarian cuisine.

Some reviews mention that the market visit was a bit rushed or less prominent than initially expected. One traveler noted that it was promising but wished the trip included more time or detailed explanations about the food offerings. Still, it’s a charming glimpse into local life and a chance to pick up some souvenirs or snacks.

Return Journey

After a full day of exploring, the group is transported back to the original pickup point or hotel. The return trip can feel long, especially if the initial journey was lengthy, but overall, it closes the day with a relaxed atmosphere and plenty of memories.

Practical Details and What to Bring

Included in the tour are bus transportation, a guided walk in the forest, and the city exploration. Food and drinks are not included, so pack enough water, snacks, or a small meal, especially if you have dietary preferences or want to avoid last-minute purchases.

What to bring:

• Passport or ID
• Comfortable walking shoes suitable for light hikes
• Weather-appropriate clothing, including a jacket or raincoat
• A daypack for your essentials
• Water and some snacks or a light lunch
• Your travel insurance and European health card (if applicable)

Important considerations:

• This tour is not suitable for pregnant women, those with mobility issues, heart or respiratory conditions, or anyone with a low fitness level.
• Keep in mind that the experience is more about moderate walking and cultural appreciation than strenuous hiking.

What Do the Reviews Tell Us?

The feedback is mixed, reflecting different expectations and experiences. One traveler called it “Perfect,” appreciating the scenic forest and knowledgeable guide. Conversely, other reviews highlighted frustrations like delays in pickup, a long bus ride, or unmet expectations about seeing more views or engaging botanical commentary.

A common theme is the long bus ride, which some found tedious, especially if the weather was grey or rainy. The forest walk, while appreciated for its authenticity, was sometimes seen as too brief or not as detailed as hoped. Still, the opportunity to visit La Laguna and explore a UNESCO World Heritage site at a moderate price point makes it appealing for a broad range of travelers.

Final Thoughts: Is This Tour Worth It?

This Tenerife La Laguna & Anaga hike offers a balanced taste of natural beauty and cultural charm. If you love gentle hikes, exploring historic towns, and experiencing local markets, you’ll probably find this trip worthwhile. It’s especially good if you’re on a budget or prefer a guided experience that takes care of transport and planning.

However, if you’re someone who prefers more extensive hikes, detailed botanical insights, or a more dynamic schedule, you might find this tour somewhat limited or slow-paced. The long bus ride can also be a downside for those eager to spend more time outdoors.

Overall, it’s a decent option for travelers seeking a low-cost, relaxed day out with natural scenery and cultural highlights, but be prepared for the ride and manage expectations regarding the scope of the forest walk.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This trip is best suited for casual walkers interested in light hiking and cultural exploration. It’s ideal for those curious about Tenerife’s flora and history but not looking for an intense adventure. It’s suitable for anyone who appreciates authentic local experiences over highly structured or lengthy excursions.

Travelers with mobility issues or low fitness levels will want to consider alternative options, as the tour involves walking and some uneven terrain. If you’re short on time or want a scenic, informative day with a focus on nature and local culture, this could be a good pick.

FAQ

Is transportation provided?
Yes, the tour includes bus transportation to and from the starting point, with pickup and drop-off at designated areas.

What should I bring?
You should bring passport or ID, comfortable shoes suitable for walking, weather-appropriate clothing, water, snacks or a light meal, and your travel insurance.

How long is the bus ride?
The ride to the Anaga Mountains and back can be around half an hour each way, but some reviewers say it feels quite extended, especially with multiple stops.

Is the tour suitable for children?
While not explicitly stated, the moderate walking and nature focus suggest it’s more suited for older children or teenagers comfortable with walking and outdoor activities.

Can I see a lot of wildlife or plant species?
You might see some flora typical of the laurel forest, but detailed botanical commentary was noted as limited in some reviews.

Are there options for food during the trip?
No, food and drinks are not included, so plan to bring your own or purchase at the market or other stops.

Is this tour flexible with cancellation?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, offering some peace of mind if your plans change.

Whether you’re after a gentle hike, a peek into Canarian history, or just want to escape the beaches for a day, this tour offers a decent mix of what Tenerife can provide. Just keep in mind the longer bus ride and temper expectations about the depth of botanical detail or scenic vistas. It remains a practical, affordable way to experience the island’s lush landscapes and historic charm in one day.

You can check availability for your dates here: