Tenerife: Hiking Tour in Anaga Mountains & Enchanted Forest

If you’re looking for a full-day escape into Tenerife’s lush, untouched landscapes, this hiking tour through the Anaga Mountains and the Enchanted Forest offers an authentic taste of the island’s natural beauty. With a perfect mix of scenic viewpoints, ancient forests, and rugged trails, it’s a day that promises both adventure and tranquility.

From the moment we learned about it, three things stood out: the expert guidance, the stunning vistas of Mount Teide, and the unique experience of walking through Europe’s last laurisilva forest. The detailed itinerary, the small group size, and the inclusion of a picnic and photography package make this tour particularly appealing. The only thing to keep in mind is that the hike can be quite challenging at times, so it’s best suited for those with moderate fitness levels.

If you love nature, crave scenic hiking, and appreciate a well-organized trip with knowledgeable guides, this experience is a fantastic choice. It’s particularly ideal for cruise visitors, solo travelers, or groups seeking an authentic, off-the-beaten-path day.

Key Points

• Authentic Experience: Walk through one of Europe’s last laurisilva forests, over 10,000 years old.
• Stunning Views: Breathtaking lookout points of Volcano Teide and the northern coast of Tenerife.
• Expert Guides: Guides like Elena and Alex are praised for their helpfulness, local knowledge, and encouragement.
• Good Value: The price includes snacks, a picnic, hiking poles, flashlights, photos, and safety gear.
• Flexible & Small Group: Max of 8 travelers ensures personalized attention and a friendly atmosphere.
• Challenging but Accessible: The 7 km hike with 230m elevation change suits most active travelers.

An In-Depth Look at the Tenerife Hiking Tour

Starting Point and Transportation

The tour kicks off at 9:00 am with pickup from Southeast Tenerife, which is incredibly convenient if you’re staying on the southern coast. The group is small, capped at 8 people, which means plenty of space for questions and personalized guidance. The transport is air-conditioned, making the early morning drive northward comfortable and an opportunity to soak in the scenery even before starting the hike.

First Stop: Breathtaking Viewpoint of Teide

One of the tour’s highlights is the visit to a spectacular viewpoint overlooking Volcano Teide. From here, the panoramic views of the iconic volcano and the surrounding landscape are simply unforgettable. Reviewers like Joanna T mentioned that the vistas throughout the day were “breathtaking in every sense,” and this viewpoint certainly sets the tone for the adventure ahead.

Walking Through the Enchanted Forest

The real magic begins as you enter the ancient laurisilva forest, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. With over 10,000 years of preservation, it feels like walking through a living museum. The forest is lush, green, and beautifully maintained, with some reviewers noting the “green tunnel” of trees that seems to stretch endlessly. The guide will share insights about the flora and the significance of this ecosystem—a highlight for nature lovers and those interested in conservation.

Visiting the Cave Village

Next, you’ll visit a cave village perched on a cliff ledge, offering both a visual treat and a chance to learn about local history. The village adds an element of historical intrigue to the hike, and reviewers have appreciated the opportunity to explore a site that feels both remote and steeped in history.

The Hike Along a Water Channel

The core part of the trip is the hike along a water channel that leads to some of Tenerife’s most rugged and untouched landscapes. The trail is approximately 7 km long, with a total ascent and descent of around 230 meters, making it accessible for most with moderate fitness. The terrain can be varied, sometimes rocky, sometimes forested, and occasionally challenging, as some reviews like Stefanie P pointed out that it felt more strenuous than expected.

Picnic in a Natural Cave

What makes this tour truly special is the picnic in a natural cave overlooking the canyon. Imagine sitting in a cool, shaded cave with a view of the canyon beyond—a perfect spot to unwind and enjoy a well-deserved break. The meal includes sandwiches with ham and cheese, juice, and sweets. Reviewers like Brooklynn G and Diane H have raved about the delicious food and the “stunning views” during the meal.

Wildlife and Photography

Throughout the hike, you’ll likely spot falcons soaring around, a detail many reviewers mentioned as a highlight. The guide provides professional photos and even videos to capture your experience, which is a huge plus for sharing and memory-making.

Duration and Pace

The total experience lasts about 7 hours, with the hiking portion taking approximately 3.5 to 4.5 hours. The pace is described as friendly and encouraging, with guides like Elena and Alex praised for their patience and helpfulness. As Fiona B noted, weather can be changeable, so wearing long, light trousers and a warm top is advisable.

What Makes This Tour a Standout?

Expert Guidance

The guides—Elena and Alex—are consistently praised for their knowledge, helpfulness, and ability to keep the group motivated. They share insights about Tenerife’s geology, wildlife, and history, enriching the experience beyond just the physical activity. Their encouragement and local knowledge ensure you feel safe and engaged, even during more challenging sections.

Unmatched Scenery

From panoramic views of Mount Teide to the lush greenery of the forest and dramatic canyon vistas, the scenery is genuinely stunning. Multiple reviews describe the views as “amazing,” “breathtaking,” and “spectacular,” emphasizing how the scenery makes every step worth it.

Authentic and Unique Experience

Walking through the last remaining laurisilva forest in Europe is a rarity, and many reviewers highlighted the uniqueness of this environment. The combination of ancient forest, cliffside villages, and rugged canyons creates a tapestry of natural and cultural history.

Well-Organized and Value-Driven

With inclusions like snacks, a picnic, hiking poles, flashlights, photos, and safety gear, the tour offers excellent value. The group size keeps it intimate, which enhances the experience, especially when listening to stories or asking questions. The cost of $149.78 per person appears well justified given the personalized attention and quality of the experience.

Considerations and Who Should Avoid

While the tour is rated as easy to moderate, some reviewers found certain sections quite challenging. Stefanie P called it “the hardest hike of my life,” noting the terrain was tougher than anticipated. It’s best suited for those with moderate physical fitness who are comfortable walking 7 km and managing some elevation changes.

Weather can be unpredictable; wearing layers and sturdy footwear is advised. The tour does not include bottled water, so bring your own hydration. It’s also a full-day commitment—early start, so pace yourself accordingly.

Final Thoughts

This Tenerife hiking tour offers a compelling mix of scenic vistas, ancient landscapes, and intimate encounters with nature. Guided by passionate, knowledgeable leaders like Elena and Alex, you’ll get insight into the island’s geology, flora, and history while enjoying some of the most stunning views Tenerife has to offer.

It’s an excellent choice for active travelers, nature enthusiasts, and those eager to explore off the beaten path. The carefully curated itinerary, friendly small group atmosphere, and thoughtful inclusions ensure it’s an experience you’ll remember long after the day ends.

Perfect for those seeking adventure, authentic landscapes, and a deeper connection to Tenerife’s natural wonders. If you don’t mind a bit of physical effort and love scenic hiking, this tour promises a rewarding journey into the island’s wild side.

FAQ

Is pickup included in the tour?
Yes, pickup from Southeast Tenerife is offered, making the start of the day seamless and hassle-free.

How long is the hiking portion?
The hike lasts approximately 3.5 to 4.5 hours, covering 7 km with about 230 meters of elevation change.

What should I wear?
Layered clothing is recommended due to weather variability. Long, light trousers and a warm top are advised, along with sturdy hiking shoes.

Is the tour suitable for all fitness levels?
It is suitable for most with moderate fitness, but those who find hiking strenuous should consider their comfort with uneven terrain and elevation.

What’s included in the price?
Snacks, picnic in a cave, hiking poles, flashlights, safety helmet, and photos or videos are included.

Are there any age restrictions?
The tour is generally suitable for most adults, including those over 60, as long as they are reasonably fit.

What about water?
Bottled water is not included, so bring your own for hydration during the hike.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Is the scenery worth the effort?
Absolutely! Reviewers describe the views as “breathtaking,” “spectacular,” and “unforgettable,” making the physical effort well worth it.

What makes this tour different from other Tenerife hikes?
It combines guided storytelling, authentic natural environments, and a smaller group size for a more personal experience.

To sum it up, this tour offers a well-rounded, authentic adventure into Tenerife’s wild heart. If you’re ready for a physically rewarding day with stunning scenery and expert guidance, it’s a memorable way to connect deeply with the island’s natural beauty.