Tenerife: Anaga Hiking Tour & Enchanted Forest with Pickup

If you’re looking to escape the crowds and experience Tenerife’s wild, untouched beauty, this guided hike through the Anaga Mountains might just be what you need. This tour offers an immersive day wandering through ancient laurel forests, climbing volcanic ridges, and passing by a historic cliffside village, all topped off with spectacular views of Mount Teide, the ocean, and lush valleys. It’s designed for those who want more than a quick look — you’ll get a full day of exploration, stories, and stunning scenery, with the convenience of hotel pickup and a small group setting.

What we love about this experience is how it combines adventure, culture, and nature into one package. The guide, Alex, earns rave reviews for his deep knowledge and friendly approach, making each stop feel informative and fun. Plus, the inclusion of a picnic amidst breathtaking views is a real treat. The only thing to consider is that it’s a fairly active tour, with some demanding sections that require decent fitness and good footwear.

This tour is ideal for travelers who want an authentic Tenerife experience that goes beyond the typical tourist trail. If you enjoy scenic hikes, nature photography, and learning about local stories, you’ll find this tour well worth the price. On the flip side, if you’re not comfortable with some physical effort or heights, you might want to prepare accordingly or opt for a less strenuous option.

Key Points

• Authentic Tenerife: Explore the Lauri- and volcanic landscapes that define the island’s mysterious north.
• Expert guide: Alex’s storytelling and local knowledge enhance every part of the day.
• Spectacular scenery: From lush forests to panoramic ridges, the views are truly unforgettable.
• Small group: Limited to 8 participants, ensuring personalized attention and a friendly vibe.
• Convenience: Pickup from southeast Tenerife makes it easy to fit into your schedule, including cruise day options.
• Value: Includes transportation, gear, a picnic, and 20-30 photos, making it a comprehensive package.

An In-Depth Look at the Experience

Starting Point and Pickup

The tour begins with hotel pickup from multiple southeastern locations like Costa Adeje, Los Cristianos, San Cristóbal de La Laguna, and others. If you’re staying in the north, such as Puerto de la Cruz, the meeting point shifts to La Laguna, with options for free parking or bus access. Cruise passengers can also be accommodated with flexible start times, letting you enjoy the hike without missing your ship.

The transport is comfortable and efficient, with about an hour’s drive from the southern coast to the Anaga Rural Park. This scenic drive sets the tone, giving you a taste of Tenerife’s diverse landscapes right from the start.

Entering the Anaga Rural Park

Once in the park, the guide takes you on one or two short scenic walks, which serve as a warm-up and a chance to get familiar with the lush environment. These introductory strolls are perfect for soaking in the atmosphere, often shrouded in mist or clouds, which adds to the sense of magic. As one reviewer put it, “The enchanted forest felt magical, and the viewpoint gave us some of the best photos from Tenerife.”

Because weather can change quickly, you might find yourself in fog or clouds, which makes the forest look even more mysterious. On clear days, the views of Mount Teide in the distance are incredible, reminding you of the island’s volcanic origin.

Passing the Cliffside Cave Village

Midway, the tour takes you past an inhabited cliffside cave village, carved into volcanic rock. It’s quite startling to see these homes still in use, a testament to the resilience and ingenuity of the local communities. Many reviews mention the striking contrast between the ancient homes and the rugged landscape, making it a real highlight for those interested in human stories and history.

The Main Hike

The core of the adventure is the 7 km trail that reveals a variety of landscapes: winding narrow paths, volcanic ridges, green valleys, and open forested slopes. This section is described by many as “challenging but rewarding,” with ascents and descents that test your endurance but pay off with breathtaking vistas. Expect to see sweeping views across volcanic cliffs and hidden valleys, perfect for photography or simply soaking in the tranquility.

Your guide will keep the narrative flowing with tales about the region’s past and present, making the walk more than just a physical challenge. As one reviewer said, “Alex’s stories made the day fun and educational, and he was always ready to lend a helping hand.”

The Picnic in Nature

A well-deserved highlight is the picnic break, often in a dramatic spot like a hilltop or inside a large cave with a stunning canyon view. The included Spanish sandwiches, cheese, jamon, juice, and snacks provide a satisfying refreshment, giving you energy for the last push. Many participants describe the picnic as “a special moment,” with some reviews noting the magical scenery makes even a simple meal feel extraordinary.

The Final Climb and Views

The last section involves a short but physically demanding climb, often cited as a true test of stamina. Reaching the summit or a scenic viewpoint after this effort delivers unbeatable panoramic views, making every ache worth it. Many describe this moment as “unforgettable,” with some reviewers mentioning they felt a sense of accomplishment along with the spectacular scenery.

Post-Hike Photos and Optional Video

After the hike, you’ll receive 20-30 professionally taken digital photos, capturing your group amidst Tenerife’s stunning backdrop. For an extra fee, you can order a personalized 12-minute video recap, which many find to be a charming way to relive the adventure.

What Makes This Tour Stand Out?

The small group size (max 8 people) is a big plus, creating an intimate atmosphere and allowing your guide, Alex, to tailor the experience to your pace and interests. His reputation for being knowledgeable, caring, and fun shines through in countless reviews, with many describing him as “the core of this amazing journey.”

The balance of scenery, culture, and physical challenge makes it appealing for active travelers who want to push their limits a little but still enjoy comfort and safety. The inclusion of gear like trekking poles, helmets, and flashlights shows attention to safety and preparedness, especially on trickier sections.

Value for Money

At $163 per person, the tour offers significant value considering the transportation, guided expertise, gear, picnic, and photos included. It’s more comprehensive than self-guided hikes and offers peace of mind, especially if you’re unfamiliar with the terrain or weather conditions. Many reviewers mention that the experience exceeded their expectations and was worth the price.

Suitability and Considerations

While the tour is accessible to most, it’s important to note that it’s not suitable for children under 8, mobility-impaired individuals, or those with vertigo or fear of heights. The final climb can be physically demanding, and some narrow, slippery sections require good footwear and moderate fitness.

Weather can be unpredictable — expect sun, wind, and possible rain. Packing layers, sunscreen, and plenty of water is recommended.

Who Should Book This Tour?

This experience is perfect for travelers seeking an active, authentic Tenerife adventure. It’s especially suited for those who appreciate nature, scenic views, and a good story. The small group size and personalized guide make it ideal for those who want a more intimate connection with the landscape and local culture.

If you’re a cruise passenger or staying in the southeast or north of Tenerife, the flexible pickup times and locations make it a seamless addition to your itinerary.

However, if you prefer a very relaxed or less physically demanding experience, you might want to consider a gentler option or a shorter walk.

FAQs

• How long is the hike?
  The main trail covers around 7 km, with a total hiking time of about 3.5 to 4.5 hours.

• What should I bring?
  Pack a sun hat, sunscreen, snacks, water, a jacket, and good sports shoes.

• Is the tour suitable for children?
  No, it’s recommended for ages 8 and above, especially for those with good fitness levels.

• What if I stay in the north of Tenerife?
  The meeting point will be in La Laguna, with options for free parking or bus access.

• Can I join if I’m arriving by cruise ship?
  Yes, the tour can be adjusted to fit your schedule, just contact the provider in advance.

• What is the weather like?
  Expect rapidly changing conditions: sun, wind, clouds, and possible light rain. Temperatures range from 12°C to 25°C.

• Are the views worth the effort?
  Absolutely. Many reviews mention the breathtaking vistas from ridges, valleys, and viewpoints that make the physical effort worthwhile.

• Is the tour family-friendly?
  Not for children under 8 or those with mobility issues or fear of heights.

• What’s included in the price?
  Transportation, gear, guided hike, picnic, and photos. Optional video for an extra fee.

• How difficult is the hike?
  It’s described as moderate with some steep, narrow, and slippery sections, demanding decent fitness and proper footwear.

Final Thoughts

If you’re in Tenerife and craving a day of adventure paired with awe-inspiring scenery, this Anaga Mountains hike delivers. The combination of expert guiding, stunning landscapes, cultural insights, and a delicious picnic makes it one of the best ways to connect with the island’s wild side.

Perfect for active travelers and nature lovers, it offers a true taste of Tenerife’s volcanic and lush landscapes, all in a friendly, small-group setting. Expect challenging sections, but also plenty of photographic opportunities, meaningful stories, and the satisfaction of reaching viewpoints most visitors never see.

Whether you’re craving a physical challenge or simply want to learn about the island’s natural beauty, this tour is a memorable highlight you’ll look back on with joy and a few great photos to prove it.

Source: GetYourGuide