Tenerife Grand Tour: including Teide National Park and Masca

If you’re planning a day to see the best of northern Tenerife, this tour promises a well-rounded experience packed with impressive landscapes, charming towns, and iconic sights. For just around $57, you’ll visit the UNESCO-listed Teide National Park, explore the ancient Drago Milenario in Icod de los Vinos, enjoy the volcanic natural pools in Garachico, and finish with the breathtaking village of Masca. The 9-hour itinerary offers a good balance of sightseeing, local culture, and scenic drives.

What we really appreciate about this tour is the chance to see multiple highlights without the hassle of organizing transport or navigation ourselves. Plus, the knowledgeable guides often make the trip more enriching, sharing insights about the island’s volcanic history and local traditions. A potential drawback, however, is that the tour covers a lot in a single day, which means some stops might feel rushed, especially if you love lingering at each location. This tour suits travelers who want a rundown of northern Tenerife, especially if you’re limited on time but still want a taste of its diverse beauty.

Key Points

• Stunning landscapes at Teide National Park, perfect for photos and appreciating volcanic grandeur.
• Authentic towns like Icod de los Vinos and Garachico showcase Tenerife’s local charm.
• Flexible itinerary that balances sightseeing with free time for lunch and exploration.
• Expert guides and comfortable transport ensure a hassle-free experience.
• Affordable price point offers good value considering the variety of sights covered.
• Ideal for those with moderate fitness, as some walking and mountain roads are involved.

An In-Depth Look at the Tenerife Grand Tour

The Start: Picking Up and Setting Off

The tour begins with hotel pickup, a big plus for travelers who dislike the idea of navigating public transportation or renting a car. The air-conditioned vehicle keeps everyone comfortable, especially given Tenerife’s often sunny weather. The group size is capped at 35, which helps keep things intimate enough for personalized attention but still lively enough for good camaraderie. The live commentary, often delivered by guides like Alexis or Chantall, is a highlight—as they share local insights and fun facts in multiple languages.

First Stop: Teide National Park

Expect to spend about 30 minutes here, enough time to snap some photos of the otherworldly volcanic scenery and get a sense of El Teide’s imposing presence. As Spain’s highest peak and a UNESCO World Heritage site, Mount Teide is certainly the star of this part of the tour. Reviewers mention that the landscape is simply “incredible”, with one noting the dramatic views from the volcanic terrain. Keep in mind, the actual cable car ride isn’t included, so if you want to reach the summit, you’ll need to purchase tickets separately. Still, the vistas from the visitor area are impressive enough for most visitors.

Exploring Icod de los Vinos

Next, you’ll head to the charming town of Icod de los Vinos for about 1.5 hours. This stop is perfect for wandering through narrow streets, soaking up local vibe, and standing beneath the Drago Milenario, an 800-year-old dragon tree that’s a symbol of Tenerife. Reviewers like Ray noted the “incredible landscapes” and the chance to see this ancient tree up close. It’s a great spot for photos, and the free time allows you to explore shops or grab a quick coffee.

Garachico: Volcanic Pools and Historic Charm

After lunch, your journey continues to Garachico, where you’ll enjoy about an hour exploring the old town. The highlight here is the natural pools of El Caletón, formed by volcanic lava—perfect for a quick dip if you wish, although swimming isn’t officially included. Reviewers mention that the town’s volcanic history adds a unique character, with some noting that the castle of San Miguel offers additional sights. The natural pools are an Instagram favorite, offering a rugged, authentic experience of volcanic activity shaping the landscape.

Masca: Scenic Village and Ravine Views

Your final stop is the stunning hamlet of Masca, nestled within the Teno Rural Park. This part of the tour is not for the faint-hearted, as the narrow, winding roads leading into Masca are steep and hairpin-turn-heavy. Drivers like Jairo are praised for their skill in navigating these treacherous roads safely, especially in smaller vehicles. Once there, you’ll have about an hour to take in the spectacular views of valleys and ravines, and to enjoy the traditional Canarian architecture. Several reviews emphasize how beautiful and rugged Masca is, with one traveler describing it as “an incredible place between valleys and ravines.”

Final Stretch and Drop-Off

After this scenic finale, the tour wraps up with drop-off at your hotel, giving you a relaxed end to a full day of sightseeing. Consider packing some water and snacks, as food isn’t included, and the tour’s pace means you might be ready for a break by the end.

Is This Tour Worth the Price?

At around $57 per person, this tour offers a lot of value for the diverse sights and expert guidance included. The entrance fees for Teide National Park and Los Roques de Garcia are covered, so you won’t need to worry about additional costs at these spots. The experience is well-organized, with hotel pickup and drops, making it highly convenient, especially if you’re staying in southern Tenerife and want to see the north without renting a car.

While some guests mention that the guide’s English can be hard to understand or that the itinerary feels somewhat rushed, these are minor inconveniences compared to the overall quality. The professional guide adds a wealth of knowledge, and the driver’s skill on winding roads is frequently praised. Plus, the free time for lunch lets you pick a local spot or enjoy a picnic—adding to the authentic feel of the day.

What Could Be Better?

Some reviews highlight that the actual volcano summit isn’t part of the tour, which might disappoint those expecting to ascend Mount Teide. Others found the lunch stop a bit underwhelming, but this can be easily remedied by bringing snacks or exploring local eateries. The duration is enough to see the main sights, but if you’re someone who prefers lingering longer at each stop, this might feel a little rushed.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This tour is perfect for those wanting a comprehensive snapshot of northern Tenerife’s highlights without the hassle of planning multiple trips. It’s especially great for first-time visitors eager to see volcanic landscapes, historic towns, and unique villages in one day. If you’re comfortable with moderate walking and don’t mind a busy schedule, you’ll find this experience rewarding.

Travelers interested in authentic local culture, stunning scenery, and geological marvels will enjoy the variety packed into these 9 hours. It’s also a good choice if you’re traveling on a budget but still want a guided, well-organized experience with knowledgeable commentary. Just keep in mind that the driving can be intense, with narrow mountain roads, so those prone to motion sickness might want to prepare accordingly.

The Sum Up

This Tenerife Grand Tour delivers a well-rounded day of sightseeing, balancing impressive volcanic landscapes, historic towns, and scenic villages. The combination of expert guides, comfortable transport, and visits to key sites makes it a great value for most travelers. Whether you’re keen to capture stunning photos, learn about Tenerife’s geological wonders, or simply enjoy a day out in nature and culture, this tour ticks many boxes.

While it might feel a bit rushed for those who want to dwell longer at each stop, the overall experience is highly praised for its beautiful scenery, friendly guides, and affordability. It’s especially suited for those with moderate fitness levels who want an accessible yet memorable overview of Tenerife’s northern beauty.

If you’re looking for a hassle-free, price-conscious way to see some of the island’s most iconic sights, this tour offers an excellent mix of natural wonder, culture, and adventure—all packed into one memorable day.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is hotel pickup included?
Yes, the tour offers hotel pickup and drop-off, making it very convenient no matter where you’re staying in Tenerife.

How long is the tour?
It lasts approximately 9 hours, giving enough time to explore each stop without feeling overly rushed.

Do I need to book in advance?
Yes, on average, this tour is booked about 18 days ahead, and it’s advisable to reserve early to secure your spot.

Is food included?
No, food and drinks are not included, so plan to bring snacks or plan to buy lunch during the free time.

Is this suitable for children?
Children must be accompanied by an adult, and travelers should have a moderate fitness level, as some walking and mountain roads are involved.

Are there any extra costs?
The tour price covers entry to Teide National Park and Los Roques de Garcia. However, the cable car ticket is not included and will be an extra expense if you wish to ascend Mount Teide.

What should I wear?
It’s recommended to wear comfortable shoes and warm clothes, especially since mountain temperatures can be cooler.

Is the guide multilingual?
The tour may be operated by a multilingual guide, which helps cater to an international audience.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, cancellations are free up to 24 hours before the start, with a full refund. Cancellations made less than 24 hours prior are non-refundable.

Is there anything I should prepare for?
Bring sun protection, water, and possibly a camera for the incredible views. Also, be prepared for some narrow and winding roads, especially in Masca.

This tour provides a solid, engaging way to see Tenerife’s natural beauty and cultural highlights. It’s a fuss-free option that offers good value, especially if you’re eager to tick off key sights in a single day. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or someone seeking a structured overview, this trip can serve as a fantastic introduction to the striking landscapes of northern Tenerife.