Tenerife: Masca and Teide National Park VIP Bus Tour

Planning a day to discover Tenerife’s most iconic sights can be a bit overwhelming, especially with so many options. The Masca and Teide National Park VIP Bus Tour offers a comfortable way to see some of the island’s most breathtaking landscapes without the hassle of navigating tricky roads yourself. With a mix of scenic drives, charming villages, and volcanic vistas, this tour hits many highlights in just over seven hours.

One of the best things about this experience is the panoramic views from the VIP bus, giving you a comfortable vantage point to soak in the island’s rugged beauty. However, some reviews highlight concerns about guide quality and the overall value for the price. This tour is a good fit for travelers who love scenic drives, want a relaxed yet rundown of Tenerife’s natural wonders, and are okay with a group setting.

If you’re after a straightforward, visually stunning day with a mix of cultural sights and nature, this might be worth considering. But if you’re seeking highly personalized or expert-guided experiences, you may want to explore other options.

Key Points

• Comfortable VIP bus experience with 360-degree panoramic views
• Visit to the picturesque village of Masca and its sea views
• Explore the UNESCO-listed Teide National Park with volcanic landscapes
• Stop in Vilaflor to see native vegetation and local scenery
• Includes pickup and drop-off at multiple south Tenerife locations
• Not including food or drinks, so plan to bring your own sustenance

An In-Depth Look at the Tour

The Experience Overview

This tour is designed for those who want an effortless way to see some of Tenerife’s most eye-catching sights. It begins with pickup from a variety of locations in the south of Tenerife, making it accessible for many travelers staying around Adeje and Costa Adeje. Once onboard the VIP bus, you’re treated to 360-degree views of the island that are perfect for photos and simply soaking in the scenery.

The tour lasts approximately 7.5 hours, balancing sightseeing with enough time to appreciate each stop without feeling rushed. It’s a private group experience, which hints at a smaller, more intimate setting—though the reviews suggest that the guide’s professionalism can vary.

The Scenic Drive and Masca Village

The journey to Masca is part of what makes this tour memorable. You’ll enjoy a scenic drive that showcases Tenerife’s diverse terrain, from lush green hills to volcanic rock formations. After about 25 minutes of this drive, you arrive at Masca, a tiny village perched high in the mountains. This spot is often described as a ‘hidden gem’ with breathtaking views of the sea and rugged surroundings.

A key highlight here is the free time to explore Masca, take photos, and breathe in the fresh mountain air. Reviewers mention that the views are “beautiful landscapes”, and the village itself offers a charming break from the bus ride. However, some travelers found the stop brief, wishing for more time to explore.

Exploring Teide National Park

Next, the tour heads to Teide National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the most famous spots in Tenerife. The volcanic landscapes here are surreal—think craters, volcanic rock formations, and an otherworldly atmosphere. The guide will offer insights into the geology and vegetation, making the visit educational as well as scenic.

The stop in Teide allows for photo opportunities, short walks, and a general appreciation of the park’s extraordinary volcanic terrain. The 2.5-hour stay is enough to get a good sense of the area, but some reviews suggest that a guided tour here enhances understanding and appreciation, especially for those interested in the volcanic history.

Vilaflor and Native Vegetation

On the way back, the bus makes a stop in Vilaflor, the highest village in Tenerife. Here, you can admire the local flora, which adds an authentic touch to the tour. This stop is a favorite among some travelers for its peaceful atmosphere and opportunity to see native plants and countryside.

The Pros and Cons from Real Travelers

While many praise the stunning views and the comfortable VIP transport, there are some notable concerns. One reviewer, Elizabeth from the UK, described her experience as “awful”, citing a guide who behaved inappropriately, even going so far as to pickpocket her partner’s phone—an incident that clearly tainted her trip.

On the other hand, Sara from the UK found the experience “excellent”, especially highlighting the guided tour and the driver’s skill in navigating Tenerife’s roads. She appreciated the small group setting and the panoramic views, making it clear that the quality of the guide can significantly impact the experience.

Another review from Nevine mentioned that they “booked and paid” but “did not get picked up”, raising concerns about reliability. This highlights the importance of confirming arrangements before booking and being aware that not all experiences are seamless.

Breakdown of the Itinerary

Pickup and Departure

With 29 pickup options spread across key hotels and locations in the south, you’re likely to find a convenient spot. The tour starts with a relaxed pickup, setting the tone for the day.

Masca Village

The scenic drive to Masca is a highlight, offering views that are both dramatic and intimate. Once there, the photo stops and free time allow for a personal connection with this picturesque mountain village. You’ll love the views of the sea from here and the peaceful atmosphere. The scenic drive itself is part of the charm, showcasing Tenerife’s diverse terrain.

Teide National Park

After Masca, the journey continues into Teide National Park. Here, the volcanic landscapes unfold in front of you—craters, jagged rocks, and sparse vegetation make for a fascinating landscape. The guided tour of the park, if available, enriches your understanding, but even without it, the scenery speaks for itself. Expect to spend around 2.5 hours exploring, taking photos, and absorbing the ambiance of this UNESCO site.

Vilaflor Stop

On the return leg, the stop in Vilaflor offers a glimpse of local flora and a peaceful village atmosphere. For nature lovers, this is a relaxing and authentic experience after the more dramatic sights.

Drop-offs

The tour concludes with drop-offs at the same locations where pickup was arranged, making it convenient and straightforward.

What’s Included and What’s Not

The VIP experience mainly revolves around the transport, which is quite a selling point—high-quality, panoramic, and comfortable. The tour includes visits to Masca, Teide, and Vilaflor, with guided insights (in Spanish and English), although the depth of guide commentary can vary.

Food and drinks are not included, so bringing water, snacks, or a small picnic is advisable, especially considering the limited time for meals. The tour is private, meaning small groups, which allows for more flexibility and personal attention.

Pricing and Value

At $88 per person, this tour offers a reasonable price point considering the transportation quality and the destinations covered. The value hinges on how much you enjoy scenic drives and iconic landscapes.

However, the mixed reviews about guide professionalism and reliability suggest that the overall experience can vary. If you prioritize stunning photo opportunities, comfortable transport, and a compact itinerary, this tour can be a worthwhile purchase.

Final Thoughts

The Tenerife Masca and Teide National Park VIP Bus Tour presents a compelling way to see some of the island’s most photogenic locations without the stress of self-driving. The scenic drives and authentic stops offer genuine glimpses into Tenerife’s volcanic and rural beauty.

The tour’s standout feature is the comfortable VIP bus with panoramic views, making it ideal for travelers who prefer a relaxed, group experience with good vantage points. It’s particularly suitable for those who want a straightforward overview of the island’s highlights and appreciate the convenience of hotel pickups.

That said, the experience can be marred by inconsistent guides and reliability issues, so checking recent reviews and confirming arrangements beforehand is wise. If you’re okay with a bit of variability and prioritize scenery over guide narration, this could be a good fit.

In summary, the tour offers beautiful landscapes, convenient transportation, and a manageable itinerary for those looking to tick off Tenerife’s top sights in one day. For travelers eager to capture memorable photos and enjoy a hassle-free journey, it’s worth considering—just watch out for guide quality and ensure your expectations align with the reviews.

FAQ

Is hotel pickup included?
Yes, the tour offers pickup from multiple locations in the south of Tenerife, including popular hotels and shopping centers.

How long is the tour?
The total duration is approximately 7.5 hours, making it a full but manageable day trip.

What should I bring?
Bring warm clothing, a hat, sunscreen, water, and a camera. The tour does not include food or drinks in the vehicle, so consider packing snacks.

Is this a private tour?
Yes, it’s a private group experience. This typically means smaller groups, but reviews suggest guide quality can vary.

Are there guided explanations?
Yes, the tour features a live guide in Spanish and English, providing insights into the sights, although the depth of commentary may differ.

Can I expect good views from the bus?
Absolutely, the VIP bus offers 360-degree panoramic views, perfect for photos and enjoying the scenery comfortably.

Are the stops long enough?
Stops at Masca, Teide, and Vilaflor are timed to allow sightseeing and photos, but some travelers wish for more time, especially at Masca.

What if I don’t speak Spanish?
The tour includes guides speaking English and Spanish, so language should not be a barrier for most travelers.

To sum it up, this tour provides a balanced mix of scenic beauty, cultural charm, and hassle-free logistics, making it a practical choice for those wanting to experience Tenerife’s highlights with ease. Just keep in mind the importance of reviewing recent feedback to ensure the guide’s professionalism and the reliability of the tour.