About this tour
When Jake from our BugBitten team tackled the Masca Ravine, we found it a properly serious hike through one of Tenerife's most dramatic landscapes. You start near Plaza de Santiago del Teide, drive into the mountains to the village of Masca, then descend 5 km through a volcanic gorge hemmed by towering cliffs and green scrub to a hidden cove below Los Gigantes. The finale is a boat ride back along the coast. It's a solid 6 hours, and you need to be fit for it — this isn't a casual stroll.
Highlights
- Volcanic gorge descent with sheer cliff walls either side
- Hidden cove reveals Los Gigantes cliffs from water level
- Guide manages permit access so you don't have to
- Boat return offers fresh perspective on the coastline
- Helmet and insurance included — safety built in
- Mountain village of Masca worth a poke around
- Lush vegetation thriving in the ravine feels unexpected
What to expect
The day kicks off at the bus stop near Plaza de Santiago del Teide, where your guide briefs you on what's coming. The drive up into the mountains is scenic but winding — take ginger if you're prone to car sickness. Once you reach Masca village, there's time to wander and grab snacks (shops exist, but bring food anyway). Then the hike proper begins: 5 km downhill through a gorge that gets genuinely impressive as you descend. Cliffs close in, vegetation thickens, and the path gets technical in places — proper hiking boots are non-negotiable, not trainers. By the end you're at a cove beneath Los Gigantes, which is breathtaking even though swimming is off-limits. The boat ride back is the reward — you see the landscape from a different angle and get a breather for your legs.
What travellers say
- Dramatic landscape — volcanic gorge with genuine wow factor
- Permits sorted by the guide — no bureaucracy stress
- Small groups keep it intimate, not theme-park crowded
- Boat return refreshes tired legs, changes perspective
- Safety kit included — helmet, insurance, guide expertise
- Masca village exploration breaks up the day nicely
- Steep descent punishes knees — significant impact on joints
- Swimming banned at cove despite inviting appearance
- Water and food excluded; you fund your own supplies
- Not suitable for less experienced or unfit hikers
Themes summarised by our team from public information about this tour. Verify specifics on the operator's page before booking.
Good to know
This is for hikers who actually hike. If you're fit and keen on geology and drama, the ravine is genuinely striking — you don't get views like this from a coach. The permit hassle is handled for you, which saves admin headaches. Insurance and helmet are included, and small-group sizes mean the experience doesn't feel commercialised.
You need moderate-to-good fitness; this isn't beginner territory. The descent is steep and rocky, and your knees will know about it on the way down. No swimming despite the cove, which can feel anticlimactic. Water and snacks aren't included, so bring 2 litres minimum and proper food. Pregnant travellers and anyone with dodgy cardiovascular health shouldn't go. Kids under 8 are banned. Closures happen — if the ravine shuts on the day, you'll do an alternative route and get a partial refund. Wear proper hiking boots with grip; sports shoes will let you down. Bring ID or passport. Early start likely, so budget accordingly.
Tour sold and operated by Viator via Viator. Descriptions on this page are original BugBitten summaries written by our team — not copied from the operator. Prices and availability are confirmed at checkout.