Masca Gorge Trail
Descend into a dramatic, narrow gorge with towering cliffs and lush vegetation, a truly unique hiking adventure in Tenerife.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Permits are typically available.
Masca Gorge Trail
Best Time
Permits are typically available.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Descend into a dramatic, narrow gorge with towering cliffs and lush vegetation, a truly unique hiking adventure in Tenerife.
"A unique gorge that will remain in your memory until the end."
Book Permits Early! :ticket:
Secure your free permit well in advance; they are limited and essential for hiking the gorge.
Wear Sturdy Shoes :athletic_shoe:
Good hiking boots are a must for navigating the rocky and uneven terrain of the gorge.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Masca Village Charm
Masca Village
A picturesque village nestled in a dramatic ravine, offering stunning views and a unique atmosphere before your hike.
The Winding Gorge
Masca Gorge
Descend through a narrow, exotic gorge with towering cliffs, lush vegetation, and challenging terrain.
Coastal Views
End of the Gorge
Reach the sea at the bottom of the gorge, offering a sense of accomplishment and beautiful coastal scenery.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Permits are Essential
Logistics & Transportation
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Book Permits Early! :ticket:
Secure your free permit well in advance; they are limited and essential for hiking the gorge.
Wear Sturdy Shoes :athletic_shoe:
Good hiking boots are a must for navigating the rocky and uneven terrain of the gorge.
Masca hike worth it?
Bring Plenty of Water :water_wave:
Stay hydrated, especially during the descent. The hike can be strenuous.
Consider Bus Travel :bus:
The road to Masca is challenging; taking a bus from Santiago del Teide is a safer option.
Masca
Tips
from all over the internet
Book Permits Early! :ticket:
Secure your free permit well in advance; they are limited and essential for hiking the gorge.
Wear Sturdy Shoes :athletic_shoe:
Good hiking boots are a must for navigating the rocky and uneven terrain of the gorge.
Bring Plenty of Water :water_wave:
Stay hydrated, especially during the descent. The hike can be strenuous.
Consider Bus Travel :bus:
The road to Masca is challenging; taking a bus from Santiago del Teide is a safer option.
Camera Ready :camera_with_flash:
The scenery is breathtaking; don't forget your camera to capture the unique landscape.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
The Masca Gorge Trail is a visually stunning and unique hiking experience, often described as one of Tenerife's top attractions. While the hike itself is considered beautiful and manageable for many, the primary challenges lie in the complex logistics of obtaining permits and arranging transportation. Visitors rave about the exotic scenery and the sense of adventure, but advise thorough planning.
"Masca Hike – Pretty, Easy, but a Bit of a Logistics Puzzle 🌿🤗
The hike is beautiful and not hard at all—though it starts with you hugging a tree (literally, the path winds right around one!). It’s charming, but a funny little moment that caught me off guard.
Getting to the office and then coordinating the boat ride afterward is the tricky part. The boat trip itself is incredible, but the whole setup isn’t the easiest to organize or the cheapest.
If you’re only on the island a week, I’d recommend other hikes first. But if you have more time and want the full Masca adventure, it’s worth the effort."
Nawras AI
"Such a scenic hike! Although the difficulty level is high, the hike is very enjoyable and doable within 3-4 hours (photo and food stops included). Throughout the walk you’re surrounded with mountains, palm trees and beautiful greenery. Definitely recommended!!"
Fancsali Bogi
"It is impossible to describe this place and the adventure it offers in a few sentences. Almost 6 km in truly exotic, wild, hard-to-reach conditions, rubbing against vertical rocks up to 100 m high or squeezing between stones. The island's top attraction. Dear friends, the rules of passage have changed now. You must read the new regulations and meet the required conditions. We had different ones (no conditions). Different times but how grateful I am for that adventure. Greetings to my companions from the trail. Those from the east and west. A wonderful 4 hours spent. A unique gorge that will remain in your memory until the end. Remember good shoes, plenty of water and a camera. The world is ours!"
Lucca T.
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The drive to Masca is notoriously challenging with many hairpin turns and limited parking. Many visitors opt to take a bus from Santiago del Teide, which is a more relaxed and safer option. Some TikToks highlight the intense drive, advising appropriate vehicles.
Yes, public transport is available. Buses run from Santiago del Teide to Masca. However, schedules can be infrequent, and the buses can get crowded, so plan accordingly.
The road is very winding, narrow, and has significant drops, making it a white-knuckle ride for some. Experienced drivers and appropriate vehicles are recommended.
Parking in Masca village is extremely limited and often controlled. It's advisable to arrive early or consider alternative transport like the bus.
Taxis are available but can be quite expensive, with costs potentially reaching around 150 euros for a round trip.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Yes, a permit is mandatory for hiking the Masca Gorge Trail. Access is strictly controlled by the Canarian authorities for safety and environmental reasons.
Permits are free but must be booked in advance online. They are in high demand and often show no availability, so plan ahead.
Permits are typically only available for Saturdays, Sundays, and bank holidays. Strict start times between 8:30 AM and 11:30 AM are enforced.
You must arrive at the visitor center at least 30 minutes before your allotted start time to sign in, undergo a check for appropriate gear, and receive a safety briefing and helmet.
No, hiking the Masca Gorge Trail without a permit is not allowed due to strict regulations.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
While described as 'easy' by some, reviews also mention it's 'fairly tough' and 'high difficulty.' It involves steep descents, narrow passages, and uneven terrain, typically taking 3-7 hours round trip.
Sturdy hiking boots are essential. You'll also need appropriate clothing for varied terrain and potentially cool conditions within the gorge. A helmet is provided after the safety briefing.
The trail is approximately 6 km long, descending steeply from Masca village through the gorge to the sea.
Access to the sea at the bottom of the trail is strictly controlled. In the past, a ferry was available, but current regulations may require you to hike back up.
Expect dramatic landscapes with towering vertical rocks, lush palm trees, beautiful greenery, and unique flora and fauna. It's often compared to the 'Machu Picchu in Spain.'
📸 📸 Photography
The entire gorge offers incredible photo opportunities, from the charming village of Masca to the dramatic rock formations and lush vegetation within the ravine. Don't forget to capture the unique textures and light.
While the scenery is stunning, prioritize safety. Be mindful of the terrain and other hikers when stopping for photos. The provided helmet is for rockfall protection.
A wide-angle lens can be useful for capturing the scale of the gorge. Consider a durable camera or phone that can handle potential dust and moisture.
Drone usage is generally restricted in natural parks and protected areas in the Canary Islands. Check local regulations before flying a drone.
Early morning or late afternoon can offer softer light and fewer crowds, enhancing the photographic experience. However, permit start times dictate your hiking window.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
If you are visiting Masca with family, consider exploring the charming village of Masca itself and enjoying the spectacular views from above. There are also shorter, less demanding walks in the surrounding areas that might be more suitable. Prioritize safety and check the latest regulations regarding age restrictions for the gorge hike.
🚶♀️ Solo Adventurers
Safety is paramount when hiking solo. Ensure you have a fully charged phone, plenty of water, and appropriate gear. Inform someone of your hiking plans and expected return time. The camaraderie among hikers on the trail can also be a positive aspect, with opportunities to share the experience.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
Bring a versatile camera and consider a wide-angle lens to capture the scale of the cliffs. Be mindful of the terrain while shooting, and always prioritize safety. The early morning or late afternoon light can be particularly stunning, though your hiking schedule will be dictated by permit times.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Navigating the Masca Gorge Trail Logistics
Transportation to the trailhead in Masca village is another significant consideration. The access road is a challenging drive with numerous hairpin bends and limited parking. Many visitors find it more practical and less stressful to take a bus from Santiago del Teide. This journey itself can be an adventure, with buses often being busy.
Historically, hikers could exit the gorge via a boat trip from the coast to Los Gigantes. However, recent regulations have changed, and it's now often required to hike back up the gorge. This means planning for a full-day excursion and ensuring you have adequate supplies.
The Unique Landscape of Masca Gorge
The hike itself is an immersion into this wild landscape. You'll navigate rocky paths, squeeze between stones, and hug trees as the trail dictates.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit