Before you choose
What you need to know about this experience
A Masca, Teno and Garachico excursion is a road trip through north-west Tenerife: the hamlet of Masca, perched among the ravines of the Teno massif; the historic town of Garachico, rebuilt after the 1706 eruption; and Icod de los Vinos, with its ancient dragon tree. It is done by vehicle with a guide and short stops on foot.
Seeing Masca from the road is not the same as hiking down the Masca gorge, which is a separate hiking route. This page helps you understand what the road excursion includes and which access points in the north-west are regulated.
At a glance
| Aspect | What to expect |
|---|---|
| What it is | Road excursion to north-west Tenerife |
| Usual stops | Masca (viewpoint or hamlet), Garachico, Icod de los Vinos; on some routes, El Palmar or Buenavista |
| Duration | Half day or full day, depending on the departure area and the stops |
| How much walking | Little: strolls around the old towns and viewpoints |
| Roads | Many bends, especially the Masca road |
| Regulated access | Masca during periods of wildfire risk; Punta de Teno all year round |
| Format | Shared, small group or private |
| Price | Depends on the provider, the format and the pick-up area |
What you see
Masca
A hamlet in the Teno massif, among ravines and rock pinnacles, with traditional houses on terraces. It is reached by the TF-436, a narrow road with many bends. From the viewpoint you can see the ravine running down to the sea.
Teno massif
One of the oldest massifs on the island, protected as a Rural Park. The route may include the El Palmar valley, Teno Alto or Buenavista del North.
Garachico
A coastal town whose old harbour was buried band theva in the 1706 eruption. It keeps a historic centre with churches, convents and natural pools formed by the lava.
Icod de los Vinos
Famous for the Drago Milenario (ancient dragon tree), one of Tenerife’s natural symbols, and for its wine-making tradition.
Regulated access in the north-west
| Place | What is regulated | What it means |
|---|---|---|
| Masca (TF-436) | Since May 2025, buses longer than 10 m have been banned. Since 30 July 2026, access controls during periods of wildfire risk (09:00–16:00), restricting tourist vehicles | Ask whether the excursion enters the hamlet or only goes to the viewpoint |
| Punta de Teno (TF-445) | Access regulated all year round, according to Buenavista del North Town Council: during the regulated hours, only by bus (route 369) or taxi, unless authorised | Most excursions do not reach the Teno lighthouse; if it interests you, ask specifically |
These regulations change frequently because of roadworks, weather or wildfire risk. Ask the provider to confirm the situation the day before.
What happens
- Pick-up in your area.
- Drive up through the Teno massif to the Masca viewpoint or hamlet.
- Via Santiago del Teide, El Palmar or Buenavista, depending on the route.
- Garachico: a stroll around the old town and the natural pools.
- Icod de los Vinos: the Drago Milenario and the old town.
- Food, usually at your own expense.
- Return.
The order changes depending on whether you leave from the south or the north.
Formats
| Format | What sets it apart | Suits you if… |
|---|---|---|
| Shared by minibus | Price per person | You want the standard route |
| Private | Tailored pace and stops | You are travelling as a family or group |
| By 4×4 combined with Teide | Adds the national park | See the Teide and Masca jeep safari |
| Masca gorge on foot | Hiking route | See hiking the Masca gorge |
Who it suits
- Travellers who want to see the north-west without driving the Masca road.
- Fans of historic towns and landscapes of cliffs and ravines.
- People who do not want to do demanding hikes.
Who it may not suit, and what to weigh up
- Anyone prone to motion sickness: the Masca road is one of the most winding on the island.
- Anyone who wants to go down to the bottom of the gorge: that is a different activity, with its own requirements.
- Anyone looking for Teide: this route does not include it; see the full-day Tenerife tour.
- People with reduced mobility: the hamlet of Masca has slopes and steps.
How to choose well
- Does it enter the hamlet of Masca, or only go to the viewpoint?
- What vehicle is used? Large vehicles are restricted on the TF-436.
- How much time is there in Garachico and Icod?
- Is Punta de Teno included? If so, how do they get access?
- Where do you eat?
- What is the alternative plan if Masca is restricted that day?
- Is the guide licensed and is the vehicle licensed to carry passengers?
What is usually included and what to check
| Item | Usual practice | Check |
|---|---|---|
| Transport and guide | Included | Vehicle type |
| Stops in Masca, Garachico and Icod | Included | Time at each one |
| Tickets (for example, to the Drago park) | Not included | Whether you go in |
| Food | Not included | Time and area |
| Plan B if there are restrictions | Varies | Ask for it in writing |
Safety and requirements
- Bends: sit at the front if you get carsick.
- Garachico natural pools: swimming depends on the state of the sea; respect the flags and notices.
- Comfortable shoes for the slopes of Masca and the old towns.
Weather and time of year
- Summer: heat in Masca and wildfire risk, with possible access controls.
- Winter: heavy swell on the north coast; the Garachico pools may close.
- Clouds: the Teno massif can be covered even when the coast is clear.
Price: what it depends on
We do not give a figure: there are not enough directly comparable prices for this particular route.
The price depends on:
- The format: shared or private.
- The pick-up area.
- The duration and the number of stops.
What to bring
- Comfortable shoes.
- Layers of clothing.
- Swimwear and a towel if you want to swim in Garachico and the sea allows it.
- Sun protection and water.
- Motion sickness remedy, if you need one.
Alternatives and how to compare them
| If you are looking for… | Best option |
|---|---|
| Hiking down the Masca gorge | Masca gorge hike |
| Other walking routes in Teno | Guided hiking in Teno |
| The north-west and Teide in one day | Full-day Tenerife tour |
| The central north (La Orotava, Puerto de la Cruz) | North of Tenerife excursion |
| Masca by 4×4 with Teide | Teide and Masca jeep safari |
Frequently asked questions
Does the excursion go down the Masca gorge?
No. It is a road trip with a stop in the hamlet or at the viewpoint. The gorge on foot is a different activity.
Can you get into Masca?
It depends on the date and the vehicle. There are controls during periods of wildfire risk and restrictions on large buses.
Do you reach the Teno lighthouse?
Usually not. Access to Punta de Teno is regulated, and during the controlled hours you can only go by bus or taxi.
Can you swim in Garachico?
In the natural pools, if the state of the sea allows. Bring swimwear just in case.
Will I get carsick?
The Masca road has many bends. If you get carsick easily, sit at the front and take precautions.
How long does it last?
Half day or full day, depending on the departure area and the stops.
Does it include Teide?
No. If you want to combine it, see the full-day tour or the jeep safari.
