Before you choose
What you need to know about this experience
Guided hiking in Anaga means a walking route with a guide through Anaga Rural Park (Parque Rural de Anaga) in north-east Tenerife: laurel forest on the ridges, hamlets on the slopes and ravines running down to the sea. Routes range from easy walks to demanding treks of several hours with steep climbs and descents.
This page helps you choose a route to suit your level, understand which areas have regulated access and see what a guide adds.
At a glance
| Aspect | What to expect |
|---|---|
| What it is | Guided hiking route through Anaga Rural Park |
| Status | UNESCO Biosphere Reserve since 2015 |
| Landscape | Laurel forest, hamlets, ravines and coast |
| Levels | From easy walks to demanding routes with steep climbs and descents |
| Duration | From 2 hours to a full day |
| Climate | Fog and humidity common on the ridges |
| Permits | Most trails are open access; some areas are regulated |
| Transport | Some guides offer pick-up; there are also buses to several starting points |
| Price | Depends on the provider, the route and the format |
Common routes by level
| Route | Indicative level | What it offers |
|---|---|---|
| Sendero de los Sentidos (Cruz del Carmen) | Easy and short | A first taste of the laurel forest |
| Loop around Roque de Taborno | Moderate, short | Views over the rock and the coast |
| Chinamada and cave houses | Moderate | Traditional hamlet with houses carved into the rock |
| Cruz del Carmen – Punta del Hidalgo (PR-TF 10) | Demanding, long descent | Laurel forest, Chinamada and the descent to the sea |
| Afur – Taganana – Tamadite (PR-TF 8) | Demanding | Ravine, hamlets and beach |
| Chamorga – Roque Bermejo | Moderate to demanding | Far north-east, Anaga lighthouse and coast |
Levels are indicative. The guide adapts the route to the group and the weather. Some trails may have sections under works or diversions: the Cabildo reports, for example, a temporary diversion on the PR-TF 10.
Areas with regulated access
Anaga has three Integral Nature Reserves (Ijuana, El Pijaral and the Roques de Anaga) and areas with controlled access.
The El Pijaral trail, known as the Enchanted Forest (Bosque Encantado), requires a free, named permit from Tenerife ON, with a daily quota of 45 people. According to the official conditions, tourism companies are not allowed to make bookings or run tours in this area. So a commercial guided route should not include El Pijaral. If someone offers it to you, ask how they do it.
What a guide adds
- Choosing the right route for your level and the weather on the day.
- Logistics sorted: many routes are linear and you need to get back to the start.
- Interpretation: laurel forest, endemic plants, the history of the hamlets and the land.
- Safety on trails with fog, mud or steep sections.
What happens
- Pick-up or meeting at the starting point.
- Explanation of the route and the level.
- Walk with interpretation stops.
- Rest at a viewpoint or hamlet.
- End of the route and return, sometimes in the guide’s vehicle or by bus.
Who it suits
- Hikers who want to discover green Tenerife.
- People who prefer to go with someone who knows the terrain and the logistics.
- Groups or families looking for a route adapted to their level.
Who it may not suit, and what to weigh up
- Anyone who does not want to walk: see the Anaga and La Laguna excursion, by road.
- Routes with steep ascents and descents: some go down to the sea, and the return means climbing back up or arranging transport.
- Weak knees: long descents can be hard.
How to choose well
- Which route, how many kilometres and how much ascent?
- Is it linear or circular? How do you get back?
- Is transport from your area included?
- Group size?
- What training does the guide have? Ask about their qualification as a mountain leader or mountain guide, or their official tourist guide licence.
- What does the guide do if there is fog or rain?
- Is insurance included?
What is usually included and what to check
| Item | Usual practice | Check |
|---|---|---|
| Guide | Included | Training and language |
| Transport | In some offers | Pick-up area |
| Insurance | Common among active tourism companies | That it is included |
| Food and water | Not included | Bring your own |
| Walking poles | In some offers | If you need them |
Getting there by bus
Several starting points can be reached by bus from La Laguna or Santa Cruz. The Cabildo mentions, for example, route 273 from La Laguna to Cruz del Carmen, route 946 to Taganana and Almáciga, and route 947 to Chamorga. Check timetables on titsa.com: some routes run infrequently.
Safety
- Fog: it greatly reduces visibility; stay with the group.
- Mud and wet rocks: mountain footwear with good soles.
- Rockfalls: trails may close after heavy rain. Check the notices on Tenerife ON.
- Coast: some beaches on the Anaga coast have closed access because of the risk of rockfalls.
Weather
- The trade winds often create a sea of clouds over the Anaga ridges.
- It can be cloudy and cool up high and sunny on the coast.
- Rain is more frequent in winter and spring.
Price: what it depends on
We do not give a reference figure.
- Route and duration.
- Transport included.
- Group or private.
What to bring
- Hiking boots or trail shoes with good soles.
- A waterproof jacket and layers.
- Water and food.
- Sun protection for the coast.
- Walking poles if you have weak knees.
Alternatives and how to compare them
| If you are looking for… | Best option |
|---|---|
| Anaga by vehicle with short walks | Anaga and La Laguna excursion |
| Hiking in the west | Guided hiking in Teno |
| Environmental interpretation | Ecotourism route |
| Forest bathing and wellbeing | Wellbeing in nature |
Frequently asked questions
Do you need a permit to walk in Anaga?
Not for most trails. Some areas, such as El Pijaral, require a permit from Tenerife ON.
Can you visit the Enchanted Forest with a guide?
According to the official conditions, tourism companies cannot make bookings or run tours in El Pijaral. It is only possible as a private individual with a permit.
Which route is best for beginners?
The Sendero de los Sentidos, next to Cruz del Carmen, is short and easy.
Is there fog in Anaga?
Often, especially on the ridges. Bring waterproof clothing.
Can you get there by bus?
Yes, to several starting points. Check timetables on titsa.com.
How long does a guided route last?
From about 2 hours to a full day.
Can children come?
Yes, on easy routes. Check with the guide.