Before you choose
What you need to know about this experience
The Masca gorge trail is a hiking route that descends from the hamlet of Masca, at about 750 metres above sea level, to the sea, between the walls of Teno Rural Park. Access is regulated by the Cabildo: you need an official time-slot booking, to arrive on the compulsory bus from Santiago del Teide and to leave by boat from the landing stage.
Visiting the hamlet of Masca from the road does not require a booking. If that is what you are looking for, see the Masca, Teno and Garachico excursion. This page focuses on hiking down the gorge.
At a glance
| Aspect | What to expect |
|---|---|
| What it is | Descent on foot from the hamlet of Masca to the sea |
| Height difference | From about 750 m down to sea level, with short climbs |
| Booking | Compulsory, in your name, on the trail’s official website |
| Time slots | Descents start between 8:30 and 13:00, with limited places every 30 minutes |
| Access | Since December 2025, compulsory bus (route 355) from Santiago del Teide |
| Check-in | 30 minutes beforehand at the Masca Visitor Centre |
| Departure | By boat from the landing stage; paid separately |
| Difficulty | High; this is not a family stroll |
| Price | Entry ticket with rates depending on residence, plus the boat |
How access works
According to the official Camino del Masca gorge website and Buenavista del North Town Council:
- Book the ticket for the descent on caminobarrancodemasca.com. It is personal and non-transferable.
- Book the boat out from the landing stage with an authorised company. The boat and the ticket are paid for separately.
- Get to Santiago del Teide and take bus 355, run by TITSA. The official website asks you to be at stop 4692 at least an hour before your slot.
- Go through the access check at the Masca Visitor Centre, 30 minutes before your time, with your gorge and boat tickets.
- Hike down the trail to the landing stage.
- Leave by boat towards Los Gigantes.
The official website lists descent slots from 8:30 to 13:00, with 25 places every half hour and 50 in the 9:00 slot.
Ticket rates
The official website provides special rates for Canary Islands residents, under-18s and people who are members of a mountaineering or caving federation in the Canary Islands. Tenerife residents and federation members in the Canary Islands go free: the refund is processed at the check-in. The current price for visitors is shown on the trail’s own website.
What a guide adds
Some companies organise the descent with a guide. They can take care of:
- Coordinating the time slot, the bus and the boat.
- Explaining the geology, plants and history of the gorge.
- Accompanying groups or less experienced people.
Ask whether their price includes the official ticket, the boat and the transfer to Santiago del Teide.
Who it suits
- Fit hikers with mountain experience.
- Anyone who wants to walk one of the best-known gorges in the Canary Islands.
- Groups who would rather have a guide sort out the logistics.
Who it may not suit, and what to weigh up
- Young children: the trail is demanding. Check the minimum age in the official conditions.
- People with vertigo, knee problems or low fitness: the descent is long and technical in places.
- Anyone who wants to drive to the gorge: access is by the compulsory bus.
- Anyone who wants to stay on the beach: the trail ends at the landing stage to leave by sea; check the official conditions on use of the beach.
How to choose well (if you go with a guide)
- Does the price include the official ticket?
- Is the boat included? With which authorised company?
- Is the transfer to Santiago del Teide included?
- How many people per guide?
- What training does the guide have?
- What happens if the trail closes because of weather or wildfire risk?
- Cancellation policy?
What to bring
According to the official conditions, you must turn up with suitable equipment. As a minimum:
- Hiking footwear with good soles.
- Plenty of water, at least a litre and a half per person.
- A helmet, if conditions require it or it is provided.
- Food, sun protection, a cap and breathable clothing.
- ID and your tickets, printed or on your phone.
Safety and closures
- The trail may close because of the weather, sea conditions, conservation or safety.
- During periods of wildfire risk, the Cabildo has applied access controls to Masca; check the situation before you go.
- Rockfalls: always stay on the marked trail and follow the staff’s instructions.
- Drones and dogs are not allowed, according to guides that summarise the rules.
Weather
- Heat in summer at the bottom of the gorge: set off early and bring plenty of water.
- Rain: after heavy rain the trail may close because of the risk of rockfalls.
- Sea: if the boat cannot operate, the trail may close.
Price: what it depends on
We do not give a figure: the ticket price varies by residence and age, and the boat is paid separately. Check the current rates on the official website.
If you go with a guide, the price depends on whether it includes the ticket, the boat and the transfer.
Alternatives and how to compare them
| If you are looking for… | Best option |
|---|---|
| Seeing Masca without hiking the gorge | Masca, Teno and Garachico excursion |
| Other walking routes in Teno | Guided hiking in Teno |
| Hiking with laurel forest | Guided hiking in Anaga |
| The cliffs from the sea | Kayak route at Los Gigantes |
Frequently asked questions
Do you need a booking to hike down the Masca gorge?
Yes. The ticket is issued in your name and is booked on the official Camino del Masca gorge website.
Can you go by car?
Not to the gorge. Since December 2025, access is by bus 355 from Santiago del Teide.
How do you get back?
By boat from the landing stage to Los Gigantes. It is booked and paid for separately.
Can you hike up the gorge?
The option offered is the descent with an exit by sea. Check the official website for any changes.
Is it free for residents?
For Tenerife residents and federation members in the Canary Islands, yes: the refund is processed at the check-in.
Is it very hard?
Yes, it is a demanding trail. You need good fitness and mountain footwear.
What happens if there is a wildfire alert?
There may be controls or closures. Check before you go.
Can I see the hamlet without a booking?
Yes. Visiting the hamlet of Masca is free and does not require a booking.