Teide the Island's highest peak in Tenerife
Teide the Island's highest peak in Tenerife

Walking in Tenerife, vulcanoes and forests

Level
2
Distance
72 km
Duration
8 days | 7 nights
period
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
price from
€ 624
CO2 footprint
120 Kg/person
  1. Spain
  2.  | 
  3. Self-Guided
  4.  | 
  5. Tourcode ESSWS02

Tenerife is not just about the sea and entertainment – it's the perfect destination for trekking, among the most fascinating of the Canary Islands due to its vast array of landscapes.

Laurel rainforests, vast deserts with captivating basalt formations, wetlands with dense vegetation, volcanic slopes in brilliant colors... all the way up to the king of peaks in all of Spain: El Teide, one of the three tallest volcanoes on the planet, revered and worshiped by ancient civilizations as a deity.

It's a world of extraordinary beauty that seems far removed from the coasts bustling with dancing tourists, but this marvelous island has it all.

The journey is self-drive, with no scheduled transfers, so car rental is necessary (we can include it as an additional service

Highlights

  • Bizarre basalt formations and colourful deserts;
  • Overnight stay at the Parador Cañadas del Teide, beneath Spain's highest peak (3718m);
  • Exuberant and exotic vegetation, such as the Dragon Blood tree;
  • Picturesque historical villages like Garachico and La Orotova;
  • La Laguna, Tenerife's old capital, full of 17th-century architecture

Itinerary

Day 1

Arrival in La Orotava

Arrival in La Orotava

Flight to Tenerife North airport and arrival at the first accommodation in La Orotava, with its lovely historical quarter centered around the Plaza de la Constitución. For early arrivals, time to take a stroll along the steep lanes of this picturesque village.

Day 2

Orotava Valley, 13 km

Orotava Valley, 13 km

Today's route begins with a short drive to Aguamansa, where you encounter the wooded slopes of El Teide. Here you begin a circular walk through the lush vegetation of the Valle de Orotava. Lovely views of the entire valley, several options to make your walk longer or shorter according to preference.

Distance: 13 km

Elevation gain: +965/ -965 m

Day 3

Onward to Garachico, 8-15 km

Onward to Garachico, 8-15 km

Today you drive to your next accommodation, situated in the coastal town of Garachico, with lava fields and laurel woods along the way. Several walks to choose from, as you explore the hilly terrain near Punta de Teno, a true paradise on Tenerife's westernmost cape. Admire the intriguing mix of flora, here at "land's end" or take a rest day to relax at the beach.

Distance: 8-15 km

Elevation gain: +525/ -650 m

Day 4

Masca Gorge, 7,5-11 km

Masca Gorge, 7,5-11 km

Today’s walk offers a stunning gorge, "el Barranco de Masca", and the chance to visit the village of Masca, with its shops, cafés and restaurants. There are 2 walks to choose from: a one-way route with return by boat or a there-and-back walk along the gorge. If you're not a fan of sheer drops, you can opt to do one of yesterday’s routes. 

Distance: 7,5-11 km

Elevation gain: +205/ -355 m

Day 5

Las Cañadas del Teide, 4,5-16 km

Las Cañadas del Teide, 4,5-16 km

Today you drive to the Parador at las Canadas, at the foot of El Teide. Remainder of the day to enjoy your impressive surroundings, with 2 walks to choose from: a short, circular route around Roques de Garcia, or a demanding but rewarding ascent to Guajara, the second highest peak on Tenerife.

Distance: 4,5-16 km

Elevation gain: +500/ -500 m

Day 6

From Las Cañadas to La Laguna, 5 km

From Las Cañadas to La Laguna, 5 km

Today you get better acquainted with El Pico del Teide, wandering through the bizarre landscape of Las Cañadas. Again, several options: do one of the routes from yesterday, or opt for a stroll round Santa Cruz or La Laguna. 

Distance: 5 km

Elevation gain: +100/ -100 m

Day 7

Northern Tenerife, 9-12 km

Northern Tenerife, 9-12 km

Several routes to choose from, after driving to the north side of the island. Both walking and driving itineraries offer lovely views. On foot, you follow coastal paths, deep gorges and picturesque farming villages. Exquisite landscapes in the prettiest part of Tenerife.

Distance: 9-12 km

Elevation gain: +650/ -400 m

Day 8

End of arrangement

End of arrangement

Your walking program comes to an end today after breakfast. Departure from La Laguna.

Details

Is this for me?


This is a self-drive itinerary, there are no private transfers and you will be required to rent a car (we can help you with that!) to move across the island. This is the perfect trip if you love the sea and are a very active person looking for a nice mix of adventure and relax in one of the most beautiful islands of the Canaries. This trip is suitable for different training levels as you'll be able to choose between more challenging and easier walks. There are some exposed sections that may be challenging for vertigo sufferers. 

Included


What is included

  • 7 Nights in double room in *** hotels and B&B with breakfast
  • maps and detailed description of the itinerary
  • Medical and luggage travel insurance
  • 24h phone assistance

What is not included 

  • Transfers to the starting location and from the arriving location of the tour
  • car rental
  • lunches and dinners
  • visits and entrance fees - tips
  • personal expense
  • possible sojourn taxes
  • everything that is not mentioned in the "What is included" section.

Optional Services

These services can be added to the ones included in the base price of the tour:

  • Single room supplement
  • cancellation insurance

Accommodation


We carefully select our accommodations because we know how important it is to rest well after a day of walking. We choose friendly and family run guest Houses, and bed and breakfasts that fully represent the spirit of the place and offer warm hospitality and comfort. Whenever possible, we visit them personally, so we can get to know the people who will be welcoming you.

Hotel Alhambra Orotava
Hotel Alhambra - Orotava

This is a family run hotel centrally located in Orotava housed in a palace with a classic style overlooking El Teide, the valley and the sea. Rooms have an antiques style, well-finished and clean. Free Wifi in common areas. The hotel offers also an external swimming pool and a sauna. 

www.alhambra-orotava.com

Hotel La Quinta Roja Garachico
Hotel La Quinta Roja - Garachico

This Hotel is housed in a restructured 16th century palace and it was the historic dwelling of Marquess of Quinta Roja. A few steps from the beach and the Garachico natural swimming pool, the hotel offers elegant rooms with traditional wooden ceilings and neutral colour with TV. air conditioning, free Wifi, private bathroom. The structure offers also a sauna, a jacuzzi and a garden terrace.

quintaroja.com

Parador Cañadas del Teide Las Cañadas del Teide
Parador Cañadas del Teide - Las Cañadas del Teide

This Hotel is located in a very good position next to the vulcano in the stunning Teide National Park overlooking surrounding. Rooms are elegant, well-finished and clean with TV. The structure offers a swimming pool and telescopes for to admire stars. 

www.parador.es

Hotel Laguna Nivaria San Cristobal de la Laguna
Hotel Laguna Nivaria - San Cristobal de la Laguna

Hotel Laguna is housed in a charming 16th-century mansion in San Cristóbal de la Laguna’s old town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Rooms are elegants and comfortable, spacious and bright with free Wifi, air conditioning/heating, TV and a kitchenette and fridge. Hotel also has a restaurant that proposes international and canarian cuisine with biological products. 

www.lagunanivaria.com

When to travel


Tenerife enjoys a subtropical oceanic climate in general - with mild, sunny weather most of the year. However, there is a marked difference between the coastal and inland areas, with the coasts being more temperate and the central part of the islands more extreme. There are also major contrasts between the north coasts (moist and green) and those on the south (more arid). Over the course of the year the islands receive very little rainfall, most of which occurs from October to March.

Average temperatures fall between 18ºC in December-January and 24ºC in August-September. The highest highs can reach 30ºC – or even 35ºC in summer on Tenerife - and lowest lows dip down to about 14ºC. Inland areas, at a much higher elevation, may be considerably colder and receive occasional frost or snow in winter. 

The month of August offers the most sunshine, at 10 hours a day. The island receives a small amount of rain from November to March (2 or 3 days a month) and practically no rain from April to October. The average sea temperature reaches its maximum in September: 23ºC.

What to bring


Clothing and other items
You will need your regular walking/cycling gear, including some sort of reflective garment. For the evenings, smart outdoor style trousers (or shorts) are invaluable, as are quick-dry t-shirts. These can be washed easily and will dry overnight and still look good for sightseeing or having a drink in town.

Take as little as possible to avoid potentially lugging a heavy suitcase up three flights of stairs at the end of the day. Please be aware that laundromats (“Laverie”) are not common in rural areas, so plan to do handwashing of small items.

Lightweight walking shoes/ trainers
For wearing around towns & villages. They can also be a back-up pair.

Socks & underwear
Take only good quality socks with quick-dry and insulating qualities. Road test them before you go on the trip. Take a suitable quantity of underwear as washing facilities are limited.

Warm jacket, hat, gloves
Bring a fleece, Polartec or warm layers for the evenings especially in spring or autumn; be sure it is totally suitable for your needs.
A fleece jacket which blocks the wind (Wind-stopper) is the most preferable. In the summer months a lightweight jacket is suitable for evenings.
If you are cycling/walking in mountainous or coastal areas, even in the height of summer, the weather can change very quickly and unexpectedly and you should be prepared for fog, mist, rain, snow or hail at any time. Always take an extra layer with you, as well as a warm hat and gloves.

Waterproof jacket & trousers
If you are caught in heavy rain, with good waterproof clothing you should remain dry. Remember that most garments will lose their properties over time. Few will remain waterproof for more than five years and many deteriorate in three years or less. We recommend a rain jacket with a good hood and collar and waterproof or thermal walking/cycling trousers or tights.

Dress code
In general, you should wear suitable clothing when entering a church (in many places, it is considered unacceptable to go inside wearing shorts or a tank-top). We suggest that women carry a shawl to cover up bear shoulders or low-cut tops. It also comes in handy when your shoulders get sunburned!

It is considered inappropriate for men to go without a shirt / T-shirt (other than at the beach).

Trekking poles (adjustable)
Highly recommended. A pair works best, depending on what you are comfortable with. If you suffer from back or knee pain this should be considered essential. Remember to practise walking with your pole(s) on different types of terrain in the months preceding your trip.

Walking boots
The importance of good footwear cannot be stressed enough. Your boots should be sturdy and of good enough quality to handle all types of terrain. Lightweight boots, (cordura/leather boots) which have Gore-Tex or sympatex water-proofing are most suitable for this trip. They should provide good ankle protection and be well broken in. Waxing leather boots regularly prolongs their life.

Walking tops & trousers
We recommend walking trousers and shorts and quick-dry wicking t-shirts. These can be washed easily and will dry overnight and still look good for sightseeing or having a drink in town. Wicking T-shirts are fast drying, keep moisture away from your skin and are available at outdoor stores. You should also bring one pair of loose-fitting trousers to wear in cities and for evenings out, etc. Shorts or zip-off trousers are useful in warmer weather.

Practical info

How to arrive


In the documentation of your trip you will find driving instructions for transfers between arrival/departure airports and hotels.

Mobile App


Use the SloWays APP for iOS and Android smart phones in combination with the written documentation provided.

The App has the detailed tracks and maps that you can use offline and without roaming. Thanks to the phone’s internal GPS, you can check your exact position on the map, so you always know exactly where you are. It also helps you self-navigate you way while travelling. More information on how to use the App inside the roadbook documents.

The navigation features include:

  • Offline navigation. Mobile data not required after initial download
  • Accurate GPS tracks
  • Autorotation of the maps
  • Daily route summary and elevation chart
  • Panorama of the track and at street level
  • Alarm and vibration that alerts you in case you go off track.
  • Emergency SMS button with position coordinates
  • Possibility to record and take georeferenced photos of problems on route alerting fellow travelers
  • Hotel information
  • Points of interest along the way
  • Historical background

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Wanderlust Nominee Best Specialist Tour Operator 2023
Wanderlust
Nominee Best Specialist Tour Operator 2023
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Touroperating
S-Cape Countryside Travels srl
Borgo Allegri 16R
50122 Firenze FI
P. IVA 05227330486

 
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Touroperating S-Cape Countryside Travels srl Borgo Allegri 16R 50122 Firenze FI, Italy
VAT Nr 05227330486
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