Masca Gorge Hiking Day Trip

Updated 2 August 2026

Masca, Buenavista del NorteFull day

Descent of ~5 km through the Teno Rural ParkFrom the hamlet of Masca to the dockDescent of ~750 m to sea level

One-day excursion through one of the most spectacular hiking routes in the Canary Islands, in the Teno Rural Park (Buenavista del Norte). The route descends about 5 km downhill from the hamlet of Masca, at an altitude of about 750 m, to the pier on the coast, crossing a ravine enclosed between vertical walls. The descent is demanding (high difficulty, uneven terrain, and steps) and lasts approximately 4 hours.

From April 2025, access is regulated: it requires mandatory prior reservation through the official website caminobarrancodemasca.com, and the usual return is by boat or kayak from the pier to the Los Gigantes dock; only exceptionally, if the pier closes due to sea conditions, the return is on foot to the Masca Visitor Center.

Gallery

The Masca gorge, with its towering volcanic rock walls. — Jerzy Strzelecki (CC BY-SA 3.0)

The ravine seen from the trail descending towards Masca beach. — Spaccafito (CC BY-SA 4.0)

One of the ravine walls, hundreds of metres high, flanking the trail. — Spaccafito (CC BY-SA 4.0)

The cove and mouth of the Masca ravine, where the trail ends by the sea. — Jens Steckert (CC BY-SA 3.0)

Essential information

Accessibility

Access is via the winding TF-436 road between Buenavista del Norte and Santiago del Teide; there is an official shuttle service and it is advisable to arrive at the Masca Visitor Center half an hour before the reserved time.

Risk Level

High difficulty route with uneven terrain, steps, and slopes: closed mountain footwear, helmet (provided on loan), and a minimum of 1.5 liters of water per person are mandatory; not suitable for children under 8 years old.