Balades Découverte Teide – La Orotava – Icod de los Vinos

If you’re eyeing a full-day adventure that combines breathtaking landscapes, cultural charm, and local gastronomy, the Balades Découverte Teide – La Orotava – Icod de los Vinos tour might just be what you’re looking for. While I haven’t taken this exact trip myself, I’ve looked into what it offers, and I think it ticks many boxes for travelers wanting an immersive experience without the hassle of planning every detail.

First off, what really appeals to me are the diverse highlights—from walking through volcanic landscapes in the Teide National Park to wandering the historic streets of La Orotava and marveling at the ancient dragon tree in Icod de los Vinos. Plus, the inclusion of a local Canarian lunch in an authentic setting makes it feel like a taste of island life, not just a sightseeing tour.

On the flip side, a potential consideration is the full-day schedule—it’s quite packed, and if you’re someone who prefers slower, more relaxed mornings, this might feel a bit rushed. Also, the tour doesn’t seem suitable for children under 10 or those with mobility issues, which is worth keeping in mind if you’re traveling with family or friends who need accessibility options.

This experience appears best suited for travelers who want a rundown of Tenerife’s highlights with an emphasis on culture, nature, and local food. If your idea of a day out involves exploring diverse facets of the island in one go, this could be a good fit.

Key Points

• Comprehensive itinerary covering Teide, La Orotava, Garachico, and Icod de los Vinos.
• Includes French-speaking guide for ease of understanding and local insights.
• Visits UNESCO-listed Teide National Park with stops to learn about geology and volcanic formations.
• Authentic Canarian lunch in a local restaurant, offering regional specialties and wine.
• Cultural exploration of historic towns, including La Orotava’s architecture and Icod’s ancient dragon tree.
• Not suitable for young children or those with mobility restrictions, so plan accordingly.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Exploring Tenerife’s Volcano and Landscapes

The highlight of this tour is undoubtedly the trip through Teide National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Expect a guided two-hour tour that takes you across volcanic landscapes featuring striking formations and extraordinary scenery. The journey here is not just about snapping photos but also understanding the island’s geological story, which is pretty fascinating.

We love the way the itinerary crosses the entire park, stopping at different points to appreciate the diverse terrain. From the volcanic cones to the lava fields, each stop offers a different perspective. The landscape is genuinely otherworldly, and a guide’s commentary enhances the experience, making the scenery more meaningful.

Once you descend into the lush La Orotava valley, the scenery shifts to verdant terraces planted with vegetables, avocados, and vineyards. The panoramic views of the forest crown of Canarian pines are a highlight, and it’s a reminder of how Tenerife’s varied climates and terrains support a wide range of plant life.

Authentic Canarian Cuisine and Cultural Stops

After soaking in the scenic views, it’s time for lunch in a local Canarian restaurant. The tour includes a one-hour stop, where you can enjoy traditional dishes and local wine. The authenticity of the setting and the regional flavors are part of what makes this experience memorable. Eating in such a setting feels like a genuine taste of island life, and many reviews note the quality of the food and the warm atmosphere.

Post-lunch, the tour takes you to La Orotava, a town with a beautifully preserved historic center. The architecture here is stunning, with notable sights such as the Parish of Nuestra Señora de la Concepción and the Casas de los Balcones, which showcase classic Canarian design. The Victoria Garden adds a lush, tropical touch with plants from South America, Central Africa, and Australia.

Discovering Icod de los Vinos and Its Famous Dragon Tree

Later, you’ll visit Icod de los Vinos, a town long associated with wine production and the site of the famous ancient dragon tree. This plant, potentially around eight centuries old, is truly striking—its massive trunk and sprawling branches make it a highlight for nature lovers. The town itself offers a charming atmosphere, with main squares and historic buildings that give a sense of local life.

Many travelers find the dragon tree to be a moving sight, especially given its age and significance. It’s a unique species that adds a special touch to the experience of the northwest coast of Tenerife.

Practicalities and Group Dynamics

The tour operates with a French-speaking guide, which is a big plus if you prefer explanations in your native language. The entire day lasts around 8 hours, including transportation, meals, and sightseeing, making it a substantial but manageable outing. The bus is comfortable, and the schedule is tight but well-paced, allowing you to see a lot without feeling overwhelmed.

It’s worth noting that the tour is designed for adults and older children (not suitable for children under 10), and the physical activity involved is moderate. If you’re traveling with someone with mobility challenges, this might not be the best fit.

The price of $85 per person is reasonable considering the inclusion of transport, guide, lunch, and access to multiple sites. For those who enjoy guided trips that handle the logistics, this offers decent value, especially for a full-day experience exploring several key locations.

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What to Expect on the Day

The day starts from Playa de las Américas, with a one-hour bus ride to the park. The guided tour of Teide is informative, covering geology, flora, and volcanic history, with plenty of stops to take photos and ask questions. Afterward, the descent into La Orotava offers lush scenery and a chance to see traditional Canarian agriculture up close.

Lunch is in a family-style restaurant, where regional flavors and local wines are the star. Post-meal, you’ll wander the historic streets of La Orotava, soaking in the architecture and gardens. The visit to Garachico, a coastal town, is brief but offers stunning views and a chance to walk along the historic streets. Finally, in Icod de los Vinos, the dragon tree is the closing highlight.

The entire trip is paced for comfort but full of variety, balancing natural beauty, culture, and gastronomy. It’s perfect if you want an overview of Tenerife that hits both its landscapes and its towns.

Final Thoughts: Who Is This Tour Perfect For?

This tour is well-suited for adults and older children interested in a well-organized, immersive day exploring Tenerife’s highlights. It’s especially appealing if you appreciate guided narratives that enrich your understanding of volcanic landscapes and local traditions. The inclusion of a local lunch adds value for those looking for an authentic experience rather than just sightseeing.

However, if you prefer a more relaxed pace or have mobility restrictions, you might find the schedule a bit busy. For families with very young children or those traveling with people who need easier access, this might not be ideal.

Overall, for around $85, you get a comprehensive, culturally rich day that covers some of Tenerife’s most iconic sights with the added bonus of local cuisine and expert guidance. It’s a balanced way to see a lot of the island without the hassle of planning multiple excursions on your own.

FAQ

Is the tour suitable for children under 10?
No, this tour is not suitable for children under 10, as it involves a full day of moderate activity and walking.

Are food and drinks included?
Yes, the tour includes lunch at a Canarian restaurant, featuring regional dishes and local wine.

What language is the guide speaking?
The guide speaks French exclusively, so it’s ideal if you’re comfortable with French or want explanations in that language.

How long is the total tour?
The entire experience lasts about 8 hours, including transportation, sightseeing stops, and lunch.

Is hotel pickup and drop-off included?
Yes, the tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off in Playa de las Américas, making it convenient.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, cancellations are free if made at least 24 hours in advance, offering flexibility for your travel plans.

What should I bring?
Bring your passport or ID, comfortable shoes, a jacket, and light clothes suitable for varied weather conditions.

If you’re looking for an organized way to see Tenerife’s natural and cultural highlights, this tour offers a solid balance of scenery, history, and local flavor. It’s especially good if you want to avoid the hassle of navigating alone and prefer having a knowledgeable guide to enhance your day.

You can check availability for your dates here: