Tenerife: Masca and Teide National Park VIP Bus Tour

If you’re eyeing a day trip that combines breathtaking views, charming villages, and volcanic landscapes, this VIP bus tour around Masca and Teide National Park might catch your interest. It promises a blend of scenic drives and guided stops, all from the comfort of a specially arranged bus designed for panoramic sightseeing. While it has its strengths, there are a few considerations to keep in mind.

We particularly like the stunning vistas the tour offers, plus the fact that it’s a private group experience, which can make for a more relaxed and personalized day. On the downside, the cost—at around $88 per person—might feel steep for some, especially given the mixed review scores. Still, if you love well-curated landscapes and appreciate a comfortable ride, this tour could be a good fit.

This experience is best suited for travelers who want a guided, no-hassle day exploring Tenerife’s natural beauty without too much walking or rough terrain. It’s also helpful if you enjoy learning from guides, as the tour includes live commentary in both Spanish and English. If you’re after a quiet, scenic escape with some memorable photo ops, this trip might work well.

Key Points

• Comfortable panoramic views from a VIP bus make for a relaxed sightseeing experience.
• The visit to Masca village offers charming scenery and photo opportunities.
• Teide National Park’s volcanic landscapes are a highlight, with guided insights into the area’s geology.
• The stop in Vilaflor provides a taste of native flora and local scenery.
• The tour includes a private group, making it less crowded.
• Food and drinks are not included, so bring your own refreshments.

You can check availability for your dates here:

What to Expect from the Tour

This tour offers a well-organized mix of sightseeing, photography, and local culture—all from the comfort of a VIP bus. Starting with a pick-up at one of 29 locations across the south of Tenerife, you’ll settle into your private group and enjoy the ride. The focus here is on panoramic views, which the VIP bus is designed to maximize with its 360-degree windows.

The Masca Experience

First, you’ll head to the small village of Masca, famous for its dramatic cliffs and scenic charm. The tour includes a break time and photo stops here, giving you a chance to walk around a bit if you like, or simply soak in the views. The description mentions some free time, but it’s likely limited, so don’t expect an extensive walk or hike. We loved the way guides tend to share stories about the village’s history and local life, adding depth to the visit.

One reviewer described this part as a “sight not to be missed,” emphasizing the beauty of Masca’s landscape. However, keep in mind that the descend into the village involves navigating narrow roads, which might be a concern for those with motion sensitivity or back problems.

Exploring Teide National Park

Next, you’ll make your way to the UNESCO-listed Teide National Park. The highlight here is the volcanic landscape—think towering volcanic formations, vast lava fields, and the unique vegetation that has adapted to this rugged environment. The guided tour inside the park offers insights into the area’s geological history, which adds an educational element.

With around 2.5 hours allocated, you’ll have some free time to take photos or just take in the scenery. The views here are often described as spectacular, and many appreciate the chance to see the park from a comfortable vantage point.

Vilaflor Stop

Before heading back, you’ll stop in Vilaflor, known for its native flora and lush scenery. This is an opportunity to stretch your legs and appreciate more of Tenerife’s landscape. It’s particularly nice for those interested in plants and native vegetation.

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Detailed Breakdown of the Itinerary

The tour kicks off early in the morning with a pick-up from a variety of locations—there are 29 options, making it quite flexible for most travelers staying in the south. The scenic drive sets the tone for the day, with the bus providing 360-degree panoramic views, so you can relax and enjoy the scenery without the fatigue of walking or navigating busy streets.

When you arrive at Masca, you’ll have time for a photo stop and sightseeing. The guide may offer some insights during the stop, making it more than just a quick photo session. The guided tour portion helps you understand the village’s allure—its history, geography, and the way its dramatic cliffs shape local life.

The visit to Teide National Park is the main highlight from a geological perspective. Expect volcanic craters, lava flows, and native vegetation. The scenic drive inside the park is a major part of this experience, helping you appreciate the scale and power of the landscape without the need for strenuous hikes. The free time allows for photos, and some guides may give you tips for the best spots to capture the scenery.

The stop in Vilaflor rounds out the day with a peaceful look at native flora and more stunning views. It’s a good way to wind down after a busy morning of sightseeing.

The Experience on the Ground

The VIP bus experience is a real selling point here. Travelers will enjoy the comfortable seating and panoramic windows that make the scenery feel even more impressive. The scenic drives are designed to highlight the island’s most striking features, with stops made at points that maximize photo opportunities and understanding of the landscape.

Guided commentary in both Spanish and English enriches the experience, making the entire day more educational and engaging. According to reviews, guides can make or break the experience. While some praise the knowledgeable guides, one review highlights a very negative encounter—describing a guide as unsettling and overfamiliar, with inappropriate behavior and sexist remarks. Such experiences are extremely rare but worth noting, especially if you’re sensitive to unprofessional conduct.

The overall duration of 7.5 hours is enough for a comprehensive tour without feeling rushed. However, it’s important to be prepared for a full day, especially considering the early pick-up and the travel time involved.

Price and Value

At $88 per person, this tour falls into the mid-range for guided excursions in Tenerife. It covers transportation, guided commentary, and all the stops, which makes it a convenient way to see key sights without the hassle of organizing separate tickets or transport. However, there’s nothing included for food or drinks, so bring your own water and snacks.

Given the scenic value and the guided insights, many might find this price reasonable. However, some travelers have expressed frustration over no-shows or poor guides, which can impact perceived value. It’s worth booking with a reputable provider and reading recent reviews.

Final Thoughts: Who Should Consider This Tour?

This VIP bus tour is best for travelers who prefer a comfortable, guided experience that highlights Tenerife’s most photogenic and iconic landscapes. If you’re not into strenuous walking or hikes, but still want a good overview of Teide National Park and Masca, this fits the bill. Be aware that the experience can vary depending on the guide, and reviews indicate some inconsistency.

It’s a good option if you want to relax and enjoy the views without worrying about navigation or logistics. However, if you’re after a more adventurous or in-depth exploration—like hiking in Masca or climbing Teide—you might want to look elsewhere.

FAQs

Is the tour suitable for children?
While not explicitly stated, since the tour involves scenic drives and short stops, it could be suitable for families with older children. However, consider the long duration and the roads involved, which might not be ideal for very young kids.

What should I bring?
You’ll want to pack warm clothing, a hat, camera, sunscreen, and water. Since food and drinks aren’t included, bringing snacks and water is a good idea.

Does the tour include food?
No, food and drinks are not included, so you’ll need to bring your own.

Are the stops long enough for exploring?
Stops are generally brief, with some free time for photos and quick sightseeing, but no extensive walking or hiking is involved.

What if I have mobility issues?
The tour involves a bus ride and short stops, but the terrain in Masca and Teide can be uneven—so check with the provider if you have specific mobility concerns.

Is there a guide on the bus?
Yes, live guide commentary is provided in Spanish and English, enhancing the experience with information about each site.

Can I cancel this tour?
Yes, free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance, which offers some flexibility.

What about the group size?
It’s a private group, which generally means fewer people, making the experience more relaxed and personalized.

Is the weather a concern?
Bring warm clothing, especially for Teide, where it can be cooler at higher altitudes. Sun protection is also recommended.

Will I see the best views?
Most likely, especially from the VIP bus, but keep your expectations realistic—some scenic spots are best appreciated with a bit of time and effort, which this tour keeps to a minimum.

In the end, this tour offers a comfortable way to see some of Tenerife’s most stunning landscapes without the fuss of organizing your own transportation. It’s especially suitable for those who prioritize ease, panoramic views, and guided insights. Just be prepared for the variability in guides and the limited free time at each stop. For most, it’s likely to be a memorable, if not perfect, snapshot of the island’s natural beauty.

You can check availability for your dates here: