Balades Découverte Anaga & La Laguna

Discover Tenerife’s Charm with the Balades Découverte Anaga & La Laguna Tour

If you’re planning a trip to Tenerife and want a well-rounded experience that combines nature, history, and local flavor, this tour might catch your eye. Offered by Canaventura Services Canarias SL for about $88 per person, it promises a full eight hours of exploring everything from UNESCO heritage sites to lush forests and traditional villages.

What I love about tours like these is their ability to give you a glimpse of both the island’s natural beauty and its cultural heartbeat. Plus, the inclusion of a traditional Canarian lunch and local wine is a real bonus for those who enjoy experiencing authentic cuisine. On the flip side, the tour’s quite structured, which means if you’re someone who loves to wander independently or has mobility concerns, it might not be ideal.

That said, this tour seems best suited for travelers who want a comprehensive snapshot of Tenerife’s northeast highlights with a good mix of walking, scenic drives, and culture. It’s especially appealing if you enjoy guided experiences and are comfortable spending a full day outdoors.

Key Points:

• Combines natural and cultural highlights in one day, including UNESCO-listed La Laguna and Anaga Forest.
• Includes local cuisine and wine, giving a taste of traditional Canarian flavors.
• Guided by a French-speaking guide, making it accessible for French speakers.
• Focuses on scenic spots and authentic villages, perfect for photography and learning.
• Approximate price of $88 offers good value considering the full day of activities.
• Not suited for children under 8 or those with mobility issues, so check your group’s needs.

You can check availability for your dates here:

A Closer Look at the Tour Experience

This tour offers a practical way to see some of Tenerife’s most distinctive sights without the hassle of coordinating transport or navigating unfamiliar roads. Starting from Playa de las Américas, you’ll hop on a bus for a roughly 50-minute drive to the first stop: Las Teresitas Beach in San Andres. While this spot is a lovely place to stretch your legs and admire the golden sands, it’s more of a quick photo op than a long beach day. Expect to enjoy the views and maybe grab a quick photo of that iconic turquoise water.

From here, the adventure truly begins. Your guide will lead you into Anaga Rural Park, a designated Biosphere Reserve, famed for its dense, humid forests filled with endemic laurels. This part is a highlight for nature lovers and anyone interested in Tenerife’s ecological treasures. We love how the tour includes a drive through the Anaga massif—an opportunity to enjoy some spectacular vistas—before reaching Taganana, a charming village where terraced fields of tropical fruit and vegetables give a glimpse of traditional Canarian agriculture.

The Anaga Mountains & Cruz del Carmen Lookout

The drive through the Anaga Mountains is particularly scenic. As you cross the highlands, you’ll see the lush greenery and the rugged coastline from above. The Cruz del Carmen Lookout, perched at 920 meters, acts as a perfect vantage point—offering sweeping views that reward the uphill climb. Historically, this spot was a crossroads connecting local hamlets to La Laguna, and that history adds a layer of depth to your visit.

The forests here are not just pretty—they’re part of a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, meaning they’re protected and relatively untouched. If you’re a fan of endemic plants or just love lush greenery, you’ll likely find this part of the tour a real treat.

La Laguna’s Historic Charm

Next, the tour takes you to San Cristóbal de La Laguna, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Here, a guided walk through the historic center reveals cobblestone streets, colonial architecture, and vibrant patios. The town’s 16th-century mansions and churches tell stories of Tenerife’s past, and the narrow streets seem to whisper history at every turn.

You’ll get around two hours to stroll, take photos, and soak in the atmosphere. Our informant reviews mention the inspiration La Laguna provided for colonial cities in America, which makes sense given its beautifully preserved architecture. The guide’s insights during this walk are likely to enrich your understanding of Tenerife’s colonial history.

Authentic Local Lunch

A highlight for many is the lunch at a traditional Canarian restaurant, where local specialties and wine are served in an authentic setting. The meal is included, which is a plus—you get to sample regional wines and dishes that you might not find in touristy spots. It’s a great chance to unwind and enjoy local hospitality, though the menu isn’t specified, so if you have dietary restrictions, it’s worth asking beforehand.

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Final Stops & Return

The last part of the day takes you to Candelaria, where you’ll enjoy a guided tour lasting about an hour. While not detailed in the description, Candelaria’s main draw is its basilica and the statues of the Guanche kings, which are interesting cultural landmarks.

Afterward, a 50-minute bus ride brings you back to Playa de las Américas, ending a day that covers a lot of ground—both geographically and culturally.

Is It Worth It?

Considering the cost, the $88 price tag for an 8-hour guided tour that includes transportation, a guide in French, lunch, wine, and visits to notable sites offers pretty good value. You’re paying for convenience and curated experiences rather than doing it all independently.

The guided nature ensures you won’t miss key historical details and scenic viewpoints, which can be especially helpful if you’re new to Tenerife or prefer a structured day. The inclusion of a UNESCO World Heritage site and a Biosphere Reserve means you’re not only sightseeing but also learning about conservation and local history.

However, keep in mind that this tour is quite packed, which might leave little room for spontaneous exploration. It’s also not suitable if you’re traveling with very young children, have mobility issues, or prefer more flexibility.

Final Thoughts

This tour strikes a balance between nature, history, and local culture. It’s well-suited for travelers who want a guided, comprehensive taste of Tenerife’s northeast without the hassle of planning every detail themselves. The mix of scenic drives, historical walks, and authentic meals makes it an engaging way to spend a day.

If you appreciate guided experiences and are comfortable with a full day on the move, this tour offers a solid, well-rounded Tenerife experience. It’s particularly appealing if you want a safe, informative, and hassle-free way to see highlights that might be challenging to access on your own.

FAQ

Is transportation included in the tour?
Yes, transportation by bus or coach is included, with pickup and drop-off from your hotel in Playa de las Américas.

What language is the guide speaking?
The guide speaks French, so this tour is ideal for French-speaking travelers.

How long is the guided walk in La Laguna?
The guided tour of La Laguna’s historic center lasts approximately 2 hours.

Are meals included?
Yes, a traditional Canarian lunch, along with water and wine, is included at a local restaurant.

Is the tour suitable for children?
It’s not suitable for children under 8 years old, and travelers with mobility issues or wheelchair users should consider other options.

What should I bring?
Bring your passport or ID, comfortable shoes, a jacket, and some water, especially since parts of the tour involve walking and outdoor exploration.

Can I cancel this tour?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Is the tour worth the price?
Considering the full-day itinerary, included meals, and guided visits, many travelers find it a good value, especially if you want a structured, informative experience.

In the end, this tour offers a thoughtful way to absorb Tenerife’s natural beauty and history in one day. It’s best suited for curious travelers eager to learn and see the highlights without the stress of planning every detail themselves.

You can check availability for your dates here: