Tenerife Grand Tour: including Teide National Park and Masca

If you’re looking to see the best of Tenerife in one day, this Tenerife Grand Tour offers a well-rounded experience. It hits many of the island’s top spots—Teide National Park, Masca, Garachico, and Icod de los Vinos—making it a popular choice among travelers wanting a taste of Tenerife’s diverse landscapes and local culture. Based on reviews and details from the tour operator, we’re here to help you decide if this excursion fits your travel style.

What we particularly appreciate about this tour is its combination of natural beauty and authentic towns, all with the convenience of hotel pickup and drop-off. Also, the value for the price—around $56—seems quite reasonable for a full day of exploring with a guide. That said, there are some considerations to keep in mind, like the somewhat limited time at each spot and the fact that it doesn’t include food or the cable car to Teide’s summit.

This tour undoubtedly suits travelers who enjoy scenic drives, cultural stops, and a manageable pace. If you’re comfortable with a physically moderate day, appreciate guided commentary, and want a snapshot of Tenerife, this could be a solid choice.

Key Points

• Comprehensive itinerary: Combines natural parks, historic towns, and scenic villages.
• Great value: For around $56, you get multiple stops with included transport and guided commentary.
• Beautiful landscapes: Expect stunning views at Teide, Garachico, and Masca.
• Hassle-free logistics: Pickup and drop-off from your hotel make it convenient.
• Varied experiences: Volcano, old towns, natural pools, and mountain villages.
• Some limitations: Time at each stop is limited, and food isn’t included.

What to Expect from the Tenerife Grand Tour

This tour is designed as a full-day adventure, roughly nine hours long, that packs in a variety of Tenerife’s most iconic sights. We’re going to walk through each part of the itinerary, sharing what makes each stop special—and what you might need to be aware of.

The Itinerary Breakdown

Stop 1: Teide National Park

Your day starts with a quick but impactful visit to Teide National Park, a UNESCO-listed landscape. You’ll spend about 30 minutes here, enough time to marvel at the volcanic terrain and snap plenty of photos. The highlights are the impressive views of El Teide, Spain’s highest peak—and the third highest volcano in the world when measured from the oceanic base.

While you won’t go all the way up to the summit (and the cable car isn’t included), just looking at the otherworldly landscape from the bus is worth the stop. The reviews mention that the scenery is spectacular—“Incredible landscapes,” as one reviewer put it—and you’ll likely agree once you see the rugged lava flows and unique formations.

A note from reviews: some travelers felt the visit was a bit brief, and a few were disappointed they didn’t get to ascend the volcano themselves. However, the quick stop still offers great photo ops and a feel for the raw power of the island’s geology.

Stop 2: Icod de los Vinos

Next, you’ll wander through Icod de los Vinos, home to the famous Drago Milenario, an ancient dragon tree believed to be over 800 years old. The one-and-a-half-hour stop allows for a relaxed stroll, giving you a chance to soak in local life and explore the town’s charming streets.

Reviews highlight the “amazing views” and the guide’s informative commentary, which helps bring the town’s history and significance alive. The tree itself is the star here, and it’s a must-see for anyone interested in Tenerife’s botanical and cultural heritage.

Stop 3: Garachico

Moving on, the town of Garachico beckons with its volcanic charm. You’ll have about an hour to explore the old town, with highlights like the natural pools of El Caletón, formed by lava flows. These pools are ideal for a quick dip if you have your swimming gear—though swimming is not officially part of the tour, many travelers do so. Also, nearby is the Castle of San Miguel, a historic site with great views of the ocean.

Reviewers mention the “beautiful landscapes” and the opportunity to walk through a very authentic old town. The volcanic pools are a highlight, with some noting that the natural beauty here is stunning.

Stop 4: Masca

The final stop is the hamlet of Masca, tucked into Teno Rural Park. This tiny village is famous for its dramatic scenery—deep valleys, narrow ravines, and traditional Canarian architecture. The road here is narrow and winding, and many reviews praise the skill of the driver, especially on the mountain roads.

You’ll have about an hour to wander through Masca, soaking in its wild beauty. Be prepared for some steep, uneven streets—wear comfortable shoes. It’s a highlight for many, especially those who love breathtaking vistas and traditional village life.

What You’ll Love About the Tour

Many reviews praise the knowledgeable guides who provide interesting insights into each location. As one reviewer noted, the guide’s explanations help bring each site to life, making the experience more meaningful. The stunning landscapes—from the volcanic terrain at Teide to the lush valleys of Masca—are undoubtedly the main draw.

Beyond the scenery, travelers appreciate the value for money. For just over $50, you’re getting a full day of sightseeing, transportation, and guided commentary—making it a practical choice for budget-conscious visitors.

The included stops at Icod de los Vinos and Garachico add a local flavor, allowing you to experience towns where you can see traditional architecture, sample local produce, or just enjoy a relaxed walk.

What Could Be Better

While the experience is generally well-liked, some travelers noted that the time at each stop is limited, especially at Teide National Park, where 30 minutes can feel rushed. If you’re a keen photographer or want to explore more deeply, you might find this a little tight.

A couple of reviews mention that the guide’s English was hard to understand at times, which could detract from the experience if language barriers are an issue for you. Also, food is not included, and no mention is made of the option to buy lunch or snacks, so come prepared or plan to eat during your free time.

Lastly, the tour doesn’t include the cable car to Teide’s summit, so if reaching the very top is a priority, this tour might not satisfy that particular craving. Still, the scenery from the base or surrounding viewpoints is impressive enough for most.

Practical Details: Transport, Group Size, and Cost

The tour uses an air-conditioned vehicle, ensuring comfort as you travel between sites. The group size is limited to 35 travelers, which strikes a good balance between social atmosphere and avoiding overcrowding.

Booking in advance (usually about 18 days ahead) secures your spot and helps avoid disappointment, especially in peak seasons. The price of $56.83 per person is quite competitive, considering the inclusion of hotel pickup and drop-off, local taxes, and guided commentary. Just remember, food and the cable car are extras—so budget accordingly.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This excursion works well for first-time visitors wanting a broad overview of the island’s highlights without the hassle of planning individual visits. It’s also suitable for those who enjoy moderate walking, scenic drives, and cultural stops.

If you’re looking for a relaxing, informative day with stunning photo opportunities, this is a good pick. However, if you’re after a deep dive into one specific area—like hiking in Masca or summiting Teide—this tour might feel a bit rushed.

Travelers with some mobility should be comfortable with walking on uneven surfaces, especially in Masca. The tour’s moderate physical activity level makes it accessible for most, but if you prefer a very leisurely pace or want to spend more time at each location, consider alternatives.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is food included in the tour?
No, food and drinks are not included. You’ll have free time for lunch, so it’s best to bring snacks or plan to purchase something during the stops.

Can I visit the summit of Teide?
This tour does not include the cable car or summit access. It focuses on the surrounding landscapes and viewpoints.

How long is each stop?
Stops vary: about 30 minutes at Teide, 1 hour 30 minutes at Icod de los Vinos, 1 hour at Garachico, and 1 hour in Masca. Time is limited, so plan to make the most of each.

Is hotel pickup available?
Yes, the tour includes pickup and drop-off from your Tenerife hotel, making it convenient and stress-free.

What should I wear?
Comfortable shoes and warm clothes are recommended, especially for Teide and Masca, where temperatures and terrain can vary.

Is this tour suitable for children?
Children must be accompanied by an adult. While the tour doesn’t specify age restrictions, the moderate physical activity and scenic roads mean younger kids should be comfortable with a lot of sitting and walking.

Final Thoughts

If you’re after a well-organized, affordable day trip that offers a taste of Tenerife’s volcanic landscapes, historic towns, and mountain villages, this tour hits many of those points. You’ll get great views, interesting commentary, and the chance to see some of the island’s most iconic sights without much hassle.

It’s especially suited for travelers who want a balanced overview rather than an intensive hike or exclusive experience. The included stops give just enough time to appreciate each spot, though it’s a quick visit rather than an in-depth exploration.

While it may not satisfy those craving a summit hike or a culinary tour, this Tenerife Grand Tour provides a practical, enjoyable way to get a broad sense of the island’s beauty and character. Just come prepared for a full day, bring your camera, and enjoy the ride.

Happy exploring!