VIP Tour Around Anaga and La Laguna

Exploring Tenerife: A Closer Look at the VIP Tour Around Anaga and La Laguna

If you’re dreaming of seeing Tenerife’s natural beauty and charming towns without the hassle of planning every detail, a guided tour like this VIP experience might catch your eye. We haven’t done it ourselves, but from what we’ve gathered, it promises a smooth, engaging way to tick off some of the island’s top outdoor and cultural spots in one day.

What stands out for us are the convenience of transport—an air-conditioned vehicle that takes care of the driving—and the inclusion of a local guide, which can really enrich your understanding of the places you visit. Plus, the lunch included means one less thing to think about during a busy day.

However, a possible downside is the duration and pace—some reviews suggest that not everyone gets enough time at each stop, which could make parts of the experience feel rushed. If you’re someone who loves to linger and explore every corner, this might not be the perfect fit.

This tour seems best suited for travelers eager to see key highlights without the stress of self-driving or extensive planning, especially if you prefer a guided experience with comfortable transportation. It’s a solid option for those who want a taste of Tenerife’s diverse landscape and history without a full-day commitment to each spot.

Key Points

• Comfort and convenience: Travel in an air-conditioned vehicle with a guide, eliminating the stress of driving or navigating alone.
• Diverse sights: Experience everything from volcanic landscapes and lush forests to historic towns and beaches.
• Included lunch: No need to hunt for eateries, as a meal is part of the package.
• Time management: Be aware that some reviews mention limited free time at stops, so it’s a quicker-paced tour.
• Informative guides: Multiple reviews praise guides, especially for their energy and storytelling.
• Value for money: For under $100, you get a full day of sightseeing, transportation, and food, which is reasonable given the variety.

An In-Depth Look at the Tour Experience

The Itinerary Breakdown

The tour kicks off early at 8:00 am, meeting at the Tamaran office in Puerto de la Cruz, with an option for hotel pickup. From there, it’s a full day of exploring some of Tenerife’s most captivating spots, all within about 7 to 8 hours.

Stop 1: San Cristobal de La Laguna

Your first stop is La Laguna, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This historic town, perched near the Atlantic, is packed with old streets, colonial architecture, and stories that make wandering around quite engaging. Travelers often mention the town’s legends and history, which the guide can bring to life during your visit. You’ll have roughly an hour here, enough to get a sense of its charm but probably not to explore every alley or visit multiple sites.

One reviewer described it as an area where “legends and history will captivate you with every step,” which is a fair assessment if you love delving into cultural atmospheres. Keep in mind, the free time might be tight, and some felt they didn’t get enough explanation during their visit.

Stop 2: Parque Rural de Anaga

Next is the Anaga Rural Park, a must-see for nature lovers. This ancient volcanic formation, estimated to be between 7 and 9 million years old, offers stunning landscapes—think ravines, old volcanic chimneys, and lush laurel forests. The air here is praised for its purity, making it a refreshing break from city life.

Traveling through this area, you’ll see flora and terrain that are only found in this part of Tenerife. Visitors often comment on the beauty and tranquility of the park, with one review highlighting the breathtaking views and impressive natural features. You’ll spend about an hour here, which is enough to appreciate the scenery, but again, it’s a quick glimpse rather than an in-depth exploration.

Stop 3: Santa Cruz de Tenerife’s Beach

The tour then makes a stop at the most famous beach in Santa Cruz, lined with palm trees and golden sands. It’s a classic postcard scene, perfect for some photos or a quick stroll. Since it’s a beach, it offers a chance to relax briefly before heading to the more quaint, authentic parts of the island.

Stop 4: Taganana Village

Finally, you’ll visit the picturesque hamlet of Taganana. This small village exudes an authentic, well-being vibe with its ancient buildings and cozy atmosphere. It’s also where the included lunch takes place, featuring local Canary Islands dishes. Travelers describe it as “enchanting,” with some noting it’s a great spot to soak up local culture and enjoy regional cuisine.

What’s Included and How That Adds Value

The air-conditioned vehicle makes traveling between dispersed sites comfortable, especially in warmer weather or if you’re not used to walking long distances. The lunch—likely featuring local specialties—adds convenience, saving you time and money on meals. The guide/driver provides insights and commentary, often a highlight for many travelers, as one reviewer raved about their guide’s energy and storytelling skills.

Insurance coverage is included, offering peace of mind during your day out.

Group Size and Pace

With a maximum of 100 travelers, this isn’t a small-group tour by any stretch, but the reviews suggest that many feel it runs smoothly despite the size. Still, some reviews point out that the tour can feel rushed, and free time at stops might be limited. For example, one reviewer said, “we didn’t have enough time to see everything,” highlighting that the pace can be brisk.

If you prefer a more relaxed exploration where you can linger and absorb each site, this might feel a bit hurried. However, if your priority is to cover many highlights in one day, it’s a fair trade.

The Value Proposition

Pricing at around $95 per person for a full day—including transportation, guide, and lunch—is pretty competitive. It offers good value if you’re interested in seeing a variety of environments and historic sites without the hassle of arranging each detail yourself.

Keep in mind, though, that some reviews mention the tour’s quick pace and limited free time. If you’re someone who loves to take your time at each stop, you might find this tour a bit too fast-paced. But if you’re eager to see the top sights with minimal planning, it can be a very practical choice.

Real-World Experiences from Travelers

One enthusiastic reviewer said, “Excellent tour especially because of the guide Urbano, who constantly shared details and stories,” confirming that a knowledgeable guide can greatly enhance the experience. Conversely, a review from someone who felt the guide was silent during stops points out that this varies depending on the guide’s style and the group dynamic.

Another commenter was concerned about the speed of the vehicle and the lack of explanations during free time, which is worth considering if you value detailed commentary or relaxed exploration.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This experience suits travelers who want to maximize their sightseeing in a limited time, enjoy guided insights, and prefer comfortable transportation over self-driving. It’s suitable for those with a moderate fitness level, as the stops involve walking but are generally accessible. However, if you prefer to linger longer at sites or explore independently at a relaxed pace, this might not be the best fit.

It’s also a good option for groups or travelers who want the convenience of lunch included and organized logistics. If your priority is to see the diverse landscapes and historic towns of Tenerife in a single day, this tour offers a solid overview.

FAQs

Is transportation provided during the tour?
Yes, an air-conditioned vehicle is included, making it easy to move comfortably between the dispersed sites.

What time does the tour start?
The tour begins at 8:00 am, with a meeting point at 8:45 am at the Tamaran office in Puerto de la Cruz. Pickup options are available if you inform the provider in advance.

How long is the tour?
It lasts approximately 7 to 8 hours, covering multiple stops across Tenerife’s highlights.

Is lunch included?
Yes, a meal featuring local Canary Islands dishes is part of the package.

What are the main sites visited?
You’ll visit La Laguna (a UNESCO site), Anaga Rural Park, the Santa Cruz beach, and the quaint village of Taganana.

Can I customize the schedule or stops?
Since it’s a guided group tour, the itinerary is fixed. Some reviews suggest the pace can be quick, so if you want more time at certain sites, it’s worth planning ahead or considering alternative options.

Is this tour suitable for children or families?
While not explicitly marketed as family-friendly, children comfortable with a full day of sightseeing and walking should enjoy it. Always check with the provider for specific age recommendations.

Final Thoughts

If you’re after a comprehensive, guided overview of Tenerife’s outdoor wonders and historic towns, this VIP tour offers a lot for its price. The combination of stunning scenery, insightful guides, and included lunch makes it a convenient way to see parts of the island you might not easily reach on your own.

That said, it’s best suited for travelers who are okay with a busy schedule and quick stops rather than those wanting a leisurely, unhurried adventure. If you’re someone who loves to explore at your own pace, or if you’re traveling with kids who need more downtime, you might want to look for a more relaxed alternative.

This tour strikes a good balance between simplicity and adventure, making it a worthy consideration for your Tenerife itinerary.