Private Excursion to Masca, Garachico & Icod — Day Tour from Tenerife
Difficulty
moderate
Duration
6 hours
Fitness Level
Suitable for travelers in average physical condition; requires short walks, staircases and standing for photos.
Overview
A private six-hour loop that pairs mountain drama with coastal history—visit Masca’s gorge-roofed village, Garachico’s lava-forged pools, Icod’s ancient drago and the sheer drop of Los Gigantes cliffs. A compact, photo-rich sampler of northwest Tenerife.
Private Excursion to Masca, Garachico & Icod — Day Tour from Tenerife
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The van peels away from the humid Atlantic haze and the island rearranges itself in a single hour: sugarcane terraces give way to pine-clad ridges, then to spiky basalt walls that push the sky back. You arrive at Masca as the light sharpens—a handful of stone houses strung along a knife-edge road, gullies yawning below like pages torn from the island’s volcanic past. The guide opens the door and the air smells of thyme and sea.
Adventure Photos
Adventure Tips
Expect narrow mountain roads
The approach to Masca features tight switchbacks—motion-sickness sufferers should sit near the front or take medication ahead of time.
Bring layered clothing
Temperatures swing between sunlit coastal terraces and cooler highland winds—pack a light fleece or windbreaker.
Hydrate and carry a refillable bottle
Stops include short walks and viewpoints; tap water on Tenerife is drinkable but carry a bottle for convenience.
Protect gear from spray
At Los Gigantes the sea can spray up toward viewpoints—use a waterproof camera cover or ziplock for phones.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- Short-finned pilot whales and common dolphins offshore
- Yellow-legged gulls and Canarian lizards near cliffside scrub
History
Garachico’s port was destroyed by the 1706 Trevejo lava flow and rebuilt on the hardened basalt, shaping its unusual layout and black-stone coastline.
Conservation
Coastal and cliff habitats are sensitive—stay on marked paths, avoid disturbing seabird nesting sites and support local businesses to minimize impact.
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Adventure Hotspots in Puerto de la Cruz
Frequently Asked Questions
Recommended Gear
Sturdy walking shoes
Good tread for cobbled streets and short uneven paths in villages.
Refillable water bottle (1–1.5L)
Keeps you hydrated during sunny stops and short walks.
summer specific
Sun protection (hat + SPF)
Strong sun and reflective lava surfaces make sun protection important.
summer specific
Light windproof layer
Coastal breezes and higher-altitude chill are common even on warm days.
spring specific