PRICE FROM
40.66
DURATION
Approx. 3.5 hours (downhill only)
HOME
Santiago del Teide
DIFFICULTY
Muy Alta / Very High
About this activity
Explore the Masca Gorge at your own pace, with access to the trail arranged for your booked time slot. Unlike our self-guided tour with an audio guide, this ticket gives you access to the start of the trail. IMPORTANT: Transport to Masca and the return boat journey are at your own expense. Ideal if you’re looking for the most economical option and prefer to organise each part of the route yourself.
If you’d rather walk down the Masca Gorge without having to worry about a thing, choose between our guided tour or the self-guided tour with audio guide and boat transfer included.
VERY IMPORTANT: ACCESS CONTROL AT THE MASCA VISITOR CENTRE
Before setting off on the walk, you must travel to the village of Masca by bus from the bus stop next to the square and the town hall in Santiago del Teide. Once in Masca, you must go to the Visitor Centre to go through the mandatory security check. There, the following will be checked:
- Your ticket to the trail.
- Your bus ticket from Santiago del Teide to Masca (Titsa route 355).
- Your return boat ticket to Los Gigantes.
- A form of identification (DNI, NIE, passport, etc.).
- That you have the necessary equipment with you.
- That you are aware of the difficulty and risks involved in the route.
- That you are physically fit enough to do it.
Please note that if you do not meet any of these requirements, you will not be allowed access to the trail and no refund will be given.
Itinerary
1
Starting point: get yourself organised
The experience begins in the Plaza de Santiago del Teide, next to the town hall, from where you’ll need to take the bus (Titsa line 355 – use of this service is compulsory) to Masca, along a winding road with breathtaking views of the Teno Massif.
2
Masca and access control
On arrival, discover the charm of the small volcanic stone hamlet before heading to the Visitor Centre, where your ticket, documentation and compulsory equipment will be checked.
3
Descent of the Masca Gorge: nature and history amongst the cliffs
The trail winds down for around 5 kilometres through a gorge that is unique to Tenerife, between volcanic rock faces and lush vegetation. A route that combines physical challenge with unforgettable scenery.
4
The cove and the return by boat
After the descent, you’ll reach a small cove at the foot of the Los Gigantes Cliffs. From there, you’ll need to take the return boat that you’ve booked yourself to Los Gigantes Marina.
5
Tour of Santiago del Teide
At the end of the tour, you’ll make your own way by bus or taxi from Los Gigantes back to the starting point in Santiago del Teide.
Includes
- Entry ticket for the Masca Gorge trail.
- Compulsory equipment (helmet, available on loan).
- Safety staff and rescue services available throughout the route.
- Accident insurance.
Does not include
- Bus transport from Santiago del Teide to the hamlet of Masca (route 355, compulsory). Pay directly on the bus (price approx. €1.50).
- Return boat ticket to Los Gigantes (compulsory, must be booked separately in advance). You will receive an email with details of the boat service you need to book.
- Bus transport (approx. €1.50) or taxi from the Port of Los Gigantes back to Santiago del Teide.
- Guided tour or audio guide.
- Food and drink.
What to bring
- National ID card or passport.
- Entrance ticket, shuttle bus ticket and ferry ticket (printed or on your mobile).
- Comfortable clothing suitable for hiking.
- Closed-toe trail, trekking or mountain boots with good grip.
- Food and drink (at least 1.5 litres of water per person).
- Mobile phone with a fully charged battery.
- Hat and sun protection.
- A bin bag for rubbish.
Terms of access and important information
MOUNTAIN FOOTWEAR: MANDATORY
You must wear hiking boots with a good tread pattern on the sole. If you do not meet the equipment requirements, TRAGSA staff (the company responsible for managing the trail) will refuse you access to the ravine, with no possibility of a refund.
Trainers, sandals or beach shoes are not permitted. Boots or hiking trainers with grippy soles are essential.
Difficulty and fitness level
Medium difficulty. Some hiking experience is recommended. The descent involves a 5 km walk over uneven terrain. Not recommended for pregnant women, people with knee problems or those suffering from severe vertigo.
Access restrictions
Entry is prohibited for children under 8 years of age, people with reduced mobility and people with cardiorespiratory conditions
Cancellations and changes
Cancellations
You can cancel your booking free of charge up to 72 hours before the booked date, with a 100% refund. If you cancel less than 72 hours in advance, 100% of the amount will be retained. As this ticket is booked through the official Camino de Masca booking centre, date changes are not permitted; only cancellations are allowed.
Closure due to external circumstances
If the gorge or jetty is closed due to adverse weather conditions, maintenance work or other circumstances beyond our control, we will notify you as far in advance as possible via the contact details provided in your booking. In that case, you may choose either to change the date or to request a full refund of the amount paid.
Unexpected closure of the ship
In exceptional circumstances, the boat trip from Masca Cove may be cancelled for safety reasons due to sudden changes in sea conditions. If this happens during your activity, you will need to walk back to the Masca Visitor Centre. You are therefore advised to be in good physical condition.
Meeting point
The starting point is the bus stop next to the square and the town hall in Santiago del Teide. You must take the 355 bus from that stop to Masca. You must use this bus route to access the trail. Those with a valid booking for the trail are guaranteed a place and must present their Titsa ticket for that journey at the access control point. You must arrive at this point at least 1 hour before the start time of your booked session. You must pay for your journey directly when boarding the bus. Approximate price: €1.50. Recommended parking area: Santiago del Teide Cemetery (a 10-minute walk from the meeting point). On arrival at Los Gigantes, you can take a taxi or bus back to Santiago del Teide (lines 325 or 462). Approximate fare: €1.50.
Reviews and ratings
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a permit to hike down the Masca Gorge?
Yes. Access to the Masca Gorge is regulated by the Teno Rural Park and requires a nominal entry fee with a specific date and time slot. You cannot enter without a prior booking, and places are limited (25 every 30 minutes, with a single slot of 50 at 9.00 am).
How much does it cost to visit the Masca Gorge?
The entry ticket for the trail costs €40.66 for adults (aged 19–64) and €20.33 for children aged 8 to 18. This price includes access to the trail only; transport to Masca and the return boat journey must be arranged and paid for separately.
Can I cancel or change my booking?
You can cancel free of charge up to 72 hours before the booked date, with a 100% refund. If you cancel less than 72 hours in advance, the full amount will be retained. Date changes are not permitted; only cancellations are allowed.
How to get to the Masca Gorge from Santiago del Teide?
You must use public transport to get there, taking the Titsa 355 bus from the stop next to the square and the town hall in Santiago del Teide to the hamlet of Masca. You are not permitted to drive to the starting point in a private vehicle.
Is there anywhere to park near Masca?
You cannot park in the village of Masca itself, as the only way to reach the trail is by public transport. The recommended place to leave your car is the car park at the Santiago del Teide Cemetery, about a 10-minute walk from the meeting point.
Does the ticket include the return boat journey from Masca?
No. The Admission Ticket only grants access to the start of the trail. The boat transfer from Masca cove to Los Gigantes harbour must be booked separately with authorised partner companies.
What happens if the Masca Gorge is closed on the day of my booking?
If the gorge or jetty is closed due to adverse weather conditions, maintenance work or other circumstances beyond our control, we will give as much notice as possible to offer a rescheduled date or a full refund.
How long does it take to walk down the Masca Gorge?
The descent is about 5 km long and takes approximately 3.5 hours. Including transport (the shuttle bus to the start and the return boat, which are arranged separately), the whole experience takes around 5–6 hours.
Is the Masca Gorge suitable for children or people with reduced mobility?
Children under the age of 8 and people with reduced mobility, sensory impairments or cardiorespiratory conditions are not permitted to access the trail, as it is not adapted for them and is of medium-to-high difficulty due to the uneven terrain.