Excursions in Tenerife
Teide Summit, Route of the Stars, Teide VIP Tour and Anaga VIP Tour. Explore the whole island with expert local guides, in small groups, and with experiences
designed to go beyond conventional tourism.
The Island
Tenerife: more than just sun and beaches
Tenerife is much more than just its beaches. The island is home to Spain’s highest volcano, Pico del Teide (3,715 m), which has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Its National Park welcomes over four million visitors a year and offers lunar landscapes that are unique in Europe.
In the north-eastern corner, the Anaga Massif is home to the world’s largest laurel forest, a relict ecosystem from the Tertiary period that survived the ice ages. Its rural villages, ravines and viewpoints offer a side of Tenerife that is completely different from that of the large tourist resorts.
At El Cardón, we organise excursions across the island that go beyond conventional tourism. Local guides with in-depth knowledge of the area, small groups and experiences designed for those who want to take home more than just photos.
Reviews
What our travellers say
Real-life experiences from people who have explored Tenerife with El Cardón.
More Experiences
Other Ways to Explore Tenerife
Looking for something a bit different?
Discover north-west Tenerife with our experiences in the Teno Massif.
Why Choose Us
Why Choose Our Tours?
Small Groups and Expert Guides
On our tours, every person counts. We work with small groups to ensure a more intimate, personalised experience that respects the environment.
A Genuine Connection with the Local Community
We don’t just walk along paths: we interpret them, experience them and share them. Our routes are designed to help you connect with the landscape, the history and the life that thrives in every corner of Masca.
Safety and
commitment
Every outing is organised in accordance with strict safety criteria and led by trained and experienced professionals. We promote responsible hiking with minimal environmental impact.
Free cancellation 24 hours in advance
Book with complete peace of mind. Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the activity. If the gorge is closed, we’ll offer you an alternative date or a full refund.
Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know about excursions
We answer the most common questions before your trip to Tenerife.
Do you need a permit to climb Mount Teide?
Yes. Access to the summit of Mount Teide (above the cable car) requires a free official permit issued by the Cabildo de Tenerife. The number of daily permits is very limited and they sell out weeks in advance. At El Cardón, we take care of arranging all the necessary permits for our groups, guaranteeing access to the summit on the booked date.
When is the best time to climb Mount Teide?
Teide can be visited all year round, but conditions vary significantly depending on the season. The spring (April–June) and autumn (September–November) months usually offer the best conditions: moderate temperatures, clear skies and fewer visitors. In winter, Mount Teide may be covered in snow, which adds a special charm but can also make access more difficult. In summer, temperatures at the summit can be extreme.
What is the difference between the standard tour and the VIP tour?
Standard tours are conducted in groups of up to 10–12 people with a shared guide. VIP Tours are completely private: an exclusive vehicle, a personal guide for the whole day, flexible timings and access to places or experiences not available on standard tours. VIP Tours also include tastings of local produce and can be tailored to the group’s interests.
What is the Anaga laurel forest and why is it special?
The laurisilva is a type of humid subtropical forest that covered much of Europe and North Africa millions of years ago. With the onset of the ice ages, it survived only on the Macaronesian Islands (the Canary Islands, Madeira and the Azores). The Anaga Massif is home to the world’s largest laurisilva forest, designated a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. It is a unique ecosystem with over 1,000 plant species, many of which are endemic.
Where do the excursions to Mount Teide depart from?
For excursions to Mount Teide, we offer a pick-up service from the main tourist centres in the north and south of Tenerife: Puerto de la Cruz, Los Cristianos, Playa de las Américas, Costa Adeje and Santa Cruz de Tenerife. The exact pick-up point will be confirmed at the time of booking. For VIP Tours, pick-up is from the customer’s accommodation.
Is it possible to do the The Trail of the Stars excursion with children?
Yes, the Route of the Stars on Mount Teide is suitable for children aged 6 and over. The activity does not require any significant physical effort and is usually a truly memorable experience for the little ones. The astronomer-guide adapts the explanations to suit all audiences. We recommend wearing warm clothing, as temperatures on Mount Teide at 2,000 metres can get quite chilly at night, even in summer.
What is included in the price of the excursions?
The price of standard excursions includes a professional guide, accident and third-party liability insurance, and the specific elements of each activity (Teide permit, cable car, telescopes, etc.). It does not include food or drink unless expressly stated. VIP Tours also include a private vehicle, a gastronomic tasting and complete flexibility with timings. Please check the details of each excursion for specific information.
Are tours available in other languages?
Yes. We offer tours in Spanish, English and German. For other languages, please check availability in advance. VIP Tours can be conducted in the language of your choice, as the guide is assigned specifically to your group. For groups requiring a specific language, we recommend booking at least two weeks in advance.