The booking process for the Masca gorge, if you wish to visit the valley with a hiking trip, is as follows. (Visiting the village remains free, and no permit is required; this only pertains to hiking in the gorge!)
You need to park your car close to the Los Gigantes harbor. For example, here: https://maps.app.goo.gl/uHxvCa8ww5eGFQv76. If you can’t find parking in the area, you can park directly in a paid parking lot at the harbor (this is the most convenient solution but comes with an extra cost of around €17).
After that, you can call a taxi at this number: +34-922-861-627. The fare is approximately €35/taxi. If there are four of you, this will be the most cost-effective option (the taxi cost will come to about €4-6 per person for us). Starting in December, the valley intends to purchase its own buses, and from then on, it will likely be mandatory to use these buses. The expected cost will be €10/person/way. https://taxilosgigantes.com/
It’s better to park by 9:00 AM for a 10:00 AM booking. The journey takes about 30-40 minutes, leaving you time for a restroom break and a coffee in the beautiful village of Masca before departure.
You are arriving at the village of Masca, where you must register in advance to be allowed entry. The entry/tourist tax is €29.96/person for adults. You can purchase it in advance here: https://www.caminobarrancodemasca.com/en/
For the entry ticket, you need to provide your full name and ID number/passport number. This will be checked upon entry, so make sure to have your ID, passport, or driving license with you. Additionally, they will check your shoes. ONLY proper hiking shoes or boots will be allowed. They do not need to be high-top, but if there’s a concern that the shoes are inappropriate, they will search for the shoe model on the manufacturer’s website to verify its purpose. There is no room for debate with statements like „I always hike in these.” (The entry fee for those aged 8-18 is €14.98. Entry is PROHIBITED for children under 8.)
In addition, you must present your pre-purchased water taxi ticket.
The water taxi from the Masca beach back to Los Gigantes:
You can also find this on the previous website. Currently, three boat companies provide services. The valley is opened ONLY on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays. (They plan to be opened seven days a week starting in December.) Currently, there is NO option to walk both ways. Using the water taxi is MANDATORY! Swimming is PROHIBITED at Masca beach. A guard is present during opening hours to enforce the rules (due to the risk of falling rocks). Swimwear is not necessary.
The water taxi price is €25/person. (There are no child discounts or resident discounts.)
The route is 5 km long with a descent of 650 meters. Depending on fitness, it can be comfortably completed in about 3 hours, including many stops and photo opportunities.
If you wish to do this hike in an organized manner, you can find companies collaborating with the valley here: https://www.caminobarrancodemasca.com/en/collaborating-active-tourism-companies/
The total cost of the Masca hike with us:
- €6-10/person taxi from Los Gigantes to the village of Masca (+possible parking fees at the harbor)
- €29.96/person entry/tourist tax to the municipality
- €49/person guide fee
- €25/person water taxi from Masca beach back to Los Gigantes
In the picture, you can see the giant rock walls of the Masca Valley through which the hike leads to the sea. The giant cliffs are hundreds of meters tall and providing a breathtaking view. During the hike, hikers can admire the beauty of the cliffs and can get to know about the valley’s wildlife.
Why you should come hiking WITH US?
If you are uncertain whether you have suitable shoes, we provide proper boots for you. Every participant will receive a trekking pole. We guide the hike in Hungarian, English, and Spanish languages, where a qualified guide with 15 years of experience will introduce you to the sights. You’ll learn about history, flora and fauna, information about the rocks, and volcanic activity—everything you might easily overlook on an individual hike. And ultimately, because you can join a team that has a very positive vibe. Tenerife is NOT JUST about the Masca Valley. If this hike doesn’t suit you, don’t be disappointed, because there are hundreds of beautiful hiking trails waiting for you in Tenerife and also in the surrounding area of Masca Valley.
We organize Masca Valley hikes on ONLY Saturdays. Everyone is warmly welcomed in October, November, and December.
Further Questions & Answers:
Is it possible to hike the route individually without a guide? “YES, as long as you have your entry ticket and water taxi ticket, appropriate shoes for entry, and a valid ID.”
Is there a water taxi heading towards the Teno lighthouse (toward Buenavista del Norte, north)? “NO.”
Is it possible to hike down and back up on foot? “NO.”
Is it possible to hike the route in the reverse direction? “NO.”
The companies cooperating with the valley hold approximately one meeting every quarter, where we discuss the issues that arise. There are many new ideas, but these are the rules and options for now.