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Book your visit to the Masca Gorge Trail

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 Approx. duration
4 hours
Difficulty
High
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DESCRIPTION

The Masca Gorge Trail is launching a pilot trial to assess the measures that regulate access. During the pilot trial the only available option is a single ticket that includes the ascent and descent. The options of only doing an ascent or descent are not available because the jetty is not open for public use. The Tenerife Island Council is working on making it possible to offer all the access options.

Until further notice, the Masca Gorge Trail is open on Saturdays, Sundays and bank holidays.

IMPORTANT: It is ESSENTIAL that you wear MOUNTAIN HIKING FOOTWEAR. If you do not meet this requirement, you may be DENIED ACCESS to the gorge. 

Masca Gorge is a unique place thanks to its rocky beauty and the fragile lifeforms that live here, some found nowhere else in the world. Due to its popularity with visitors and the risks associated with the gorge and hiking in general, it is regulated by the Teno Rural Park Masterplan, in addition to the Action Programme, the Regulating Bylaw and the Masca Gorge Self-Protection Plan. As a result, the Tenerife Island Council has regulated use of the gorge to ensure the conservation of the space, increase visitor safety and enhance the quality of the experience.

With these aims in mind, the number of daily visitors has been limited with the following opening times:

SUMMER OPENING TIMES (from the clock change in March up until the clock change in October):

  • DESCENT AND ASCENT option: From 8.30am to 11.00am (25 visitors every 30 minutes). It is NOT possible to do this the other way round.

REST OF YEAR OPENING TIMES (from the clock change in October up until the clock change in March):

  • DESCENT AND ASCENT option: From 8.30am to 10.30am (30 visitors every 30 minutes). It is NOT possible to do this the other way round.

The TRAIL OPENING TIMES are from 8.30am to 6.00pm. Masca Visitors’ Centre opens half an hour in advance for security checks.

VERY IMPORTANT:

  • You must start your ascent from the beach no later than 2.00pm.
  • There are very few or no car parks in the Masca hamlet, which is why it is recommended to travel to Masca by public transport so as not to lose the reservation and the amount paid. If you are going to hike the trail, please check the GETTING HERE section that explains transport to the departure point.
  • Before starting the route, you must pass through the checkpoint at Masca Visitors’ Centre where your ticket to the trail will be checked. These documents are also required at other Checkpoints along the trail.
  • You must also have suitable shoes, clothing and equipment to do the activity safely. Please check the EQUIPMENT section for further details about the required equipment.
  • Finally, it is essential that you read the SAFETY section and that you accept the TERMS AND CONDITIONS to complete your booking.
  • Children under 8 are not allowed to take part. Minors (under 18 years of age) must be accompanied by a responsible adult. If the person accompanying a minor is not their legal guardian, they must have written authorisation (see FORM) from the minor’s legal guardian.
  • Please check the Changes and cancellations section regarding the conditions regulating changes and cancellations.

Before booking, make sure you have all the obligatory equipment and are in good physical condition for hiking the gorge. The Masca Gorge trail is NOT a walk, it involves a degree of difficulty and can be challenging.

CHARACTERISTICS of the Masca Gorge Trail:

  • Difficulty level: Average with rocky ground, numerous ramps and steps and some slippery stretches.
  • Distance: 5 km (one way). 10 km (return journey).
  • Estimated duration: About 3 hours to descend. At least 4 hours to ascend. Therefore, at least 7 hours to descend and ascend back.
  • Elevation: The trail departs from an altitude of 750 m (Masca hamlet) in the descending direction and heads down to sea level with small intermediate climbs. The ascent is steep and has a high difficulty level. 

Prices:

The price of your ticket is directly used to cover the conservation and safety costs of the Masca Gorge trail. Special rates are available for residents from Tenerife, children under 14 and members of a Mountaineering or Caving Federation (with territorial scope encompassing Tenerife).

THE ENTRANCE TICKET IS INDIVIDUAL AND NON-TRANSFERIBLE. YOU MUST SHOW IDENTIFICATION TO ACCESS THE TRAIL.

Highlights...
  • Difficulty level: HIGH with uneven ground, steps, areas with slopes and the possibility of slipping and falling.
  • The activity requires having a GOOD LEVEL OF FITNESS.
  • You must: Arrive 30 minutes in advance at the access control (Masca Visitors’ Centre) to allow us to check if you have all the necessary documents and equipment. Please bear in mind that, during the pilot trial, if you are not at the checkpoint the minimum time in advance necessary, you will lose your right to access and your place will be freed up so that other users can enjoy the trail.
  • The tickets are individual and non-transferable, which is why you must show identification.
What's included...
  • Allocated date and time to access the trail at the Visitors’ Centre.
  • Information on the area’s heritage values and safety measures before and during the hike.
  • Assistance by surveillance personnel in case of any mishap and rescue means if necessary.
  • Loan of a protective helmet.
  • Accident insurance (unless your federation member card already includes it or you arrive with an Active Tourism company).
What's not included...
  • Round trip transfer. Check HOW TO GET HERE.
  • Compulsory equipment (each visitor must bring their own personal equipment, except for the helmet). Check the EQUIPMENT.


BOOK

Descent and ascent
WednesdayThursdaySaturdaySunday
from
0.00
What's included...
  • Booking with allocated date and time to hike the Masca Gorge trail between Masca hamlet and the jetty, and return to the hamlet of Masca.
  • Loan of protective helmet.
  • Information and monitoring on the way from Masca Visitors’ Centre to the jetty at Masca Bay and back.
  • First aid and assistance when being rescued by safety/emergency teams.
  • Accident insurance.
What's not included...
  • Return transfer to Masca hamlet.
  • Water or other provisions (taking water with you during the activity is obligatory).
  • Personal compulsory equipment (except for helmet).


+ INFORMATION

  • HIGH difficulty level for the round-trip route, with uneven ground, steps, areas with slopes and the possibility of slipping and falling.
  • Distance: 5 kilometres. 10 kilometres joint descent and ascent.
  • Estimated duration: About 3 hours to DESCEND and at least 4 hours to ASCEND. Therefore, at least 7 hours to descend and ascend back.
  • Elevation: The trail departs from an altitude of 750 m (Masca hamlet) in the descending direction and heads down to sea level with small intermediate climbs. The ascent is steep and has a high difficulty level. 

As in any natural environment, hiking along the Masca gorge trail carries some risks. In the past few years more rescues have been carried out here than anywhere else in the Canary Islands, so please make sure to take extra care.

If staff notice that a user does not meet the necessary conditions to take part in the activity safely, they may advise the user before/during the trail that it is not suitable for them to begin or continue the activity. Should the user not accept this recommendation, they may be required to sign an informed consent form stating that they accept liability for any costs related to a rescue or medical assistance.

Along the trail, you’ll find LOCATION FOR EMERGENCY signs with information about your location. If you are in danger or something has happened to you, call 112 and state the locator number on the nearest sign to indicate your exact location.

These are the BASIC RULES to follow:

  • Use only the signposted itinerary.
  • Access to the beach is prohibited in accordance with the provisions of the Canary Islands Government Decree 116/2018.
  • Bathing and swimming in watercourses or natural pools is not permitted.
  • Do not camp or spend the night.
  • It is not permitted to make a fire or smoke.
  • Hunting and fishing is prohibited, except in the case of exceptional conservation measures.
  • No dogs or other domesticated animals are permitted on the trail (except for assistance or working dogs, with prior notice given via the booking form).
  • Have all the EQUIPMENT with you.
  • Follow the instructions of the trail staff at all times.

Documents:

  • ID document that identifies you as the ticket holder, even for minors.
  • Where applicable, proof that you are a resident of Tenerife, under 14 years of age, or a member of a Mountaineering or Caving Federation (with territorial scope encompassing Tenerife) in order to qualify for the discounted rate.
  • Trail entrance ticket for the booked time.

Clothes and accessories:

  • Closed mountain hiking footwear and suitable clothing for hiking. * (Consult information).
  • Helmet (this will be loaned to you by Masca Gorge Trail staff).
  • Sufficient water (drinking water is not available along the trail).
  • Mobile with charged battery.
  • Specific medication (if required by medical prescription).

Compulsory equipment

* Closed mountain hiking footwear and suitable clothing for hiking.

Mountain hiking boots with deep lugs are essential for accessing the Masca Gorge trail. Even if you have a booking, you will not be allowed to access the trail if you aren’t wearing mountain hiking boots/shoes such as those shown in the following images:



If you have a booking to descend the Masca Gorge Trail but are not wearing suitable mountain hiking footwear, you will not be permitted to access the trail. In other words, you cannot hike the trail in sandals, smooth-soled shoes or trainers, as shown in the following image:


IMPORTANT:
In order to allow us to check if you have all the necessary equipment, you must arrive 30 minutes prior to the booked time at the Masca Visitors’ Centre to descend, or at Checkpoint no. 3, by the Masca jetty, to ascend.

  • A hat to protect your head from the sun.
  • Sunscreen.
  • Sunglasses.
  • Trekking poles.
  • Some food.
  • Garbage bag for waste.

The Masca Gorge trail is not adapted for people with reduced mobility or sensory disorders.

The special characteristics of the trail mean that you must have a good level of fitness to do this activity. The descent has a high difficulty level due to the gradient and length.

The price of your ticket is directly used to cover the conservation and safety costs of the Masca Gorge trail. Special rates are available for residents from Tenerife, children under 14 and members of a Mountaineering or Caving Federation (with territorial scope encompassing Tenerife).

Children under 8 are not allowed to take part.

Under-18s must be accompanied by their legal guardian or someone authorised by their guardian.

Masca hamlet is an Asset of Cultural Interest due to its landscapes, ethnography and architecture. It is a good idea to spend some time exploring the hamlet before starting or completing the trail.

How to get to the start of the trail:

If you are descending the trail, the start point is in Masca hamlet in Teno Rural Park on road TF-436 between Buenavista del Norte and Santiago del Teide. Please note that the road to Masca hamlet is very narrow and steep and driving can be difficult when several vehicles meet. To ensure visitors’ safety, it is recommended to travel to Masca hamlet by collective/group transport (either public or private). TITSA operates a bus service between Santiago del Teide, Buenavista and the main tourism points on the island, which also have taxi services. You can also reach the trail on foot via the official network of trails in the Rural Park that connect Masca to El Palmar, Las Portelas, Teno Alto and Baracán, among other points.

Parking spaces are very limited in the hamlet. For this reason, it is recommended to travel to Masca by public transport so as not to lose the reservation and the amount paid.

Due to a lack of parking spaces in Masca, parking time between 8.00am and 2.00pm is limited by municipal bylaw to 2 hours maximum. Vehicles that exceed this limit may be fined and/or impounded.

The trail is open from 8.30am to 6.00pm.

Masca Visitors’ Centre opens half an hour in advance for obligatory security checks.

The Visitors’ Centre is open from Monday to Friday from 9.00am to 5.00pm, and on weekends and bank holidays from 8.00am to 6.00pm.

Your booking ticket will not be valid when the Masca Gorge trail is closed due to adverse weather conditions or other causes due to force majeure, conservation or maintenance.  Notification will be given on the Booking Office website and anyone directly affected will be contacted as far in advance as technically possible using the contact details provided when booking.

In these circumstances, you may choose between changing the date of your reservation or requesting a refund of the amount paid.

In the event that you do not comply with any of the conditions or rules or do not have the necessary equipment and documents, trail staff will refuse you access to the trail. Refunds of the booking fee will be subject to the specific reasons that entry was refused.

Please bear in mind that, during the pilot trial, if you are not at the checkpoint the minimum time in advance necessary, you will lose your right to access and your place will be freed up so that other users can enjoy the trail.

With more than 48 hours’ notice:

  • Changes or cancellations will be free of charge.
  • In the event of a cancellation, you will be refunded 100% of the booking fee.
  • In the event of a change, the new date must be within one year of your original booking date. You will be permitted a maximum of two changes.

48 hours or less in advance:

  • Changes with less than 48 hours’ notice are not allowed—only cancellations.
  • In the event of a cancellation, you will be refunded 50% of the booking fee.

If you do not turn up for your booking without requesting a change or cancellation in advance, you will not be given a refund.

If you book a ticket through an Active Tourism company, the current conditions established by this company will be applicable.

Terms and conditions applicable to Active Tourism companies:

With more than 48 hours’ notice:

  • Changes or cancellations will be free of charge.
  • In the event of a cancellation, you will be refunded 100% of the booking fee.
  • In the event of a change, the new date must be within one year of your original booking date. You will be permitted a maximum of two changes.

48 hours or less in advance:

  • You will be charged 100% of the booking fee for the change or cancellation.

In accordance with the Regulating Bylaw:

  • A minor infringement is any breach by a user of any of the obligations, rules or instructions included in the booking information or published in the place where the service is provided.
  • Any such breach will be considered a major infringement when a situation is produced that halts the service, damages or inconveniences other users, harms the image of the service or damages the facilities.
  • Minor infractions will be penalised with a €50 to €100 fine and major infractions with a €100.01 to €200 fine, notwithstanding the obligation to pay for any damages caused to the facilities or infrastructure.
  • Accessing the Masca Gorge trail without complying with the requirements will be considered non-authorised use and will be penalised by the competent authority in accordance with Spanish legislation on land and protected natural spaces.
  • Intentional damage to the protected natural assets in the Rural Park during a visit will be considered an administrative offence or crime, where applicable, in accordance with Spanish general legislation on land and natural heritage protection.


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