Getting here
You begin the Masca Gorge Trail from the hamlet of Masca at the head of the gorge and take the downhill route.
The road into the hamlet of Masca is narrow and winding with steep slopes in some sections. It is also difficult for vehicles when passing. On the other hand, parking spaces are very limited in the hamlet. For both reasons, a management system has been implemented, enhancing group transport to reduce road traffic and improve safety conditions as well as the tranquillity and satisfaction of the visitors accessing the hamlet.
HOW DO YOU ACCESS THE ROAD?
If you are making your own way:
The descent ticket includes shared transport from Santiago del Teide.
If you are travelling to Santiago del Teide in a private vehicle, you must park in the cemetery car park.
You can then walk (a short walk of about 10 minutes) to the meeting point at the TITSA bus stop.
Directions for walking from the cemetery in Santiago del Teide to the transport pick-up point.
- The first pick-up is at 7.00am, with services running every 20-25 minutes. The estimated journey time by road is around 20 minutes.
- Since you must go through the checkpoint at the Masca Visitors’ Centre 30 minutes prior to the reserved time: You need to be at the pick-up point at least 1 hour before your booked descent time slot in order to show your trail access ticket to use this service, and present a proof of having used the transport included in your ticket to access the trail. Otherwise, you will be refused access.
- Arriving at the start of the Masca Gorge Trail by any vehicle other than the transfer included with your ticket is prohibited.
- You must leave the trail by sea. You must buy your boat ticket for the return journey (not sold on this website) no more than 4 hours after your reserved slot for the descent of the gorge. You can view the sea transport companies here.
- The return transfer from Los Gigantes (landing port) to the pick-up point in Santiago del Teide is not included in your ticket. You need to have arranged your return transport by other means.
Through the services of a Masca Gorge Trail collaborating company:
If you wish, you may hire the services of a collaborating company—such as Active Tourism partner companies—which in addition to managing all transfers for you, will make the most of your experience, helping you discover all the natural and cultural heritage that the gorge hides. Check the list of collaborating Active Tourism companies here.
GETTING TO THE PICK-UP POINT FOR THE TRANSPORT INCLUDED IN YOUR TICKET:
There are several public transport lines (guaguas) you can use to travel to the meeting point in Santiago del Teide, and back from the landing port of Los Gigantes—if necessary. Check the TITSA website here for the lines that link with the rest of the island and its schedules. Here is an outline of the main routes that take you to Santiago del Teide.
Here you can check the schedules of the bus lines marked on the map above.
- Route 325 Puerto de la Cruz - Icod - Los Gigantes.
- Route 355 Buenavista - Masca - Santiago del Teide.
- Route 363 Puerto de la Cruz - Buenavista - via Icod de los Vinos.
- Route 365 Buenavista - Masca.
- Route 369 Buenavista - Punta de Teno.
- Route 460 Icod de los Vinos - Guía Isora (bus station) - Costa Adeje (bus station).
- Route 462 Guía de Isora - Valle Santiago - Los Gigantes.
- Route 473 Los Cristianos - Costa Adeje (bus station) - Callao Salvaje - Los Gigantes.
- Route 477 Costa Adeje (bus station) - Los Gigantes (direct).
Taxis from the main towns: Buenavista, Santiago del Teide and Los Gigantes port. Check with your nearest tourist information office or click here.
RETURNING BY BOAT:
- Boats between Masca Bay and Los Gigantes port. You can access the list of companies that operate this service here. It is also possible to arrive by kayak.