Book your visit to the Masca Gorge Trail | Camino del barranco de Masca (original) (raw)

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Approx. duration

4 hours

Difficulty

High

From

29.96€

Walk the Masca Gorge Trail, deep in the heart of the Teno Rural Park, on a trek that ends or starts at a beach with crystal-clear waters near the Los Gigantes cliffs. Explore boldly, but safely and responsibly!

Highlights...

The option of only doing the descent from the Masca Visitors’ Centre, then leaving by boat (not included in the ticket) or only doing the ascent (with access from the Masca Bay).
Difficulty level: HIGH for the descent and HIGH for the ascent, 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 or port of origin, depending on the direction of the route) 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 to receive a refund.
The tickets are individual and non-transferable, which is why you must show identification.
You must have bought a boat ticket for the return or arrival journey, depending on the direction. Without this ticket, you will not be allowed on the gorge trail. You must buy your boat ticket for the return journey no more than 4 hours after your reserved slot for the descent of the gorge.
Residents of Tenerife are admitted free of charge. Requests for refund of the amount paid shall be submitted upon verification of residence at the access control.

What's included...

Allocated date and time to access the trail at the Visitors’ Centre or at Checkpoint no. 3 (Masca Bay)—after having undergone a preliminary access check at the port of origin—depending on the direction of the route.
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, which must be returned at the end of the trail.
Accident insurance (unless your federation member card already includes it).

What's not included...

Round trip transfer. Check HOW TO GET HERE. (Booking of the Masca Bay-port of destination boat ticket for the descent ticket and the Masca Bay-port of origin boat ticket for the ascent ticket is obligatory).
Compulsory equipment (each visitor must bring their own personal equipment, except for the helmet). Check the EQUIPMENT.

INFORMATION

Difficulty level: HIGH for the descent and HIGH for the ascent, with uneven ground, steps, areas with slopes and the possibility of slipping and falling from a height.
Distance: Approximately 5 kilometres one way.
Estimated duration: About 4 hours to DESCEND and at least 4 hours to ASCEND.
Gradient: 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.
Departures by boat transfer from Masca Bay to the port of destination may close unexpectedly for safety reasons due to adverse sea conditions. This means that visitors will return to the start point at Masca Visitors’ Centre on foot. Should this occur, users will start the return hike from the point they are at when they are notified. Therefore, visitors need a good level of fitness.

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. Furthermore, if the user fails to adhere to the booking terms and conditions, they will be required to pay for any rescue, if applicable.

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.
You will not be able to use the path to retrace your steps back up the gorge with your descent tickets unless forced to do so because the jetty has closed unexpectedly. Should this occur, users will start the return hike from the point they are at when they are notified; otherwise, the only way to leave is by sea. Similarly, people with an ascent ticket cannot descend with the same ticket and must leave the trail by land.
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.
Flying drones for recreational or personal use is not permitted on the trail.
In accordance with the Buenavista del Norte Town Council Resolution No. 31/10 of 7 September 2010, Masca Beach remains completely closed to the public.

If you do not have any of the mandatory equipment elements, you will be REFUSED ACCESS to the gorge.

Documents:

ID document that identifies you as the ticket holder, even for minors.
Where applicable, proof of being a Canary Islands resident, under 18 years of age, or a member of a Mountaineering or Caving Federation in the Canary Islands Autonomous Region in order to qualify for the discounted rate.
Trail entrance ticket for the booked time.
Boat ticket for the Masca Bay – port of origin/destination journey.

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 and must be returned at the end of the trail).
Sufficient water (drinking water is not available along the trail). Minimum 1.5 litres per person.
Mobile with charged battery.
Specific medication (if required by medical prescription).

* Closed mountain hiking footwear and suitable clothing for hiking.

Mountain hiking boots or closed trekking shoes with 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 closed mountain hiking boots/shoes such as those shown in the following images:

If you have a booking to access 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 or at Checkpoint no. 3 by the jetty at Masca Bay (on the beach at the end of the trail). If you enter by Checkpoint 3, a preliminary access check will be carried out at the port of origin.

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 conditions of the trail mean that you must have a good level of fitness to do this activity. It is important that you remember that the jetty may close suddenly due to adverse sea conditions, meaning visitors will be required to return to the start point at the Visitors’ Centre on foot, from the point they are at when they are notified. The ascent 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 Canary Islands residents, children under 18 and members of a Mountaineering or Caving Federation in the Canary Islands Autonomous Region. Supporting documentation will be requested.

Residents of Tenerife are admitted free of charge. Requests for refund of the amount paid shall be submitted upon verification of residence at the access control.

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 to only do the descent:

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.

At the end of the trail you will travel by boat to the destination jetty—this must be booked in advance. It is also possible to do the journey with sea kayak companies by booking through our partner companies.

At the Masca Visitors’ Centre checkpoint and further checkpoints along the trail, you’ll be asked to show both the trail access ticket and the boat transfer ticket to travel from Masca jetty by sea.

If you do not show your ID document, trail booking ticket and boat ticket, you will be refused access to the trail.

Ascent only option:

In order to get there you must board one of the boats that operate on this route and depart from nearby ports (Los Gigantes or Punta de Teno). A preliminary access check will be carried out at the port of origin.

At Checkpoint no. 3 (Masca Bay) and further Checkpoints along the trail, you’ll be asked to show the trail access ticket.

The hamlet of Masca—the end of the trail—is on road TF-436, between the villages of Los Pedregales 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 leave the hamlet of Masca by collective transport.

If you do not show your ID document, trail booking ticket and boat ticket, you will be refused access to the trail.

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 the limit may be fined and/or impounded.

The trail is open from 8.30am to 6.00pm.

Masca Visitors’ Centre and Checkpoint 3 open half an hour in advance for obligatory security checks.

The Visitors’ Centre is open from Monday to Thursday from 9.00am to 5.00pm, and on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays from 8.00am to 6.00pm.

Your booking ticket will not be valid when either the Masca Gorge trail or the jetty 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 and you will not be given a refund.

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 to receive a refund.

If you have independently booked a ticket for the Masca Gorge trail through the central booking system, the following conditions are applied to any changes and cancellations:

With more than 72 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.

72 hours or less in advance:

Changes with less than 72 hours’ notice are not allowed—only cancellations.
In the event of a cancellation, you will be charged 100% 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 a collaborating company, the current conditions established by this company will be applicable.

Terms and conditions applicable to collaborating companies:

Once formalised, bookings cannot be changed, only cancelled.

With more than 72 hours’ notice:

Cancellation will be free of charge and you will be refunded 100% of the booking fee.

72 hours or less in advance:

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

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

BOOK

Descent

What's included...

Booking with allocated date and time to hike the Masca Gorge trail between Masca hamlet and the jetty.
Loan of a protective helmet which must be returned at the end of the trail.
Information and monitoring from Masca Visitors’ Centre to the jetty at Masca Bay.
First aid and assistance when being rescued by safety/emergency teams.
Accident insurance.

What's not included...

Transfer to Masca hamlet and return transfer from the jetty (booking with one of these companies is obligatory). You must buy your boat ticket for the return journey no more than 4 hours after your reserved slot for the descent of the gorge.
Water or other provisions (taking water with you during the activity is obligatory).
Personal compulsory equipment (except for helmet).

WHERE TO FIND US

DESCRIPTION

The Masca Gorge Trail is continuing a pilot trial to assess the measures that regulate access. During this new phase of the pilot stage, the only options on offer are descent only (with departure by boat from the Masca Bay), and ascent only (with access to the trail from the Masca Bay).

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

A ticket for the boat is not included in the descent that you have booked on this website; you need to purchase it on one of our partner boat operators’ websites. Click on the following link to access those websites: Transport companies

If you hold a ticket for the descent only, at the checkpoint on the jetty, the boat operator will require your ticket for the boat before you can embark and make the crossing. If you hold a ticket for the ascent, you’ll be asked to show your ascent ticket before you can access the trail.

IMPORTANT: It is ESSENTIAL that you wear CLOSED MOUNTAIN HIKING FOOTWEAR. If you do not meet this requirement, you will 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 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:

OPENING TIMES

DESCENT option: From 8.30am to 1.00pm (25 visitors every 30 minutes).
ASCENT option: a single time slot for the ascent at 9.00am (25 visitors).

The TRAIL OPENING TIMES are from 8.30am to 6.00pm. Masca Visitors’ Centre and Checkpoint 3 in the bay of Masca open half an hour in advance for security checks.

VERY IMPORTANT:

It is obligatory to have a boat ticket for the Masca Bay - port of destination/origin journey, depending on the direction you will be hiking.
You must buy your boat ticket for the return journey no more than 4 hours after your reserved slot for the descent of the gorge.
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 either through the checkpoint at Masca Visitors’ Centre or through the Checkpoint number 3 in the bay of Masca (having undergone a preliminary access check at the port of origin) where your compulsory ticket to the trail and arrival/departure transport by sea 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.
Departures by boat transfer from Masca Bay to the port of destination may close unexpectedly for safety reasons due to adverse sea conditions. This means that visitors will return to the start point at Masca Visitors’ Centre on foot. Should this occur, users will start the return hike from the point they are at when they are notified. Therefore, visitors need a good level of fitness.
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: HIGH for the descent and the ascent, with rocky ground, numerous ramps and steps and some slippery stretches.
Distance: Approx. 5 km (one way).
Estimated duration: About 4 hours to descend. At least 4 hours to ascend.
Gradient: 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:

Residents of Tenerife are admitted free of charge. Requests for refund of the amount paid shall be submitted upon verification of residence at the access control.

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