Likely to sell out 
Teno Rural Park · Tenerife
Hike Tenerife’s wildest ravine to the sea
From the hamlet of Masca, a narrow trail drops between sheer basalt walls to a black-sand cove — then a boat carries you past the Los Gigantes cliffs. Here’s how to book it under the current rules.
Why go
One of the great canyon walks of the Canaries
The Barranco de Masca cuts through the ancient Teno massif in Tenerife’s northwest. The descent from Masca village to the sea passes towering cliffs, palm groves and rock pools, and ends at a small beach where boats wait to take hikers to Los Gigantes.
After rockfalls and many rescues, access is now regulated: you book a time slot online, wear a helmet, and reserve the boat out in advance. It takes a little planning — which is exactly why many visitors choose a guided hike that handles permits and transport.
- ≈ 3 hTypical descent time
- €40.66Non-resident permit bundle (2026, official site)
- 1 wayDownhill only, return by boat
- HelmetProvided and mandatory
Traveller favourites
Guided Masca hikes & boat trips
Guided descents with transport and permits, plus Los Gigantes boat trips.
Likely to sell out 
Where to go
Masca, Teno & Los Gigantes
The landscapes along Tenerife’s wild northwest coast.
Teno Rural Park Masca village
A hamlet of stone houses on a ridge above the gorge, reached by one of Tenerife's most dramatic mountain roads.
The gorge The Barranco de Masca
Sheer basalt walls, palm groves and rock pools on the descent from the village to the sea.
West coast Los Gigantes cliffs
Towering sea cliffs where the Masca boat lands — and one of Tenerife's best spots for whale and dolphin trips.
Northwest Tenerife Teno Rural Park
Jagged ridges, laurel forest and remote hamlets in Tenerife's wild northwest corner.
Live prices
More top-rated tours
Real-time prices from GetYourGuide. Most tours offer free cancellation up to 24 hours before.
Likely to sell out 
Deal 
Deal Tenerife: Masca, Mount Teide & Los Gigantes Cliffs Day Trip
- Free cancellation
From
€99 €65
per person
Deal West Tenerife: Scenic Route Tour of Icod, Garachico & Masca
- Free cancellation
From
€89 €67
per person
Deal Tenerife: Masca, Los Gigantes & Natural Pools Tour & Picnic
- Free cancellation
From
€95 €67
per person
When to go
Best time to hike Masca
Spring (March–May) and autumn (October–November) are ideal: mild temperatures in the gorge and calmer seas for the boat. Summer is hot in the lower ravine — book the earliest slot.
The trail can be closed at short notice for weather alerts (rain, wind, heat) or rockfall risk. Book an option with free cancellation and check the official portal the day before.
- Best time
- Good
- Quiet season
Plan like a local
Plan your Masca hike
Masca Gorge booking rules (2026)
How to book the Masca Gorge trail today: time slots, the permit price, the obligatory boat, transport, footwear and closures.
Read the guide
Hiking the Masca Gorge
What the descent from Masca village to the sea is really like — the route, difficulty, timing, water, and the boat at the end.
Read the guide
Best time to hike Masca
Spring and autumn are ideal. Here's what to expect each season, plus closures and the best time slot.
Read the guide
Tenerife, Canary Islands
Where is the Masca Gorge?
Good to know
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a permit to hike the Masca Gorge?
Yes. Access is by pre-booked time slot through the official portal (caminobarrancodemasca.com). The non-resident bundle is listed from €40.66 in 2026 and includes trail entry, helmet and insurance. Tenerife residents have different rates. Always confirm on the official site.
Is the boat from Masca beach included?
No. The boat from Masca beach to Los Gigantes is booked separately and is obligatory, because you cannot hike back up. Book it together with your descent slot.
How hard is the hike?
It’s a steep, rocky descent with loose stones, scrambles and stream crossings. You need good fitness and closed hiking shoes (trainers or sandals can be refused). Allow about three hours down.
How do I get to Masca village?
Transport rules change, so check the official portal: it currently directs hikers to public bus Titsa line 355 from Santiago del Teide. Guided tours include transfers, which is the simplest option.
Is a guided tour worth it?
For most visitors, yes: tours handle the permit, transport to the trailhead and the boat, and a guide sets a safe pace. Independent hikers must coordinate all three themselves.
Can I just visit Masca village instead?
Absolutely. The village and its viewpoints are spectacular on their own, reached by a famously twisting mountain road from Santiago del Teide or Buenavista.
Make the Masca hike easy
Compare guided descents that include transfers, permits and the Los Gigantes boat — with live prices and free cancellation on most tours.