Masca Gorge hike: status, booking and what it takes
Status: The operator's daily status page shows whether the gorge trail, the checkpoints and the pier are open. Check it the day before and on the morning of your hike, because weather or sea conditions can change it at short notice.
The Barranco de Masca runs from the village of Masca down to the sea. The walk is one way. You go down on foot, leave by boat from Masca Bay to Los Gigantes and then get back to your starting point by bus. Masca and the gorge belong to Buenavista del Norte, so this is a day trip from Santiago del Teide. The Masca village guide covers a visit without the hike.
Booking and time slots
You cannot just turn up. Your ticket is personal and has a date and a start time.
Reserve online first
Booking is online in advance. The version currently offered is the descent only, with a mandatory exit by sea. Your ticket shows your date and start time.
Days and slots
The booking offer covers Wednesday to Saturday. Descent slots run from 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., usually with 25 places every 30 minutes and 50 places at 9 a.m. The trail itself is open from 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Check in early
Report to the visitor center for the check at least 30 minutes before your slot. Check the visitor center's opening hours on the booking page, as they are shown in more than one way.
Children
Children under 8 are not admitted. Minors go with a responsible adult, and written consent from custodians may be needed.
Our picks: through the Masca Gorge
The two tours that walk the gorge itself. Gorge ticket, transport and current opening status vary by tour, so check before you book.
Hand-picked tours, booked through GetYourGuide. Prices are indicative starting prices in euros (as of October 2026). Tap a tour for live availability and the current price in your currency.
Guided Masca Gorge hike with boat and transport
A walking guide, helmet, gorge entry, the boat back and transport to Masca and back to the start are included, plus accident and liability insurance. Food and drinks are not.
Check availability →Self-guided Masca Gorge descent with audio guide
You walk down on your own with an audio guide and helmet. The gorge permit and the boat from Masca Bay to Los Gigantes are included. The bus to Masca, the way back to Santiago del Teide and food are not.
Check availability →Masca Gorge tours and combinations
Guided descents, boat transfers and Masca day trips from the west coast, with live prices and availability.
Masca Gorge fees
Gorge tickets by visitor group, 2026 rates from the municipality.
| Visitor group | Adult | Child |
|---|---|---|
| Without Canary Islands residence | €40.66 | €20.33 |
| Canary Islands residents | €7.49 | €3.75 |
| Tenerife residents | Resident rate first, refund after the residence check | – |
The operator lists a reduced rate for under-18s and for Canary residents. Tenerife residents and federated mountain and caving athletes of the Canary Islands go free after proof and refund handling. No separate online processing fee is listed.
The gorge ticket is only one part of the cost. The boat ticket and the bus ticket are separate items, and since December 2025 the mandatory bus on line 355 is no longer part of the gorge ticket. Add the return from Los Gigantes to Santiago del Teide as well.
Getting there and back
A one-way walk needs a plan for both ends.
Start: Leave your car at the cemetery in Santiago del Teide. The bus point is about 10 minutes on foot. Line 355 takes about 20 minutes to Masca. Be at the bus point at least 1 hour before your booked start.
End: The boat runs from Masca Bay to the harbor at Los Gigantes. Lines 325 and 462 serve the way back from Los Gigantes to Santiago del Teide, according to the operator. The boat trips guide explains the sea leg.
If the boat does not run: The pier can close at short notice because of swell, and boat service can be stopped unexpectedly. You then have to climb back up on foot, so you need the fitness for it even on a booked descent. There is no guaranteed boat timetable, and the beach at Masca Bay is listed by the operator as fully closed to the public.
Gear, documents and rules
Missing mandatory gear means you are refused entry.
| Item | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Footwear | Closed hiking, trekking or trail shoes with tread |
| Helmet | Lent at the start; return it at the end |
| Water | At least 1.5 liters per person |
| Food and phone | Bring food and a charged mobile phone |
| Documents | ID for everyone including children, gorge ticket, boat ticket, bus ticket and proof for any discount |
The operator rates the difficulty as high. Stay on the marked trail. Do not bathe in the stream or pools. Fire, smoking, camping and recreational drones are not allowed.
Fire alerts and access in 2026
Dry spells can bring controls to the road.
On 30 July 2026 the island government (Cabildo) set up a temporary access control for Masca because of forest fire risk. It was lifted from 9 August 2026 at 8 a.m. The notice kept alert measures for the south of the island, so fire alerts in summer can still affect your trip. During the control, tourist private and rental cars were excluded from the road.
Conditions can change on the day, so read the daily status page first on the morning of your hike.
Plan the rest of your trip
Other ways to see this part of the island.
Masca Gorge hike: frequently asked questions
Is the Masca Gorge open?
It depends on the day. The operator's status page lists the trail, the checkpoints and the pier, so check it before your date and again on the morning of your hike.
Do I need to book the Masca Gorge hike?
Yes. Booking is online in advance, with a personal ticket that shows your date and start time. The current offer is the descent only, with a mandatory exit by boat.
How much does the Masca Gorge cost?
For visitors without Canary residence, the municipality lists €40.66 for adults and €20.33 for children in 2026. The boat and bus tickets are separate, so budget for them as well.
How long does the hike take?
About 5 km one way and roughly 4 hours downhill, starting at 750 m. Be at the bus point at least 1 hour before your start, and allow time for the boat and the way back to your car.
Can I walk the gorge without a boat?
The current offer is the descent with a mandatory exit by sea. The boat can stop at short notice because of swell, and then you must climb back up on foot.
Can children do the gorge?
Children under 8 are not admitted. Older children need a responsible adult, and written consent may be required. Everyone, including children, needs ID.