Tenerife: La Laguna & Anaga hike

Key Points

• Price and Duration: The tour costs $65 per person and lasts 8 hours, offering a compact yet comprehensive experience.
• Main Highlights: Explore Tenerife’s impressive laurel forest and walk through the historic UNESCO-listed city of La Laguna.
• Cultural Stop: Enjoy free time in La Laguna’s pedestrian streets and experience its lively local produce market.
• Active Experience: The tour includes a 2-hour hike through the Anaga Mountains, guided by a knowledgeable mountain guide.
• Transport and Logistics: Includes hotel pickup and drop-off from three main locations and bus travel across the island.
• Practical Tips: Bring hiking shoes, comfortable clothes, water, and food, since meals are not included.

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Tenerife: La Laguna & Anaga hike—An Overview of the Experience

This 8-hour tour offers an engaging way to see some of Tenerife’s most striking natural and historical sights. For $65 per person, you enjoy a guided hike through the laurel forest of Las Mercedes, and a stroll through the UNESCO World Heritage city of La Laguna. The tour starts with pickup from designated locations close to popular hotels in Los Cristianos, making it accessible for visitors staying in that area.

The journey combines nature, culture, and local life, with transport provided via bus across Tenerife’s southeast coast and mountains. The tour is well-suited for those with moderate fitness, eager to experience both the island’s lush environments and its charming old town. However, it’s worth noting that the bus ride can be lengthy, and the itinerary may feel somewhat packed, especially if city sightseeing is limited by timing.

Exploring Tenerife’s Laurel Forest in Las Mercedes

The first major activity involves a hiking excursion through the impressive laurel forest of Las Mercedes in the Anaga Mountains. The mountain guide explains the flora, fauna, and ecological features of this primary forest. This walk takes approximately 2 hours and offers a chance to see unique plant species and enjoy nature at its best.

The forest’s diverse plant life and the cool, moist air provide a refreshing contrast to the island’s more arid regions. The guide’s explanations add context and depth to the surroundings. The hiking shoes and comfortable clothes are recommended, as the terrain can be uneven.

Discovering La Laguna’s UNESCO Heritage Site

After the forest hike, the tour takes you to San Cristóbal de La Laguna, a UNESCO World Heritage-listed city. Here, you get about one hour of free time to wander the pedestrian streets at your own pace.

La Laguna’s streets are lined with historic buildings, colorful facades, and traditional shops. The visit is timed to allow for a stroll and an appreciation of its architecture. The market visit is a highlight, providing an authentic taste of local produce—though the timing means the city may be quieter if visiting during a siesta period, which some might find less lively.

The Bus Journey and Island Landscape

The bus ride between stops is approximately one hour in total, with 25-minute segments from La Laguna to the Anaga Mountains, and back to the pick-up points. The scenery along the way offers glimpses of Tenerife’s diverse landscape, from coastal areas to mountainous regions.

While the bus transfer is efficient, some reviews mention that travel time can feel long, especially if the group is large or if stops are extended. No specific organized meeting points are mentioned, so arriving promptly at the designated pickup locations ensures a smooth experience.

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What You Need to Bring for the Tour

Participants are advised to prepare with several practical items. These include hiking shoes, comfortable clothes, water, food or snacks, and an ID. Since meals are not included, bringing something to eat is essential, particularly for the longer day.

A jacket or coat is recommended, as the climate in the biosphere reserve can be cooler or damp. Also, travelers should carry a daypack to hold their belongings and essentials for the hike and sightseeing.

Tour Language and Guide Knowledge

The live tour guide speaks multiple languages: French, German, Spanish, and English. The guide is praised for being super knowledgeable and providing interesting information about the Canary Islands and their history.

This multilingual support makes the tour accessible to a broad range of visitors, and the guides’ explanations enhance the understanding of both natural and cultural sights.

Considerations and Limitations

The tour is not suitable for pregnant women, people with mobility impairments, heart problems, respiratory issues, or low fitness levels. The walking involved in the hike and city exploration requires a moderate level of fitness.

Some reviews highlight that the timing of the visit to La Laguna might be inconvenient, with the city practically holding a siesta, limiting the time available for sightseeing. The length of bus rides can also be a downside for those eager for more time at each stop.

Comparing Similar Experiences

Several other Tenerife tours focus on hiking, including circular hikes in the Anaga Mountains, guided adventures with local food tasting, and private day trips. The price range varies, but the $65 price point offers a balanced option with a guided experience that combines nature and culture.

Other tours might include more in-depth hikes or smaller groups, but this tour’s combination of forest hike, city walk, and market visit makes it a versatile choice.

Concluding Thoughts on the La Laguna & Anaga Hike

This 8-hour tour delivers a well-rounded experience of Tenerife’s natural beauty and historic charm. The guided hike through the laurel forest provides a unique opportunity to see a primary forest with explanations from an expert guide. The visit to La Laguna offers a glimpse of local Tenerife life and its architectural UNESCO heritage.

While the bus rides may feel long and the city visit might be short or during quiet hours, the overall value lies in the combination of outdoor activity and culture. It’s best suited for moderate hikers and those interested in nature and history without expecting endless city sightseeing.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the tour suitable for children?
The tour requires moderate fitness and involves hiking and walking, so it’s best for older children or teenagers who can handle this activity comfortably.

What should I wear for the hike?
Hiking shoes and comfortable clothes are recommended. A jacket is advised in case of cooler weather or rain.

Are food and drinks included?
No, food and drinks are not included. Participants should bring snacks and water for the day.

How long is the bus ride?
The total bus travel is about two hours, split into segments from hotel pickup to La Laguna, then to the Anaga Mountains, and back to the hotel area.

Is this tour accessible for people with mobility issues?
No, it is not suitable for people with mobility impairments, as walking and hiking are involved.

What languages are available for the guide?
The live guide speaks French, German, Spanish, and English.

You can check availability for your dates here: More Great Tours Nearby