Teno Waterfalls Hiking Tour: Tropical Jungle Adventure

Discover the Teno Waterfalls Hiking Tour: a 6.5 to 8-hour adventure that takes you deep into Tenerife’s lush Teno Mountains. This guided trek, offered by Trektenerife, combines scenic drives, plantation visits, a touch of light canyoneering, and refreshing swims in natural springs. The tour’s top-rated reviews—5 out of 5 from five travelers—highlight the knowledgeable guides and stunning landscapes, making it a compelling choice for those eager to explore Tenerife beyond its popular beaches.

This tour starts from Santiago del Teide, with options for private or small group experiences. You’ll travel along winding mountain roads, walk past banana, avocado, and citrus plantations, and explore the wild forest along the edge of the gorge. The highlight features include walking to a waterfall, crossing rapids, and swimming in natural pools. The tour generally lasts 6.5 to 8 hours, making it an immersive full-day adventure suitable for active travelers comfortable with heights and swimming.

Key Points

• Guided hike through Tenerife’s Teno Mountains with natural waterfalls and scenic views
• Includes light canyoneering and swimming in natural springs for an adventurous experience
• Visit banana, avocado, and citrus plantations along the way, with a scenic drive through the island
• Starts from Santiago del Teide, with options for private or small group tours
• Rated 5 out of 5 from five reviews, praised for friendly guides and stunning scenery
• Suitable for active participants who are comfortable with heights and swimming

You can check availability for your dates here:

Starting Point and Pickup Options in Tenerife

The tour begins at a meeting point in front of the restaurant Santiago del Teide, located at 28.2984561920166, -16.81546974182129. If choosing a private tour, door-to-door transfers are included. For group tours, the main departure point is the Santiago del Teide meeting spot, with the guide coordinating the pickup time and vehicle details beforehand.

Travelers should arrive prepared with comfortable shoes, swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, and water. The optional pickup service makes access easy, especially for those staying outside the immediate area, and the tour can be customized into private or small-group experiences.

The Scenic Drive into the Teno Mountains and Masca Gorge

The adventure kicks off with a drive along Tenerife’s winding roads that lead into the Masca Gorge, often called the Canarian Machu Picchu. This stunning route offers spectacular views of rugged mountains and lush valleys, setting an exciting tone for the day. The drive alone is a highlight, showcasing Tenerife’s dramatic landscape before the trekking begins.

This initial drive lasts about 75 minutes, giving ample opportunity to enjoy the scenery and anticipate the outdoor activities ahead. Many travelers find this part of the tour to be a visual feast, with plenty of photo opportunities of the dramatic mountain contours.

Exploring the Masca Gorge and Surrounding Forests

After arriving at the gorge, the guide leads you through a 30-minute photo stop at a scenic viewpoint, offering sweeping vistas of the gorge and surrounding peaks. The walk then continues into the forested area, where the vegetation displays a variety of green shades and the stone formations take on bizarre shapes.

The trail here gradually gains elevation, leading to a dry riverbed that is reminiscent of jungle scenery. The bushes and trees create a humid, vibrant environment with a soundtrack of flowing water, setting the stage for the waterfalls and rapids to come. Expect to walk along rough terrain, with some sections involving moderate physical effort.

Walking Past Plantations and Into the Wild Forest

The tour takes you past banana, avocado, fig, and citrus plantations, providing a glimpse of Tenerife’s agricultural side. These plantations are a vibrant contrast to the wild forest, and walking through this variety of landscapes highlights Tenerife’s diverse flora.

As the trail moves higher, the vegetation becomes denser, and the terrain more rugged. The guide explains the different plants and local features, making this part both scenic and educational. This walk is ideal for those who enjoy seeing how local produce grows amidst natural terrain.

More Great Tours Nearby

The Waterfall and Rapids: The Main Adventure

The most dramatic part of the tour begins as the group approaches a waterfall and rushing rapids. The sound of flowing water becomes louder, and the landscape transforms into a series of natural cascades and pools of various shapes and sizes. These are beautiful natural water features created by the overflow of streams over rocks and stone barriers.

The highlight is the light canyoneering segment, which involves crossing water rapids and navigating bumpy rocky paths. This wet part of the adventure lasts about an hour, during which participants can swim in natural springs, take photos, and enjoy the cool water. The guide assists with safety and equipment, ensuring a fun yet secure experience.

Travelers should be prepared to change clothes before the water activity, and the natural pools serve as perfect spots for relaxing and capturing memorable photos. It’s a highlight for those seeking an active, nature-filled experience.

Returning Along the Same Trail

After the water adventure, the group retraces the same route back through the gorge and forest. This provides an opportunity to enjoy the scenery again and reflect on the experience. The walk back is roughly 75 minutes, with some sections being more demanding than others, especially for those not accustomed to walking in rugged terrain.

The return journey offers scenic views and a chance to appreciate Tenerife’s natural beauty from different angles. The guide often shares insights about local flora, fauna, and volcanic formations, enriching the walk with knowledge and context.

Visiting Hidden Corners and Scenic Views

One of the tour’s unique features is exploring hidden corners of the Teno Mountains that are usually off the beaten path. The guide takes a walk through lesser-known areas, revealing secluded spots and scenic viewpoints that are perfect for photos. These moments allow for a quiet appreciation of Tenerife’s untouched nature and often include short walks or stops to admire the landscape.

Participants also enjoy a photo stop at a scenic viewpoint around the Buenavista del Norte area, capturing panoramic vistas of the coast and mountains before heading back to the starting point.

Refreshments and Tasting Experience at Buenavista del Norte

The tour includes a 15-minute stop in Buenavista del Norte, where visitors can enjoy food and coffee tasting. This brief break offers a chance to relax, sample local flavors, and discuss the day’s adventures. The tasting provides a cultural touchpoint, connecting the outdoor experience with the local culinary scene.

This part of the tour emphasizes the balance of active exploration with moments of rest, making the overall experience more enjoyable and well-rounded.

Scenic Drive Back and Drop-Off Locations

After completing the hikes and stops, participants enjoy a scenic 75-minute drive back across Tenerife. The tour offers drop-offs at 20 locations, including major resorts and towns such as Los Cristianos, Costa Adeje, Puerto de la Cruz, and Santa Cruz. These convenient drop-off options make it easy to continue relaxing or exploring further.

The flexible drop-off locations are especially helpful for planning subsequent activities or accommodations, making this tour a practical choice for travelers with busy itineraries.

Final Thoughts on the Teno Waterfalls Hiking Tour

The Teno Waterfalls Hiking Tour offers a full-day exploration of Tenerife’s wild side. The combination of scenic drives, plantation visits, forest walks, and waterfall swims creates a balanced adventure that appeals to active nature lovers. The knowledgeable guides, praised in reviews, help make the experience both safe and enjoyable, with plenty of opportunities to capture photos and enjoy the landscape.

While the hike involves moderate physical activity—with a total distance of 5.3 km and 250 meters of elevation—it remains accessible for those in good health and comfortable with heights and swimming. The water sections and rocky paths may pose challenges for some, but the guides are experienced and supportive.

This tour offers excellent value for those seeking a nature-focused, adventure-filled day in Tenerife. It’s particularly well-suited for travelers eager to combine scenic landscapes with active fun, and who appreciate small-group or private experiences with local guides.

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I bring for the trek?
Bring comfortable shoes, swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, and water to stay comfortable and prepared for swimming and outdoor walking.

Is the tour suitable for people with mobility issues?
No, this tour involves moderate physical activity, uneven terrain, and some sections with heights. It is not suitable for people with mobility impairments or vertigo.

How long does the entire tour last?
The tour lasts approximately 6.5 to 8 hours, including driving, stops, and walking segments.

Can I join the tour without a group?
Yes, private tours are available, which include door-to-door transfers and a more personalized experience.

What makes this tour different from other Tenerife hikes?
This tour combines scenic drives, plantation visits, a mixture of forest and wild terrain, and water activities like swimming in natural springs and crossing rapids, making it a full and varied outdoor adventure.

Are food and drinks included?
There is a 15-minute stop in Buenavista del Norte for food and coffee tasting, but meals are not included in the main tour package.

This Teno Waterfalls Hiking Tour stands out for its diverse landscapes, active water-based adventure, and the expertise of its guides. It provides an authentic way to see Tenerife’s natural beauty, especially for those who enjoy outdoor activities and scenic exploration.

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