Masca Tenerife – current rules for entering the gorge | New changes from 18.04.2025

Edit: 17/04/2025

New changes from 18/04/2025

The Masca Gorge is an incredibly unique place that captivates with its rocky beauty and rare life forms that only occur here. Due to its growing popularity among tourists and the associated dangers during hiking, the use of the gorge is strictly regulated by the Teno Rural Park Masterplan, Action Programme and Masca Gorge Self-Protection Plan. Tenerife Island Council has introduced the following policies to protect this unique area, increase visitor safety and improve the quality of their experience.

• Registration for the tour: takes place every day at 7:00 a.m. and places are limited, so you need to book in advance. You can book your ticket here.

• Ticket prices for entrance to the gorges + transport:

*Adult residents of Tenerife - Residents	7,49 €
*Children living in Tenerife	3,75 €
Adult residents of the Canary Islands	7,49 €
Children living in the Canary Islands	3,75 €
Non-resident adults	40,66 €
Children not residing in the country	20,33 €

*Residents of Tenerife will receive a refund after their residency status has been verified.

!! IMPORTANT !! This is not stated anywhere on the website: to confirm residency status, a green NIE and proof of identity are not enough. You need to have at least a photo Certificado de Viaje or proof of address such as an electricity bill or other monthly fees.

• The only option for descent with a boat crossing: currently the only available option is to disembark followed by a boat departure from Masca Bay. The boat ticket is NOT included in the price of the disembarkation ticket booked online - it must be purchased separately on the website of one of the transport partners (check: Transport companies ).

• Tickets are personal and non-transferable (not transferable to another person). To gain access, you must show a valid ID. Buying a return boat ticket is mandatory - without it you will not gain access to the trail.

• Boat ticket verification: If you have a disembarkation ticket, you will need to present your separately purchased boat ticket at the checkpoint and at the pier before you are allowed to board.

• Footwear Required: Closed hiking shoes are required - failure to comply with this requirement will prevent access to the gorge. Staff always check footwear carefully!

• Mandatory equipment required: the staff carefully checks the documents and equipment you must have. Check what is mandatory and prepare yourself thoroughly

• Opening days and hours: the descent option is available from 8:30 to 13:00, with a maximum of 25 visitors every 30 minutes. The Masca Gorge is open on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays until further notice.

• Masca Gorge Tenerife This is a route with a high degree of difficulty – uneven ground, slopes and the possibility of slipping make this hike a challenge for people with lower physical fitness.

• Access: as of April 18, 2025, new rules apply to the town of Masca for those planning to walk through the gorge:

  ~ The public transport ticket from Santiago del Teide is included in the price of the gorge entrance ticket.

  ~ If you plan to arrive in Santiago del Teide by your own vehicle, it is recommended to use the car park at the cemetery.

~ From here, it will take you about 10 minutes on foot to reach the TITSA bus stop, the meeting point for the tour participants. This is the only permitted way to reach the starting point in Masca.

~ Walking route here!

~ The first bus leaves at 7:00, with subsequent buses leaving every 20-25 minutes. The journey to the village of Masca takes about 20 minutes.

~ It is recommended to arrive at the bus stop at least 1 hour before your booked start time to make it to the shuttle and to pass the mandatory equipment check at the Visitor Center.

• You can also find all information on the official website.

I share my impressions of the route itself in this post: Masca Tenerife – a spectacular gorge for those who appreciate the beauty and power of nature!

That's when I made my second attempt (or rather descent) to the trail. We tried for the first time on December 24, 2022, but due to inappropriate footwear (although in our opinion it was in line with the guidelines), my husband was not allowed on the trail. As you can see, they won't let us go even on Christmas Eve ;), so I advise you to seriously prepare for this hike.

---