Hike the Canarian Machu Picchu
One of my most memorable experiences on Tenerife was a 3.5 hour hike, from a small mountain village, Masca, down to the ocean.
I parked my car at Los Gigantes and took a taxi to Masca (about 25-30 Euros). If you have a hard time finding parking, just ask one of the taxi drivers and they’ll direct you to some open areas. The drive up the windy road to Masca–the starting point of the hike–was breathtaking. The hills are steep, the drop-offs insane, and to make things even more exciting, there isn’t much room for oncoming traffic.
The taxi drivers on this route are organized. They’ll have tickets for the boats (10 Euros/person at time of publishing) that shuttle hikers back to Los Gigantes at the end of their hike.
Once you’re at your starting point, you realize that Masca Village and its spectacular views alone are worth the trek. Once you’ve taken it all in, the hike guides you downhill through the mountains, offering new vistas around every bend. There are a good number of hikers, so get there as early as you can. If you want to challenge yourself to a serious work-out, climb it in reverse.
In addition to the lush, ever-changing scenery, you’ll likely run into goats, that navigate the steep rock walls around you like nobody’s business. There are birds to watch, too. Make your way over changing terrain and across some water until you finally get to the beach. Here’s where you claim your reward: an ice cold drink (beer for this German!) from one of the vendors awaiting the thirsty hikers.
>>>Thank you Hard Rock Hotel Tenerife for being my base camp for 3 days while I discovered beautiful Tenerife, and a special shout-out to the incredible team that works the Rock Royalty desk. Your suggestions on what to see on island were priceless!!
