REVIEW · TENERIFE
Tenerife: Anaga Mountains & Enchanted Forest Hiking Tour
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A misty forest hike in Tenerife sounds great. This one adds ocean and Teide views, plus a real workout in the Anaga Mountains.
I like how this tour stays small (up to 8 people) while still feeling structured, so you’re not stuck in a long line of tourists. You also get guided time in the Enchanted Forest, where clouds can turn the whole walk into a sci-fi scene.
One thing to think about: parts of the route use narrow paths and uneven ground with some steep drop-offs. If heights make you tense, you’ll probably want to choose a gentler hike.
Key things you’ll remember from this hike
- Enchanted Forest first, then a longer main route with changing terrain
- Small group max 8, guided for safety on narrow and rocky sections
- Views over Teide and Tenerife’s north coast when clouds lift
- Picnic in nature, either a hilltop viewpoint or inside a cave depending on conditions
- Safety gear included: trekking poles, helmet, flashlight (wind or rain jacket on request)
- Guide favorites in reviews: Alex often brings humor, facts, and extra help when needed
In This Review
- Tenerife’s Anaga Mountains Feel Like Two Worlds in One Hike
- Getting There Works Even If You’re on a Tight Vacation Schedule
- First Stop: The Enchanted Forest Walk That Sets the Mood
- Scenic Photo Moment and a Taste of Northern Tenerife
- The Van Ride Between Trail Sections Brings Hidden Clues
- The Main Hike Through Anaga: Ridgelines, Water Channels, and That Last Push
- The terrain highlights that you should expect
- The final climb is short, but it gets your attention
- Picnic Time: Hilltop Views or a Cave Lunch with Canyon Air
- Safety Gear and Weather Planning That Actually Matters
- Price and Value: What You’re Really Paying For at $122
- Who This Tour Fits, and Who Should Skip It
- My Booking Checklist Before You Go
- Should You Book This Tenerife Enchanted Forest Hike?
- FAQ
- How long is the Tenerife: Anaga Mountains & Enchanted Forest Hiking Tour?
- What is the hiking time and distance?
- How big is the group?
- Where does pickup happen?
- What should I bring?
- What’s included with the tour?
- Are wind or rain jackets provided?
- Is this tour suitable for people afraid of heights or with vertigo?
- What hiking shoes do I need?
Tenerife’s Anaga Mountains Feel Like Two Worlds in One Hike
The Anaga Mountains sit in a protected UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, and the effect is instant. One moment you’re in misty laurel forest that likes to hide its sky; the next you’re walking ridges where you can see out toward the ocean and, when the clouds cooperate, Mount Teide.
What I like most is the balance. You get the magic forest atmosphere without the day turning into a slow wander. Then the main hike gives you enough effort to feel like you earned those views.
Getting There Works Even If You’re on a Tight Vacation Schedule
This is built for people staying on Tenerife’s south and east coasts, plus it’s designed to fit cruise schedules in Santa Cruz. Pickup covers a wide strip of towns between Los Gigantes and La Laguna, including Costa Adeje, Las Américas, Los Cristianos, El Médano, Candelaria, and Santa Cruz.
From there, you ride north by van for about an hour. That matters more than you might think: Anaga is gorgeous, but it’s not right beside the beach. Doing the driving for you means more time on trails and fewer headaches about buses, parking, or timing.
You can also read our reviews of more hiking tours in Tenerife
First Stop: The Enchanted Forest Walk That Sets the Mood
After the scenic drive, you arrive for a short intro walk of roughly 25 to 35 minutes. This is the part that earns the nickname: a misty laurel forest that can feel otherworldly when clouds roll in.
If the sky is clear, you may catch distant views of Teide. If it’s not clear, the forest becomes the show. Either way, it’s a good warm-up mentally and physically because you’re learning the rhythm of the terrain and the style of hiking before the main route.
One practical note: clouds in Anaga can make it feel cooler and damp even on a sunny day. In real life, that means you’ll likely want layers you can peel on and off quickly.
Scenic Photo Moment and a Taste of Northern Tenerife
Before the longer hike starts, there’s time for a photo stop and guided orientation. This is where the guide helps you read what you’re seeing: the climate shifts on the island, how the forest behaves, and why the north side can look totally different from the dry south.
It’s also a smart pause for your body. You’re about to spend time on narrow paths and changing slopes, so 10 minutes of catching your breath and getting your bearings can pay off later.
The Van Ride Between Trail Sections Brings Hidden Clues
After the enchanted forest portion, you drive toward the main trailhead. Along the way, you pass a cliffside cave village that’s still inhabited.
This part adds context that makes the hiking more than scenery. When you see homes partly carved into volcanic rock still in everyday use, you start to understand why the island’s terrain shapes real life here.
The Main Hike Through Anaga: Ridgelines, Water Channels, and That Last Push
The main hike covers about 7 km total for the day, with around 230 meters of elevation gain and about 3.5 to 4.5 hours of hiking time. It’s not just “walk and look.” You’ll do a mix of ascents and descents across forested hills and volcanic ridges, often along narrow paths.
This is where the tour earns its strong reviews. The guide keeps the group moving at a good pace while sharing stories about the region’s past and present. In the reviews, guides like Alex (and on some days, Elena) are repeatedly praised for keeping people safe on tougher sections and for making the time feel fun, not stiff.
The terrain highlights that you should expect
- Narrow, uneven footing: you’ll need grip and steady steps
- Constant change: forest slopes, valleys, rocky ridgelines
- Old water channels: you walk past a historic channel that’s mostly dry except after rare heavy rains
- Sections that can feel physical: steep bits show up, especially near the end
Some routes on this day also include darker tunnel-like sections. When you’re walking into shade and back out into sun, you’ll feel how quickly this place changes.
The final climb is short, but it gets your attention
Near the end of the route there’s a short climb described as physically demanding. It’s the kind of uphill that’s not long, but it asks for effort—then rewards you with a view from higher ground.
If you’re in decent shape and you wear good shoes, it’s the best part to prove to yourself you can handle Anaga’s style of hiking.
Picnic Time: Hilltop Views or a Cave Lunch with Canyon Air
You stop for a relaxed picnic break of about 15 minutes. Depending on conditions and what the group prefers, lunch happens either on a hilltop viewpoint or inside a large cave with canyon views.
This is one of the reasons the tour feels complete. You’re not just rushing through. You sit, eat, and look at Tenerife from a place most people never pause to reach.
The included picnic is built for hikers: sandwiches with cheese and Spanish jamón, plus juice, dry fruits, and nuts. You’re still responsible for water, though, so bring it.
Safety Gear and Weather Planning That Actually Matters
What’s included isn’t just a token: trekking poles, a flashlight, and a helmet are provided. Wind or rain jackets are available on request. In reviews, people also mention getting extra hats or light rain protection if they show up unprepared.
Bring hiking shoes with good grip. The terrain can be rocky and slippery, and you’ll want your feet stable for narrow sections and uneven ground.
For clothing, think layers, not a single outfit. Temperatures range roughly from 12°C to 25°C, and Anaga can switch between sun and cloud fast.
Price and Value: What You’re Really Paying For at $122
At about $122 per person, this tour costs more than a DIY bus-and-hike day. But it’s also paying for real logistics and real safety.
You’re getting:
- hotel pickup and drop-off from the south-east zone
- a guided hike in a protected biosphere reserve
- included trekking poles, helmet, and flashlight
- a packed picnic meal with snacks
- 20 to 30 digital photos after the tour
If you value not dealing with routes, meeting points, and timing, the price starts to make sense quickly. And if you’re visiting for a week and want one standout nature day that still feels organized, it’s strong value for the effort you put in.
Who This Tour Fits, and Who Should Skip It
This hike is suitable for solo travelers, couples, families, and small groups of friends, with the practical caveat that group hikes work best when everyone can walk steadily together.
It’s great for people who like variety: forest atmosphere, cliffside viewpoints, ridgeline walking, and a final push uphill.
It’s not a good match if:
- you have fear of heights or vertigo
- you struggle with low fitness levels
- you’re under 8 years old
- you’re over 75
Also, keep expectations realistic. Elevation gain is modest on paper, but the route uses uneven terrain and narrow paths. Some sections will feel demanding even if the number of meters isn’t huge.
My Booking Checklist Before You Go
If you want this day to feel smooth, do a little prep:
- Wear your hiking shoes before the trip ends. New shoes can ruin a climb.
- Pack water, plus a small snack if you like extra fuel beyond the picnic. Drinking water isn’t included.
- Bring sun protection even if the forest looks gray. Clouds can break fast.
- If you’re sensitive to heights, don’t ignore the warning signs. This route includes exposed edges in parts.
One more tip: when the group pauses for views, take the moment. In Anaga, the best scenes happen in the fog gap—when clouds lift for a minute and the north coast or Teide shows up.
Should You Book This Tenerife Enchanted Forest Hike?
Book it if you want a full nature day that mixes atmosphere and effort. The enchanted forest intro plus the main ridgeline hike make a strong combo, and the included safety gear and picnic add real convenience.
Skip it if you know you dislike narrow trails, steep drop-offs, or you’re not comfortable with uneven ground. You’ll enjoy Anaga more when your body feels confident enough to focus on the views.
If you’re aiming for one hike in Tenerife that feels like you left the resort zone and stepped into a different world, this is one of the best bets.
FAQ
How long is the Tenerife: Anaga Mountains & Enchanted Forest Hiking Tour?
The total experience is about 7 hours, including pickup, hiking time, and return.
What is the hiking time and distance?
You’ll hike about 3.5 to 4.5 hours total, covering around 7 km, with about 230 meters of elevation gain.
How big is the group?
The tour is a small group limited to 8 participants.
Where does pickup happen?
Pickup is included from the south-east of Tenerife, covering the area between Los Gigantes and La Laguna, including towns such as Costa Adeje, Las Américas, Los Cristianos, El Médano, Candelaria, and Santa Cruz.
What should I bring?
Bring hiking shoes (good grip), water, snacks, and comfortable clothes.
What’s included with the tour?
Hotel pickup and drop-off, an expert guided hiking tour, trekking poles, a flashlight, and a helmet, plus a picnic (sandwiches with cheese and Spanish jamón, juice, dry fruits, and nuts). You also get 20 to 30 digital photos after the tour.
Are wind or rain jackets provided?
Wind or rain jackets are available on request.
Is this tour suitable for people afraid of heights or with vertigo?
No. It’s not suitable for people with a fear of heights, vertigo, or low fitness levels.
What hiking shoes do I need?
The tour involves uneven terrain and narrow paths, so you’ll need hiking shoes or sports shoes with a good grip.
