Itinerary
Tenerife is a seriously underrated hiking destination. It has a bit of everything: deep ravines, jet-black lava fields, and surprisingly lush green forests. The best part about this 5-day trip is that you explore the island from one fixed, comfortable base in the south. You only have to unpack once, enjoy total flexibility, and still see a completely different landscape every single day.
Pace
The pace of this trip is entirely up to you. You’ll hike for a few hours each day, but there is no strict schedule to follow. Since you don’t have to move hotels, you decide exactly when to head out. The hikes usually take up half a day, leaving you plenty of time to just relax by the pool afterwards.
Highlights
The contrast on this island is incredible. One moment you’re walking through the narrow, dramatic canyon of the Barranco del Infierno, and the next you’re standing in the middle of El Chinyero’s jet-black volcanic landscape. And of course, Mount Teide is a must—hiking among stunning rock formations with the ocean shimmering in the distance.
Accommodation
We picked out a wonderful place to stay in the southwest of the island. Why there? Because it gets you to the most beautiful hiking trails in no time, whether you're heading to the slopes of Mount Teide or the forests in the north. No hassle with moving around; just wake up at your own pace, lace up your hiking boots, and go.
Profile
This trip is perfect if you love staying active and enjoy a good hike, but also want to just sit back and enjoy your holiday. You definitely don’t need to be an experienced mountaineer. It’s the perfect match for anyone who loves a brisk morning walk, followed by an afternoon reading a book by the pool, hitting the beach, or doing some fun shopping in the south.
Day 1: Arrival in Tenerife
You’ll land at the southern airport, pick up your rental car, and drive straight to your hotel. Since you’ll be staying at the same spot for the entire trip, you only need to unpack your bags once. Super relaxing. The rest of the day is completely up to you: take a dip in the pool, explore the local neighborhood, or find a cozy terrace for dinner.
Day 2: Hiking through the Barranco del Infierno (approx. 6.5 km)
Today, you’ll discover one of the most beautiful canyon hikes on the island. You’ll walk into a narrow gorge, surrounded by steep rock walls and tropical plants, eventually reaching a hidden waterfall at the end. The hike takes about 3.5 hours in total and is the perfect way to get started. Good to know: we book this hike for you in advance, as daily entry is limited to protect the local environment.
Day 3: The volcanic landscape of El Chinyero (approx. 6.4 km)
Today, the scenery changes completely. You’ll take a relaxed, 2.5-hour walk through the island's most recent volcanic area. What makes this trail so beautiful is the contrast: you’ll walk across jet-black lava fields that make the bright green Canary pines stand out brilliantly. The path is mostly flat and offers a very easy, comfortable walk.
Day 4: The dramatic high plateau around Mount Teide
Today, you’ll head into the absolute heart of the island. The drive up is an adventure in itself, taking you through dense pine forests before the landscape suddenly opens up into an otherworldly, breathtaking plain. Here, you’ll hike around the famous Roques de García, the striking rock formations that characterize the park. If you like, you can take the cable car up for an even wider view over the archipelago.
Day 5: Forest walk in the Corona Forestal & return flight
You’ll wrap up your trip with a peaceful walk through the vast pine forests of the Corona Forestal, where you catch glimpses of Mount Teide's slopes between the trees. Afterwards, make your way back to the airport to drop off your rental car and catch your flight home—unless, of course, you decide to add a few extra days at the beach.
What budget should you expect?
For this hiking trip, prices start from €1,850 per person. This is based on a double room with breakfast and includes flights, your rental car, four nights at our Caractère hotel, and our personal route descriptions and hiking advice. The exact price will naturally depend on your travel dates and final preferences. Looking to upgrade your trip? We’d love to help you explore the options, such as a local hiking guide in Teide National Park, extra transfers for specific trails, or a few extension nights by the sea to end your holiday on a relaxed note.
Frequently asked questions about this tour
How challenging are the hikes on this trip?
The hikes are active but completely doable if you have a regular baseline condition and enjoy walking. You’ll usually be on the trail for 2.5 to 3.5 hours, and we avoid extreme elevation changes or dangerous, technical paths. It’s all about enjoying the nature, rather than embarking on a grueling mountain expedition.
Is a rental car really necessary?
Yes, you definitely need one. The most beautiful trails and nature reserves are quite spread out across the island. With the rental car included in your trip, getting around is smooth and comfortable, and you get to decide exactly when to head out or where to stop for a quick coffee break along the way.
Do I need to arrange hiking permits or trails myself?
No, you don’t have to worry about a thing. For the Barranco del Infierno on day 2, daily visitor numbers are restricted, but we take care of this reservation completely for you. We’ll also provide clear route descriptions and local tips, so all you have to do is lace up your hiking boots and enjoy the walk.
Why book with Caractère?
- Best price guarantee
- Caractère extras
- Just one phone call or email away from our enthusiastic travel experts
- Pay safely
- No extra or hidden fees
