Tenerife: Hiking Tour in Anaga Mountains and Enchanted Forest

Anaga’s laurel woods, steep valleys and exposed ridge paths show you a very different Tenerife from the island of beach hotels. This small-group hike pairs a short visit to the misty Enchanted Forest with a longer mountain route, guided by people such as Alex and Elena.

I like two things in particular: the route changes character often, from forest paths to open views and narrow trails, and the guide handles transport, equipment and trail decisions while sharing stories about local life. The picnic and 20 to 30 photos are useful extras, not just window dressing.

The main caution is effort. The route is about 7 kilometers with roughly 250 meters of elevation gain, but uneven ground, narrow sections and a steep finish can make it feel harder than those figures suggest. Bring water, and don’t book if heights or strenuous walking are a poor fit.

At a glance

• A taste of the Enchanted Forest: Start with a short, roughly 25 to 35 minute walk among laurel trees and shifting cloud.
• A real mountain hike: Expect forested slopes, ridges, valleys, uneven paths and a demanding final climb.
• A small group: The maximum is eight people, giving the guide room to adjust the pace and help on trickier sections.
• A local guide in the lead: Alex is often praised for his stories, encouragement, driving and trail support. Elena has also led the hike.
• A picnic and photos are included: Sandwiches, snacks and 20 to 30 digital photos come with the day.
• Bring your own water: Bottled water is not provided, and you’ll want enough for a full day out.

A seven-hour change of scene from Tenerife’s coast

This outing is for anyone who wants to see more of Tenerife than its resorts and familiar coastal roads. Anaga Rural Park, in the island’s northeast, offers a markedly different day: a cool, sometimes misty forest, mountain tracks and far-reaching views when the weather cooperates. In clear conditions, you may even see Mount Teide in the distance.

The tour takes about seven hours, with a 9:00 am start and pickup from much of the south and east coast. An air-conditioned vehicle brings you to Anaga and moves the group between hiking sections. That matters here: getting between the forest and the main trailhead on your own would add planning and driving to a day that already has plenty of walking.

The group is capped at eight. That’s a practical size for a route with narrow paths and differing levels of confidence. A guide can keep an eye on the group, pause where needed and explain what lies ahead rather than simply setting off at the fastest pace.

The Enchanted Forest is a short opening chapter

The first walk takes about 25 to 35 minutes in the Enchanted Forest. Laurel trees and changing cloud give this section its name and mood. The trees can feel close around the path, while the mist shifts the view from moment to moment. If the sky is clear, there may be a distant look toward Teide.

Keep your expectations in proportion: this is an introduction, not the main hike. The longer stretch comes later, and the forest visit is deliberately brief. That makes sense if you’re here for a full day in the mountains, but it may disappoint if the laurel forest is your main reason for booking.

Anaga’s weather can change, so dress for more than the forecast at your beach hotel. Light long trousers and a warm layer are sensible choices. A cool, damp forest and a warmer coast can belong to the same day.

The main route offers changing terrain and close-up island life

After the forest, the group travels by vehicle to the main trailhead. On the way, you pass a cliffside cave village that is still inhabited. It’s a reminder that Anaga is not only a scenic reserve but also a place where people live and work. The route may include a look inside a cave home, depending on the day.

The main hike crosses ridges, forested slopes and valleys. There is no single view that defines the route. Instead, the scenery keeps changing as the path turns between wooded sections and open ground. The guide adds context about the area’s nature, history and everyday life, which gives the walk more meaning than a string of viewpoints.

You might see goats or meet a shepherd along the way. Those moments aren’t guaranteed, but they fit the character of a route that passes through a lived-in mountain region. The guide may also point out local plants and features of the terrain as you walk.

The distance is around 7 kilometers, with roughly 250 meters of elevation gain. That sounds manageable on paper, but don’t use those figures alone to judge the day. Uneven footing, narrow paths, steep sections and exposure can make the hike feel demanding, especially if you’re not used to walking on mountain trails.

There is a short but physically demanding climb near the end. The guide provides support, and the pace is adjusted to the group, but you still need enough fitness to manage the route. Some people find the challenge rewarding; others may be surprised by how strenuous the terrain feels. If you’re unsure, consider whether you can comfortably walk several kilometers on uneven ground and handle narrow paths.

Views, narrow sections and the final climb

The mountain views are a big part of the appeal, but they come with a few things to weigh. Some sections are narrow, and one part is described as a levada section. If you have a fear of heights or vertigo, this may not be the right outing. The tour is also not recommended for people with low physical fitness or those aged 75 and over.

A guide can help you through difficult stretches, explain what to expect and offer encouragement. Alex, in particular, is often praised for keeping the mood light and helping people feel safe. That support is valuable, but it doesn’t remove the need to be comfortable with the route’s demands.

The final climb is short rather than prolonged, but it can take effort. At the top, you’ve earned the view and the feeling of having completed a proper mountain hike. If you prefer a flat stroll with frequent benches, choose another way to see Anaga.

The picnic is a welcome pause, not a substitute for water

A relaxed picnic break is included. Depending on conditions, it may take place on a hilltop or inside a cave. The food includes sandwiches with Spanish jamón and cheese, juice, energy bars, and dried fruit or nuts. It’s a practical mid-hike meal, and the sandwiches have earned particular affection from people who’ve walked the route.

Bring bottled water: it is not included. For a full day of walking, this is one detail to plan before pickup. The tour provides snacks, but you should not treat those as a replacement for your own water supply.

The break also gives you time to catch your breath, look around and enjoy the company of a small group. If the weather turns, the cave option offers a sheltered alternative. The exact picnic location depends on conditions.

Your guide shapes the day

The guide is more than someone who points out the trail. On a route with narrow paths, varied terrain and changing conditions, a good guide helps with pacing, safety and decisions about where to stop. Alex is a recurring name on this hike, and Elena has also led groups.

Alex is often praised for combining local stories with humor and steady encouragement. He also handles the driving, takes photos and helps people through trickier sections. That mix matters when the tour includes both winding mountain roads and a physically demanding hike. Elena has been praised for her care on the trail and for the picnic sandwiches.

The included equipment consists of trekking poles, a helmet and a flashlight. You don’t need to rent or bring those specific items, but you should wear shoes with good grip. Some people have managed in athletic shoes, yet hiking shoes are the safer choice if you own them. Loose, smooth-soled shoes are a poor match for uneven ground.

The guide takes 20 to 30 digital photos during the day. That’s a useful extra if you’d rather focus on the walk than keep stopping to take pictures. It also gives you a record of the route and the people you met along the way.

What the $168.10 price covers

At $168.10 per person, this is not a bargain-basement walk. The value comes from bundling several pieces that would be awkward to arrange separately: pickup and drop-off in the covered coastal zones, transport between hiking areas, an expert guide, hiking equipment, a picnic, insurance and digital photos.

It also gives you access to a route that may be difficult to plan independently, especially if you don’t know the trails or want to avoid navigating mountain roads. A small group and guide support can make the day less stressful for a first-time visitor to Anaga.

The price is easier to justify if you want a full day outdoors and will use the included transport, food and equipment. It is less compelling if you only want a short forest stroll or are comfortable arranging your own transport and hike. Group discounts are offered, and the tour is often booked about 30 days ahead, so it’s worth planning early if your dates are fixed.

Pickup details and what to bring

Pickup is offered along the southern and eastern coast between Los Gigantes and La Laguna, including major resort areas such as Costa Adeje, Playa de las Américas and Los Cristianos. If you’re staying outside that zone, you’ll need to make your way to a listed pickup town.

If you’re staying in the north, the meeting point is in La Laguna. Bus arrivals meet at the main bus station, while people arriving by car or taxi are directed to nearby free parking. Send your accommodation location after booking so the operator can confirm the exact pickup time and place. Be ready three to five minutes early; some stops allow only a brief pause.

Pack water, a warm layer and light long trousers. Wear sturdy footwear with good grip. The operator provides poles, a helmet and flashlight, but you should still arrive dressed for uneven mountain trails. The tour includes civil liability and accident insurance.

You can cancel up to 24 hours before the start for a full refund. The tour depends on good weather and a minimum number of participants; if it is canceled for either reason, you’ll be offered another date or a refund.

Who should book this Anaga hike?

I’d choose this outing if you want a full day in the mountains, enjoy varied trails and feel reasonably fit. It suits experienced hikers and first-timers who are comfortable walking on uneven ground. The small group, guide support and supplied equipment make it easier to approach Anaga without organizing the route yourself.

I’d think twice if you have vertigo, dislike narrow paths or are looking for a gentle walk. The route is not especially long, but its steep and uneven sections can make it feel harder than the distance suggests. If you’re willing to work for the views, carry your own water and accept a little uncertainty in the weather, this is a rewarding way to see a quieter, more local side of Tenerife.

FAQ

How long is the tour?

The experience lasts about seven hours and starts at 9:00 am.

How long is the hike?

The route is approximately 7 kilometers, with around 250 meters of elevation gain.

Is hotel pickup included?

Yes. Pickup and drop-off are included in the southern and eastern coastal zones between Los Gigantes and La Laguna. For northern stays, the meeting point is in La Laguna.

What food is provided?

A picnic includes sandwiches with Spanish jamón and cheese, juice, energy bars, and dried fruit or nuts. Bottled water is not included.

What equipment is supplied?

The tour provides trekking poles, a helmet and a flashlight. Hiking shoes are recommended, and you should bring water and suitable clothing.

Is the hike suitable for someone afraid of heights?

It is not recommended for people with a fear of heights or vertigo. The route includes narrow paths, and a section may feel exposed.