Anaga turns a day into a story. You hike into the relict laurel forest and the cliffs hide traditional cave houses, with multiple viewpoint pauses along the way. Weather can flip fast in the east, so plan on layers and grippy shoes.

The day runs with free pick-up along the north coast (when you choose that option), and it’s kept to a small group, with a maximum of eight. At $155 per person for roughly 6 to 9 hours, you’re paying for more than trail time: it’s transport, guided navigation, and a full itinerary of viewpoints and beaches.

Key points to know before you go

• Small group size (up to 8): more personal pacing and fewer people on the trail.
• North-coast route for the pickup option: transfers can run from Garachico toward Bajamar.
• Mirador Pico del Inglés viewpoints: two distinct stop-offs, including a possible 360° panorama on clear days.
• Relict laurel forest time: a short forest walk centered on ancient endemic plants.
• Parque Rural de Anaga hike: an official trail through the forest, with long stretches on the mountain crest.
• Playa de Benijo beach finale: a black-sand finish with Roques de las Bodegas, Almáciga, and Benijo.

Free north-coast pickup and what $155 really covers

This tour is priced at $155 per person, and the value is in how much you get bundled into one day. You’re not just buying a hike; you’re buying guided route-finding plus a vehicle ride that strings together several of Tenerife’s most atmospheric north-and-east highlights.

If you pick the northern option, transfer is included along the north coast, starting in Garachico and ending in Bajamar. That means you get a smoother start to Anaga, and you also get built-in time to see towns like Icod de los Vinos, La Orotava, Puerto de la Cruz, San Cristóbal de La Laguna, and Tacoronte from the road while you’re en route.

Two practical things to keep in mind: meals and coffee/tea are not included, and bottled water is not included. Trekking poles are included, which matters here because the walking is in steep, forested terrain where good support helps.

Puerto de la Cruz start: setting the tone before the hike

The day begins at Puerto de la Cruz, but the real magic is the lead-in drive along northern Tenerife. On the north-coast transfer route, you’ll pass through several towns that shape the island’s character: volcanic valleys, coastal scenery, and the “real Tenerife” rhythm outside the big tourist bubble.

Once you reach the Puerto de la Cruz stop, it’s a short segment (about 40 minutes) with admission listed as free for that portion. This is a good moment to get your bearings, use the restroom if you need it, and check your gear before you move into the higher, wilder terrain.

This portion is especially helpful if you’re coming from another part of the island. Even if you’re local, the transfer route gives you context for where Anaga sits and why the north-eastern side feels so different once you’re out in the forest.

Mirador Pico del Inglés: 360° potential and a living forest

At Mirador Pico del Inglés, the plan is built around two different viewpoint stops. One is designed for a wide panorama—on clear days, you can get that satisfying island-scale perspective that’s hard to capture from inside the trees.

The other stop is where you slow down. You’ll have time (about 20 minutes) to walk through the relict laurel forest. This is not just scenic greenery. The forest here is described as a living museum of natural history, with endemic species that have survived on Tenerife since before the last Ice Age.

Admission for this stop is included, so you’re not juggling tickets mid-day. The main consideration is time and weather: the forest walk is short, but if clouds roll in, views can mute. That said, cloudy days in Anaga often still feel dramatic because the fog and mist cling to the trees.

Las Montañas de Anaga: trailhead drive and cave-house village scenes

Next you drive to Las Montañas de Anaga, about 30 minutes from the previous area. This is one of those transitions that makes the day feel like a real “journey.” You go from viewpoint land into the deep forest and toward a village setting that looks carved into the island’s geology.

At the trailhead area, you’ll spend around 30 minutes with admission listed as included. The big visual theme here is the cliffside living style: half of the dwellings are built into the cliffs as traditional cave houses. It’s a strong contrast to the modern tourist parts of Tenerife, and it’s the kind of place where your brain goes quiet for a moment because it’s so different from how most people build.

The drawback is mostly practical: this is a scenery stop tied to a moving schedule. If you love long photo time, plan to take quick shots and keep moving with the group so you don’t miss the main hike window.

Parque Rural de Anaga hike: official trail, mountain crest walking

The heart of the day is the hike through Parque Rural de Anaga. You begin with a climb along a specially maintained official trail, then you get the kind of forest wandering that only exists on this side of Tenerife.

You’ll spend about 3 hours 30 minutes hiking here, and admission is included for the park portion. One detail I really like is that the trail keeps you near the mountain crest while still walking through the ancient laurel forest. That combination tends to give you both shade and air, plus occasional openings where you can see farther without constantly being exposed.

This is also where trekking poles earn their keep. If you’ve got any knee sensitivity, poles help with uneven footing, and the steady rhythm of official trail sections makes it easier to keep a safe pace.

Your caution point: the tour is described for travelers with moderate physical fitness. There are climbs, and weather shifts can add slick patches. Good grip shoes matter more than speed.

San Cristóbal de La Laguna and the return-drive rhythm

After the main Anaga hiking portion, the day doesn’t collapse into a boring transfer. You head back through San Cristóbal de La Laguna, about 1 hour for this segment.

This stop is marked as admission free. You’ll also get a sense of scale: the drive from here back toward Santa Cruz takes about 30 minutes, while reaching the south side of the island would take about 60 minutes. Even if you’re not going south, that timing helps you understand why the itinerary is structured this way: it’s moving you through Tenerife efficiently while keeping the fun parts in the right order.

The practical value of this stop is psychological. You get a reset before the afternoon viewpoints and beach finale. If you’re prone to feeling rushed on day trips, this mid-day breather helps keep energy steady.

Mirador de Jardina to Playa de Benijo: shifting from heights to black sand

Mirador de Jardina is your next viewpoint pause, and it’s scheduled for about 1 hour 10 minutes. Admission is included here. The timing also matters: this is the bridge between “forest heights” and “sea drama,” so you’re building momentum toward the final beach section.

Then comes the finale at Playa de Benijo, about 1 hour. This is where the day rewards your effort with dramatic black-sand coastlines framed by cliffs. You also visit three named beach areas—Roques de las Bodegas, Almáciga, and Benijo.

The tour also includes a stop in an extraordinary hidden village where most homes are traditional cave dwellings carved into the rock. The nickname you’ll hear for this area is Canarian Switzerland. It’s the kind of place where you can see why cliff living survived: the rock isn’t just a backdrop, it’s a building material.

One more practical note: this beach ending is a “wrap and enjoy” moment, not a long linger. Wear shoes that can handle both trail dirt and coastal surfaces.

Pacing, weather swings, and what to pack in Anaga

Anaga is famous for microclimates, and your best strategy is to dress like you might need two different days in one afternoon. One of the clearest tips from real-world experience: temperatures can drop during the walk, with reports of about a 10-degree change. Bring layers you can add or remove fast.

A light rain jacket is not optional in this type of terrain. You can hit rain, strong wind, and then sunshine in a short time window. Even when the forecast looks calm, the mountains can change your reality.

Here’s what I’d pack for this tour:

• Hiking shoes with strong grip (forest ground can be slick)
• Light rain layer you can access quickly
• Layers for temperature swings
• Your own water and snacks, since meals and bottled water are not included

Also, trekking poles are included, so you don’t need to carry them unless you prefer your own. If you use poles, make sure the tips are in good shape for uneven surfaces.

Guide matters: Eugenio’s pacing and careful attention

In small-group hikes, the guide sets the tone. The best part of this experience is that your day doesn’t feel like a checklist. The guiding style is described as attentive, calm, and paced for real people, not just fast hikers.

Eugenio is the most frequently mentioned guide name, and multiple experiences describe him as passionate about the island and focused on keeping guests comfortable. In some cases, people noted that he took time to check on older hikers and adjusted the pace so the group stayed safe and steady.

Even the viewpoint timing gets tied to this care. You’ll make multiple stops for photos and viewpoints, including the potential 360° panorama at Pico del Inglés. That’s great if you’re a photographer, but it’s also helpful if you just want moments to breathe and absorb the area.

If you care about learning details while you walk, this is a good match because the guide connects what you’re seeing—plants, terrain, island history—with the route you’re walking.

Should you book this Anaga hiking tour?

Book it if you want a day that feels like Tenerife has corners most visitors never see. The combination of relict laurel forest, cave-house villages, viewpoints with major visual payoffs, and a black-sand beach finale makes this a “whole day” experience.

Skip it if you hate hiking climbs or you want a super flexible schedule with lots of free time. The itinerary is structured, and even though the walking portion sounds moderate, the setting is still steep and weather-sensitive.

If you’re someone who packs layers, wears grippy shoes, and likes off-the-main-road nature, you’ll likely feel like you spent your money on memories that stick.

FAQ

How long is the Anaga hiking tour?

It runs for about 6 to 9 hours in total.

What fitness level do I need?

The tour is aimed at travelers with moderate physical fitness. You should expect some climbs and uneven footing.

Is free pick-up included, and where does it start?

A free pick-up option is offered. For the group option focused on northern Tenerife, transfer is included along the north coast starting in Garachico and ending in Bajamar.

Which days does the northern departure run?

The northern Tenerife departure with included transport runs exclusively on Wednesdays and Sundays.

How many people are in the group?

The tour has a maximum of 8 travelers.

What’s included in the price?

Included items are an air-conditioned vehicle, trekking poles, civil liability insurance, and a guide.

What’s not included?

Meals, coffee and/or tea, and bottled water are not included.

Is the tour offered in English?

Yes, the tour is offered in English.

What should I bring for weather in Anaga?

Bring layers, because temperatures can drop during the walk, and pack a light rain jacket since weather can change quickly in the mountains.

What happens if it’s canceled due to weather, or if I cancel?

If the experience is canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund; less than 24 hours before start time is not refunded.