This route mixes devotion, secrecy, and Atlantic air. You start in Candelaria, with its Black Madonna and big outdoor statues along the water, then you head to Arico for the eerie leprosy “village” and its Franco-era church. I like that the day feels varied without feeling rushed, and the walking is described as easy on purpose.

My second favorite part is the pacing. With a private group, the guide can steer time toward what you care about most (history, photos, viewpoints, or just slowing down to enjoy the town squares). One watch-out: the leprosy site is historic and heavy in tone, and you’ll also want to be ready for a decent amount of walking and sun.

Quick hits that make this tour work

• Candelaria’s Basilica plus a seaside promenade (and the chance to see the Cave Chapel of San Blas)
• Arico’s abandoned leprosy buildings, including a standout Cathedral of Lepers
• A relaxed beach day rhythm in Arico el Nuevo, with a lighthouse stop and a swim option
• Optional Pyramids of Güímar for science-meets-mystery curiosity and a botanical garden walk
• A private vehicle with bottled water** and built-in photo time with the guide

Candelaria’s Basilica, Sea Wall Statues, and Cave Chapel Calm

Candelaria is the kind of place where religion, local identity, and ocean breezes share the same square. You’ll spend time near the Basilica and the main waterfront plaza, where many of the Canary Islands’ visitors come to honor the shrine of the Black Madonna. Even if you’re not into church interiors, the outdoor setting is worth it: it’s right on the sea edge.

Look for the sea wall at the Plaza de Patrona de Canarias. There are nine colossal statues of Guanche chiefs, standing along the water. The effect is big and slightly surreal—like an open-air museum that happens to be connected to living pilgrimage.

You also get time for the old town vibe: bars, shops, and the look of typical Canarian architecture, including those charming wooden balconies. And yes, there’s a promenade along the seafront plus a small harbor, so you can take a breather without turning the day into just sitting in cafés.

If you want an extra stop, you can visit the Cave Chapel of San Blas. This is the kind of small detail that makes a tour feel human. It’s not another “line up and move on” moment; it’s a quieter change of pace.

Practical note: Candelaria is listed with free admission for this part of the day, so you’re not paying extra just to see the core sights.

The Arico Leprosy Ruins: Cathedral of Lepers and the Late-Francoism Twist

Then the day shifts gears. Arico is where the tour leans into the unusual, and honestly, that’s the point. You’ll visit an abandoned leprosy complex described as Spanish Fascism–style buildings from late-Francoism—plus a walk through a site that includes 40 buildings tied to the leprosy colony’s function.

The route starts from a pretty white hamlet beside a golden sand beach. That’s not a cute Instagram detail. It matters because it gives you a visual contrast: sea and sand right before you step into a place built for illness, separation, and control.

Here’s what makes this stop so memorable. The buildings weren’t just housing. The description includes a crematorium, a very impressive church, a school, a hospital, recreation spaces, and accommodation blocks. And the centerpiece you’ll aim for is the famous Cathedral of Lepers.

This is the kind of history that can feel unsettling, not because it’s gory or theatrical, but because it’s real. You’re looking at architecture made to run a system—rules, institutions, and forced routines. If that topic doesn’t sit well with you, keep that in mind before booking.

But if you like meaningful history—especially history that goes beyond the postcard Tenerife stuff—you’ll probably enjoy how the guide connects dots. In one day like this, a good guide makes you see the place as a story, not a random set of ruins.

Walking level: the tour description calls it a very easy walk, about 3 hours round trip. Easy doesn’t mean zero effort, though. Bring sun protection and assume you’ll want decent shoes.

Arico el Nuevo: Beaches, a Lighthouse, and One More Scenic Route

After the heavier Arico stop, Arico el Nuevo gives you a calmer, more coastal feel. You head down to another beautiful village where you can grab a coffee and a sandwich, then rest a bit. That pause is more valuable than it sounds. It prevents the day from turning into one long grind.

Then comes the second half of the trip: you return toward the starting point using a different, longer route—the one that’s described as a bit more scenic. Along the way, you’ll see nearby beaches and a picturesque lighthouse. This part is where the tour earns its “alternative” label. You’re not just moving between museums; you’re doing coastal route sightseeing with small stops that actually change the view.

Once back near the white village, you’ll head toward the beach again. There’s even an option to get into the ocean if you want to swim—great if you’re traveling in warmer months and want the day to end with something physical and relaxing instead of only sightseeing.

One practical consideration: you’ll be on beaches and coastal paths. Conditions can vary. Even if the walk is easy, you’ll want to be ready for sand, uneven ground, and sun.

Optional Pyramids of Güímar: Science Debate Meets Botanical Garden Time

The Pyramids of Güímar are optional, and I like that you’re given the choice. If you want a break from architecture-as-history and you’re curious about theories, this stop can add a playful edge to the day.

You’ll see six terraced pyramids built with volcanic rock. The real hook is the debate around what they were for—agricultural terraces, ancient observatories, or something more speculative. The site doesn’t push one answer as the only truth. It turns the visit into a chance to think.

There’s also an ethnographic park and botanical garden component. You’ll find exhibits tied to Thor Heyerdahl and his ideas about transoceanic connections. Whether you agree with the theories or not, the museum-style approach gives you context and turns curiosity into a structured visit.

Then there’s the botanical garden stroll, focused on flora from around the globe. If you’ve been in “history mode” all day, this can feel like mental downtime with a purpose.

Expectations check: admission for this stop is not included, and the time is shorter (about an hour listed). So it’s best if you’re selective, not if you want a slow, deep museum day.

Price and Logistics: Private Group Value Without the Guesswork

The price is $378.71 per group (up to 4) for about 7 to 8 hours. That’s not cheap if you’re traveling solo, but it gets easier to swallow when you split it. With four people, you’re effectively looking at roughly $95 per person for a private guided day with pickup, a vehicle, and multiple stops.

What makes this feel like good value is that several major segments are listed with free admission (Candelaria, Arico, and Arico el Nuevo), while the Pyramids are optional and paid separately. You aren’t paying extra for the core experience.

You also get the “small but important” items that make day trips smoother:

• Pickup offered (you share your pickup location by email/WhatsApp/Telegram)
• Air-conditioned vehicle
• Bottled water
• Mobile ticket
• Photo session included

In one experience note, the driver Theo is mentioned as tailoring the day to interests, and that detail matters. A private guide isn’t just about comfort; it’s about time management. Theo was described as adjusting the tour so the group got maximum value from the day, and that kind of flexibility is what you pay for.

If your schedule is tight—like a shore excursion day—this is also the sort of itinerary where a good guide helps you decide what to prioritize without panicking.

Photos, Food Breaks, and the Little Details That Make It Feel Real

This tour includes a photo session. That’s a big deal because it’s not just “we passed by a viewpoint.” The guide takes time for pictures, and it can help you avoid the classic issue of only getting photos where you’re cropped at the edge and everyone looks like they’re escaping the camera.

On the food side, lunch is optional and not included. That said, there’s a built-in logic: the Arico el Nuevo segment includes time for a coffee and sandwich, and later there’s an optional lunch area around Güímar. If you want a real taste of the region, this is the moment to stop and eat something local instead of snacking all day.

In one mentioned lunch setup, the meal leaned toward Canarian-style choices—things like chickpeas and pork stew, goat cheese with several sauces, roast goat, and Canarian potatoes. You won’t know the exact menu in advance, but you can expect the guide to steer you toward a practical place for a proper lunch.

Tip: if you’re prone to decision fatigue, tell Theo early that you want a no-stress lunch. Then you can focus on the sights.

How Much Walking Is Actually Involved?

The itinerary includes both “walk through town” and “walk an old site.” The clearest cue is the leprosy complex portion, described as a very easy walk of about 3 hours round trip. That tells you you should plan for time on foot, even if it’s not steep climbing.

Then you’ll also have beach time and coastal walking on the Arico el Nuevo side, plus additional strolling in Candelaria.

The tour notes also say most travelers can participate. Still, I’d treat this as an active day, not a sit-and-snack excursion. If you’re using mobility aids, you’ll want to ask about path conditions in advance, because the data provided doesn’t spell out step-free routes.

Who This Tenerife Alternative Tour Fits Best

This is a strong fit if you:

• love places with a story, even when the story is uncomfortable
• want a day that mixes churches, coast, and unusual history
• prefer a private experience where the guide can adjust to your pace
• enjoy photography and want help getting better shots than phone-on-tripod desperation

It’s also a good match for a small group or family of up to four, because you’ll share a private vehicle and keep the flow of the day smoother than a crowded bus.

Should You Book This Tenerife Alternative Tour?

I’d book it if you’re tired of only the usual Tenerife highlights and you want a day that feels more like real island life—town squares, sea promenades, and a history site you won’t forget. The combination of Candelaria’s powerful setting and Arico’s abandoned institutional complex gives the day contrast, not repetition.

Skip—or at least think twice—if:

• the leprosy history is too emotionally heavy for you
• you strongly dislike walking on uneven coastal paths
• you only want bright, carefree sightseeing (this one includes serious material)

If you do book, my best advice is to tell Theo what you care about most at the start—history, photos, beaches, or viewpoints—so the day matches your mood instead of forcing a one-size schedule.

FAQ

What time does the tour start?

It starts at 10:00 am.

How long is the tour?

It runs for about 7 to 8 hours.

Is pickup included?

Yes. Pickup is offered and they pick up all travelers. You’ll need to send your pickup location.

What languages is the tour offered in?

The tour is offered in English.

Is this a private tour?

Yes. It’s a private tour/activity, and only your group participates.

How many people are in a group?

The price is per group (up to 4).

Are bottled water and photos included?

Yes. Bottled water is included, and there’s a photo session included as well.

Are entrance tickets included?

For the main stops (Candelaria and Arico areas), the admission is listed as free. The Pyramids of Güímar stop is optional and its admission ticket is not included.

Is lunch included?

No. Lunch is optional and not included in the tour price.

Is there walking?

Yes. The Arico leprosy portion includes a very easy walk described as about 3 hours round trip. There’s also coastal walking at other stops, plus a swim option at Arico el Nuevo.

What’s the cancellation policy?

You can cancel for a full refund if you do it at least 24 hours before the experience start time.