- Starting Point
- Type of Trail
- Distance
- Duration
- Las Portelas
- Linear
- 4.8 Km
- 2 H
- Ending Point
- Dificulty
- Elevation
- Masca Village
- Moderate
- 305 m
Route Highlights
- Barranco de Las Lubes – The first landmark, a quiet green ravine you cross early on before the climbing starts.
- La Cumbre / La Cancela – The ridge and the high point of the walk. The whole Teno massif and the Masca ravine open up in a single sweep. This is the panoramic payoff.
- Laurisilva Forest – Shaded pockets of ancient Canarian laurel forest break up the exposed ridge. Cooler, greener, a welcome change of light.
- Mirador de Cruz de Hilda – A second viewpoint looking straight into the ravines around Masca, with a small café to rest and refuel before the steep descent begins.
- El Turrón – A tiny hamlet of terraced fields, palm trees, and old farmsteads just above Masca, on the final approach.
- Masca Village – The finish: traditional Canarian houses wedged into the cliffs, a few places to eat, and the bus stop for the ride back.
Information
This is the calmer, permit-free way into Masca. You start in the mountain hamlet of Las Portelas, climb once to the Teno ridge, then descend the PR-TF 59 straight into Masca village. It gives you the two views most people come to Teno for — the massif and the Masca ravine — while avoiding the crowds and the ticketed trailhead on the gorge side.
Effort is close to the Santiago del Teide route: similar overall demand, just a different way in. One solid climb early, one steep and loose descent at the end, big open views between.
This trail finishes in Masca village. It does not go down the Barranco de Masca (Masca Gorge) to the ocean — that’s a separate, controlled-entry hike you must book in advance on the official site: Book the Masca Gorge hike here
You set off from La Portela Baja, heading south-west along Calle de Fuera, then turn right onto the marked footpath. Shortly after, you reach and cross the Barranco de Las Lubes.
From the ravine the first climb begins — up the slopes of Martín Bay, crossing the Pista El Mazapé track as you gain height toward the ridge.
At La Cumbre (also called La Cancela) the trail tops out and the views arrive all at once: the Teno massif on one side, the Masca ravine ahead. This is the natural place to stop and take it in.
From the ridge you begin the descent toward Mirador de Cruz de Hilda, the second viewpoint, with its small café. Rest here — the trail steepens noticeably from this point.
The final stretch drops continuously and on loose ground down to the hamlet of El Turrón, past terraced fields and palms. Wear boots with good grip; this is where people slip. From El Turrón it’s a short final walk into Masca village, where you can eat before catching the bus back.
Because it’s a linear, sun-exposed ridge with little shade, bring plenty of water and sun protection, and start early in the warmer months.
How to Get Here
Park either in Buenavista del Norte or directly in Las Portelas — whichever suits you. Line 355 runs from Buenavista del Norte up through Las Portelas, so it’s the same bus either way.
Walk the trail to Masca, then take the 355 back to wherever you left the car. That makes this a simple one-way (linear) hike with no need to retrace your steps.
You get the same magnificent Teno views — and you avoid the craziness on the other, busier side of Masca.
Check the Línea 355 timetable before you set off, as times change.
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