Teide National Park And Teno Rural Park Combo

Teide National Park And Teno Rural Park Combo Photo #1 of 2 Photo copyright ShoreTrips.com.

Overview

Enjoy an incomparable experience without large crowds.

Today you will have the opportunity to enjoy the Forest of Hope, the Corona Forestal, and of course the majestic Teide - Spain's highest peak and one of our National World Heritage sites - not to mention the steep terrain of the Teno Massif and the picturesque village of Masca.

Teide National Park was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2007 and it is, without doubt, the icon of Tenerife. Teide National Park lies right in the middle of the island, at an altitude of 6,500 ft above sea level. Even from a car, the park is a spectacular sight to see. The landscape is breathtaking from every angle. The greatest contrast occurs if you enter from the north and exit towards the south or vice-versa so the dramatic changes are so apparent. It is first of all a perfect sample of supra-Mediterranean vegetation on earth, where the climate induces characteristic Mediterranean forests, woodlands, and scrub vegetation. Secondly, it covers one of the world's most stunning volcanic landscapes.

The park is called 'the roof' of Spain and is referred to as one of the 12 treasures of Spain. Your ride to the park is not far in miles but will take about 1.5 hours of gorgeous scenery for your arrival. The unusual volcanic rocks, with the formations and biodiversity, has made Teide the most visited park in Europe and the 9th most visited in the world. The drastic change of landscape as you rise in altitude is dramatic. Lush vegetation gives way to a lunar-like environment with rocks, volcanic cones and rivers of lava very visible.

The views from Mount Teide, which is the highest point in Spain, will allow you fabulous photographs. But you will also see the Roques de Garcia, one of many unique formations, from this point and and yet pass through it on your ride. Your guide will explain the lava dikes that formed, which separated the two cauldrons of the valley.

Teno Country Park is located in the north-west of the island of Tenerife and covers part of the municipalities of Buenavista del Norte, Los Silos, El Tanque and Santiago del Teide. Spanning almost 200,000 acres, this is one of Tenerife's most beautiful nature areas and has preserved much of its ecological, scenic and cultural wealth, largely thanks to its isolated position. Once you set eyes on the area's complicated topography, you will find it incredible to think that people used to live there. The variety of its landscapes has it all, from magnificent cliffs, valleys, islands and laurel forests to wonderful pieces of traditional architecture.

But Teno is not just about its spectacular landscapes; it is also a treasure in terms of biological diversity. This is a key refuge for certain endangered species, such as the laurel pigeon, the spotted lizard, the crow, the Masca limonium, the amargosa and the corazoncillo de Masca, to name just a few that you most likely have never heard of! The presence of species such as the osprey, the rarest bird of prey on the Island, has led this to be declared a Special Bird Protection Area. Take your time to admire their majestic flight and honed hunting techniques – a true gift of nature.

Teno Country Park houses several village areas. The hamlets of El Palmar, Teno Alto, Las Lagunetas, Las Portelas, Los Carrizales, Masca and Erjos, for instance, rely largely on farming and livestock, mostly for their own consumption. Masca, one of your stops, is a small mountain village on the island of Tenerife. The village is home to around 90 inhabitants. The village lies at an altitude of 650 m in the Macizo de Teno mountains, which extend up to the northwestern most point of Tenerife. Around these hamlets you will find old ovens that were used for baking tiles or bread, as well as communal threshing floors and shelters that are typically used for livestock in farming areas such as Teno Alto.

- Food, beverages, gratuities not mentioned are not included.
- Admissions to museums and interpretive centers are not included and are optional.
- Please dress comfortably and a jacket or heavy sweater is suggested for the altitude.
- Comfortable shoes are a must. Sunscreen is suggested.

- The order of this itinerary is subject to change.

Days offered: 7 days a week

Departures:

• 08:00 AM, duration: 8 hours
• 09:00 AM, duration: 8 hours