The funds generated will be allocated towards maintenance, users will need to pay for boat usage, and shuttle buses are being arranged to reduce the number of cars.
SANTA CRUZ DE TENERIFE, 12 Jul. (EUROPA PRESS) –
On Friday, the Tenerife Island Council introduced a fee to access the Masca ravine and the pier to efficiently manage the increasing demand for this public area in the Teno Rural Park. The revenue generated will be entirely reinvested into preserving the site.
Tenerife residents will have free entry, while Canary Islands residents will need to pay 3 euros (adults) and 1.50 euros (children), and non-residents will pay 28 euros (adults) and 14 euros (children), plus IGIC.
Moreover, a maximum of 275 people per day will be allowed for a service that will initially operate from Friday to Sunday.
During a press conference, the president of the Cabildo, Rosa Dávila; the vice president, Lope Afonso; the regional minister for the Natural Environment, Sustainability, Security, and Emergencies, Blanca Pérez, and the island director for the Natural Environment, Pedro Millán, presented the tax details.
Dávila highlighted that “this is the first eco-tax implemented in Tenerife to regulate the Masca Ravine Trail, enabling organized and controlled visits. We have fulfilled our commitment in a short period, within just two months, thanks to the dedicated efforts of the Natural Environment department, which worked collaboratively to establish this new regulation.”
According to him, “this pioneering measure in the Canary Islands – although there is already a charge for accessing natural spaces in Lanzarote – positions us as a sustainable destination. The primary aim is to safeguard and conserve nature.”
He also emphasized that all proceeds will contribute to the conservation of the Masca Ravine.
“The eco-tax will enhance visitor safety and prevent overcrowding in this area, resulting in a significant recovery of its natural and scenic characteristics,” stated Dávila.
He also confirmed that the Council is actively working on implementing similar eco-taxes in places like the Teide National Park or the Anaga Rural Park, ensuring a “collaborative” approach with the public and groups to find optimal solutions.
Lope Afonso noted that Tenerife is establishing itself as a “sustainable tourist destination” by incorporating such measures that appreciate nature. He mentioned that 95% of Masca ravine visitors are tourists who will contribute to the maintenance costs.
Afonso expressed gratitude for “the joint efforts of the Tourism, Natural Environment, and Mobility departments in swiftly implementing this measure, now a reality.”
Blanca Pérez stated, “We have collaborated with Masca residents to find solutions and, together with the Masca Ravine Trail regulation, we are coordinating bus services in the area to facilitate access and alleviate traffic congestion.”
RESIDENTS TO BENEFIT FROM FREE ENTRY
He added, “Masca residents will not be charged for using the Masca Ravine Trail and will be granted coordinated access without any issues.”
Pedro Millán recalled the previous closure of this area due to safety concerns, portraying it as a place with “complex situations” and unprepared visitors, leading to challenging rescue operations.
“This regulation will ensure safety, provide visitors with a positive experience, and aid in restoring the scenic values of this area, a true gem,” he commented.
Initially, the service will operate on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays, offering only downhill journeys and sea departures. However, a daily uphill service at 9:00 a.m. is included for users who wish to ascend.
“After testing this new format, necessary adjustments will be made to enhance the service. The plan is to operate every day of the year, although a decision will be made later based on the results,” explained Pedro Millán.
BOAT TRIP NOT INCLUDED
The fee covers information, check-in and supervision from the Masca Visitor Centre to the pier, support from security staff along the route, accident insurance, and a protective helmet for head protection.
The round-trip transfer to and from the route’s starting point (Los Gigantes or Punta de Teno) is not inclusive. The Cabildo anticipates incorporating bus transport to Masca from Los Gigantes and Buenavista into the service by the year’s end.
Ticket purchases will require personal details and identification or passport and will be processed through the website platform www.caminodelbarrancodemasca.com.
Additionally, a separate ticket for boat departure will need to be purchased through the same platform from the collaborating maritime transport company operating on that day, with the cost being distinct from the tax.
In the future, a bus ticket for discretionary access to Masca will also be necessary via the web platform.
