The Tenerife Island Council has introduced the inaugural eco-charge on the island in the Masca gorge and the pier. The objective is to manage and regulate the increasing demand for visits to this section of the Teno Rural Park.
Here are the conditions to access the Masca ravine from Friday, 12th July:
Rates
Entry will be personalised, requiring a name and identification or passport. It can be obtained via the website www.caminodelbarrancodemasca.com.
Visiting charges, which include IGIC, are as follows:
- Tenerife resident – free
- Adult resident of the Canary Islands – €3
- Child resident of the Canary Islands – €1.50
- Non-resident adult – €28
- Non-resident child – €14
Residents of Masca are exempt from the Camino del Barranco fee and will have regulated access.
Inclusions
- Guidance, check-in, and supervision from the Masca Visitor Centre to the pier for the descent and from the pier to the Caserío to ascend.
- Presence of security personnel along the route. First aid and assistance in rescue situations by security and emergency services.
- Accidental insurance.
- Provision of a protective helmet.
Exclusions
Round-trip transportation to and from the route’s starting and ending points (Los Gigantes or Punta de Teno) is not included in the eco-charge.
Days and Hours
The service will operate on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays initially, with only downhill trips by sea (from the village to the pier).
A daily ascent slot is available at 9:00 a.m. for users interested in ascending.
Allocation
A maximum daily limit of 275 visitors has been set.
Transportation
The eco-tax price excludes transport to and from the starting point and endpoint (Los Gigantes or Punta de Teno). Therefore, passengers will need to purchase boat tickets for the sea departure via the platform, with the maritime transport company, available on the day, at an additional cost.
The Cabildo also anticipates including bus transfers to Masca from Los Gigantes and Buenavista by the year’s end. Efforts are underway to introduce shuttle buses to facilitate access and reduce traffic congestion.
In the future, a bus ticket for discretionary entry to Masca will also need to be acquired through the website.
Other Tenerife Natural Areas Subject to Eco-Tax
This initiative aims to safeguard and sustain nature, with all proceeds dedicated to preserving the Masca Gorge, as stated by island president, Rosa Dávila, during a press briefing. “It will enhance safety, prevent overcrowding, and restore its natural beauty and scenic appeal.”
Dávila further mentioned that the Council is working on implementing eco-taxes in locations such as the Teide National Park or the Anaga Rural Park, in collaboration with citizens and groups to determine optimum solutions.
“Our objective is to eventually operate daily throughout the year after evaluating the initial phase’s outcomes,” noted Pedro Millán, Director of Natural Environment for the island. “We will refine the service as needed for improved performance.”
