Individuals entering the Masca Ravine in Tenerife can do so for free if they are residents of the island, but they are required to pay a reservation fee of 3 euros. The amount will be reimbursed within 72 hours upon verification at the Park’s information centre.
The Director of Natural Environment for the island, Pedro Millán reaffirmed this on Friday during the plenary session of the council. He stated that “no resident of Tenerife will face charges” for descending into Masca. Instead, they are charged for the reservation, with the refund process being automatic without the need for manual requests.
Millán’s address was in response to an inquiry raised by the Mixed Group (Vox) concerning the rationale behind charging residents of Tenerife 3 euros to access the Barranco de Masca.
In response to another criticism voiced by Naím Yánez (Vox), Pedro Millán clarified that there are no plans to charge for access to natural sites, but rather for the services delivered within them.
He used Masca as an example, the initial test project for implementing entrance fees to protected natural areas in Tenerife, which employs 18 individuals to ensure a secure route, an informative centre, and a continuously monitored pier.
He emphasised that the Barranco offers “a plethora of services” with a predetermined capacity of 275 spots for visitors. Reservations are necessary for all visitors to prevent instances where individuals reserve but fail to turn up, consequently depriving other citizens or tourists of a spot.
The entry fee system for Masca, situated in Teno Natural Park, was activated on July 12. Currently, visits are only permitted on Fridays and weekends for adults and children aged 8 and above.
Tickets can be purchased from www.caminobarrancodemasca.com. There are three different tariffs for adults: Tenerife residents are exempt from charges, individuals from other Canary Islands pay 3 euros, and tourists pay 28 euros.
