{"id":358,"date":"2026-02-05T16:54:02","date_gmt":"2026-02-05T16:54:02","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/tenerifeessential.com\/2026\/02\/05\/day-trip-the-wild-west\/"},"modified":"2026-03-01T15:44:05","modified_gmt":"2026-03-01T15:44:05","slug":"day-trip-the-wild-west","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/tenerifeessential.com\/en\/2026\/02\/05\/day-trip-the-wild-west\/","title":{"rendered":"Day trip: The Wild West"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Route:<\/strong> TF\u20111 \u2192 TF\u201147 or TF\u201182 \u2192 Santiago del Teide \u2192 Masca (TF\u2011436) \u2192 Buenavista del Norte (TF\u201142, bus 369 to Faro de Teno) \u2192 Garachico \u2192 Icod de los Vinos (Drago & Mariposario) \u2192 TF\u201182 via El Tanque and Erjos \u2192 TF\u20111 \u2192 Costa AdejeDistance:<\/strong> approx. 120 km from Costa AdejeDuration:<\/strong> full day<\/p>\n\n

Getting to the west: coast or mountains<\/h2>\n\n

The fastest way to Santiago del Teide is via the TF\u20111 motorway. If you\u2019d like to see more of the south on the way there, take the coastal road TF\u201147 via Playa San Juan and Los Gigantes. In Los Gigantes, sheer cliffs over 800 metres high rise straight out of the sea \u2013 a spectacular sight you can admire and photograph especially well from Mirador Archipenque.<\/a>\u200b <\/p>\n\n

From here, continue to Santiago del Teide. The San Fernando Rey church dates from around 1679 and replaced an older chapel from about 1520. Like many churches from the time of the conquest, together with the village centre, town hall and bar, it forms the heart of the village. <\/p>\n\n

Masca: hairpin bends, views and gorge<\/h2>\n\n

In Santiago del Teide, turn onto the TF\u2011436 towards Masca. This road isn\u2019t for the faint-hearted: well maintained, but narrow and very winding. After about 1.5 kilometres, it\u2019s worth stopping at Mirador de Cherfe. Far below, Masca clings to the rocks, framed by steep mountains \u2013 one of the island\u2019s most impressive backdrops. <\/p>\n\n

Parking in Masca is limited, so it\u2019s best to arrive early in the morning. Treat yourself to a coffee, enjoy the view and soak up the atmosphere of this place, once popular with smugglers. If you book in time, you can hike down the Barranco de Masca to Playa de Masca and then take a boat back to Los Gigantes. The hike is demanding and requires good equipment and experience, as well as prior online registration.<\/a>\u200bInfo and reservations: https:\/\/www.caminobarrancodemasca.com\/<\/a> <\/p>\n\n

Buenavista del Norte and Faro de Teno<\/h2>\n\n

From Masca, the TF\u2011436 winds downhill in hairpin bends through initially dusty-dry, barren terrain. A short stop at Mirador La Cruz de Hilda offers one last magnificent look back down to Masca. A few hundred metres further on, you reach the water and weather divide \u2013 suddenly the landscape turns lush green and almost subtropical. <\/p>\n\n

In Buenavista del Norte, turn onto the TF\u201142. The road to Faro de Teno is closed to private vehicles; scheduled buses run to the lighthouse several times a day. Take TITSA line 369, which connects Buenavista del Norte with Punta de Teno (one-way journey time approx. 15\u201320 minutes). <\/a>Current times: www.titsa.com<\/a><\/p>\n\n

At Faro de Teno, you\u2019ll enjoy spectacular views of the Atlantic and, on clear days, of the neighbouring islands.<\/p>\n\n

Garachico: old town and sea pools<\/h2>\n\n

Back in Buenavista del Norte, follow the TF\u201142 east towards Garachico. This small coastal town impresses with its seawater pools, lovely promenade and a beautifully restored old town. For many visitors, Garachico is the prettiest village in the Canary Islands. <\/a><\/p>\n\n

It\u2019s well worth stopping here for a swim in the natural pools, a stroll through the lanes, or a relaxed lunch.<\/p>\n\n

Restaurant tips:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n