If you enjoy hiking, you've probably heard about two legendary trails in Tenerife: Barranco del Infierno and Masca Gorge.
Both are famous for dramatic landscapes, towering cliffs, and unforgettable views, but the experience of hiking each one is very different.
Visitors often ask which hike is better. The truth is that both are spectacular, but they appeal to different types of travelers.
To help you decide, here is a simple guide comparing the scenery, difficulty, and overall atmosphere of these two iconic Tenerife adventures.
Barranco del Infierno – A Scenic and Accessible Adventure
Barranco del Infierno, which translates to "Hell's Ravine," is located just above the town of Adeje in the south of Tenerife.
Despite the dramatic name, the area is actually a peaceful green valley surrounded by towering cliffs.
The trail is around 6.5 kilometers round trip and usually takes about three hours to complete.
The path is well maintained, making it comfortable for most hikers with moderate fitness.
One of the highlights of the hike is reaching the only natural waterfall in Tenerife.
Along the way you can enjoy views of the ravine, local wildlife, and the quiet atmosphere of a protected nature reserve.
Access to the trail is limited to a certain number of visitors per day in order to protect the environment, which keeps the experience calm and uncrowded.
Because of occasional rockfall risks, hikers are provided with helmets at the entrance of the reserve.
Trail highlights:
- 6.5 km round trip (approximately 3 hours)
- Well-maintained path suitable for moderate fitness levels
- Tenerife's only natural waterfall
- Green valley scenery with towering cliffs
- Limited daily visitors (must book in advance)
- Safety helmets provided
Difficulty: Moderate – suitable for most hikers
Location: Above Adeje, South Tenerife
Masca Gorge – Tenerife's Wild Canyon
Masca Gorge is one of the most famous and dramatic hikes in the Canary Islands.
The trail begins in the tiny mountain village of Masca, often compared to Machu Picchu because of its spectacular location between steep mountain ridges.
From the village, the trail descends through a deep canyon filled with massive volcanic rock formations before eventually reaching the Atlantic Ocean.
This hike is significantly more demanding than Barranco del Infierno.
It can take six to seven hours depending on pace and conditions, and proper hiking shoes are essential.
The reward for the effort is an incredible sense of scale.
The canyon walls tower high above the trail, creating a landscape that feels ancient, raw, and completely untouched.
Trail highlights:
- Approximately 8 km one-way descent (6-7 hours total)
- Begins in the iconic Masca village
- Descends through dramatic volcanic canyon
- Ends at the Atlantic Ocean
- Towering canyon walls and wild scenery
- Boat pickup often required from beach
- Requires permit and advance booking
Difficulty: Challenging – requires good fitness and proper equipment
Location: Masca village, Northwest Tenerife (Teno Mountains)
Quick Comparison
Barranco del Infierno is considered a moderate hike suitable for most visitors, while Masca Gorge is more physically demanding.
The Infierno trail usually takes around three hours, while Masca can take most of the day.
Barranco del Infierno offers green landscapes and a waterfall, whereas Masca is famous for its rugged canyon scenery and ocean views.
Both hikes require permits due to conservation regulations, although Masca permits are generally harder to obtain.
Side-by-Side Comparison Table
Barranco del Infierno:
- 📍 Location: Adeje, South Tenerife
- ⏱️ Duration: ~3 hours round trip
- 📏 Distance: 6.5 km round trip
- 💪 Difficulty: Moderate
- 🌊 Highlight: Natural waterfall
- 🥾 Terrain: Well-maintained paths
- 👨👩👧👦 Suitable for: Families, casual hikers
- 🎫 Permit: Required, easier to obtain
- 🚗 Access: Easy from southern resorts
Masca Gorge:
- 📍 Location: Masca village, Northwest Tenerife
- ⏱️ Duration: 6-7 hours total
- 📏 Distance: ~8 km descent to ocean
- 💪 Difficulty: Challenging
- 🌊 Highlight: Ocean arrival, dramatic canyon
- 🥾 Terrain: Rocky, steep, requires proper shoes
- 👨👩👧👦 Suitable for: Experienced hikers, adventure seekers
- 🎫 Permit: Required, limited availability
- 🚗 Access: Longer drive from south, winding mountain roads
Which One Should You Choose?
Barranco del Infierno is perfect for travelers who want a beautiful and relatively relaxed hiking experience close to Costa Adeje.
It is especially popular with families and casual hikers who want to explore nature without a long or exhausting trek.
Masca Gorge, on the other hand, is ideal for adventure seekers and experienced hikers looking for a challenge.
It is one of the most iconic landscapes in Tenerife and offers an unforgettable sense of accomplishment at the end of the trail.
Important Practical Information
Barranco del Infierno:
- Book online in advance at the official reserve website
- Limited to 200 visitors per day
- Closed Tuesdays for maintenance
- Bring water, snacks, and sun protection
- Helmets provided at entrance (mandatory)
- Starting point: Adeje (parking available)
Masca Gorge:
- Permit system strictly enforced (book weeks in advance)
- Proper hiking boots essential
- Bring plenty of water (2+ liters per person)
- Boat pickup usually required from beach (arrange in advance)
- Check weather conditions before starting
- Trail often closed during heavy rain
- Starting point: Masca village (limited parking, arrive early)
Can You Do Both?
Absolutely! Many active travelers choose to experience both hikes during their Tenerife holiday.
A good approach is to start with Barranco del Infierno to warm up, then tackle Masca Gorge a few days later when you're acclimatized to the terrain and weather.
This allows you to experience both the green ravine scenery and the wild volcanic canyon that make Tenerife's hiking so unique.
Why Book Your Hiking Experience with Banana Ventura?
Organizing these hikes can sometimes be complicated due to permits, transportation, and limited availability.
Banana Ventura helps simplify the process by arranging guided hiking experiences with experienced mountain guides who know the terrain and safety procedures.
Guided hikes also provide interesting insights into the geology, wildlife, and cultural history of the island.
Instead of worrying about logistics, you can simply enjoy one of the most spectacular landscapes Tenerife has to offer.
Ready to explore Tenerife's legendary hiking trails? Contact us on WhatsApp at +34 612 451 737 and we'll help you choose and book the perfect hike for your adventure level.
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