Starting 12 July, the Island Council of Tenerife introduced an eco-tax in the Masca ravine and its jetty to better regulate and manage the increasing number of visitors to this scenic part of the Teno Rural Park. This initiative aims to streamline the flow of tourists and minimize environmental impacts in this popular destination.
From now on, both residents and non-residents of Tenerife have been required to pay for access to the Masca ravine, a change reflected on the official booking website. The website now categorizes visitors as either Canarian residents or non-residents, following the guidelines set by the Council of Government.
While admission for Tenerife residents is nominally free, they must initially pay a fee of 3.21 euros (including IGIC) when booking online. This fee is reimbursed at the entrance upon verification of residency. The website states, “At the entrance control, upon verification of residency, the application for the refund of the amount paid will be processed.”
The eco-tax is part of a broader strategy to control the daily visitor count, with an allowance of 275 people each day from Friday to Sunday. This limitation translates to approximately 825 visitors per week and about 3,300 per month, helping to preserve the integrity of Masca’s natural environment.
Visitors must provide their name and an identification document (ID card or passport) when purchasing their tickets through the platform www.caminodelbarrancodemasca.com. The price structure is as follows:
- Tenerife resident: Free (but initially pays 3.21 euros, refundable at entry)
- Canary Islands resident adult: 3 euros
- Canary Islands resident child: 1.50 euros
- Non-resident adult: 28 euros
- Non-resident child: 14 euros
Residents of Masca village itself are exempt from this fee and have coordinated access to the Camino del Barranco.
Included in the price of admission are:
- Information, check-in, and guidance from the Masca Visitor Centre to the jetty.
- Support from surveillance personnel along the route.
- First aid and assistance in rescue situations provided by security and emergency services.
- Accident insurance.
- Loan of a protective helmet.
Not included are:
- Transportation to and from the starting and ending points of the route (Los Gigantes or Punta de Teno).
Operational days and hours are set for Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays, with services initially limited to downward journeys from the farmhouse to the jetty. An upward journey starts daily at 9:00 a.m. for interested participants.
The eco-tax does not cover the cost of boat transport required for sea departures, which must be arranged separately through the booking platform with a partner maritime transport company. Plans are also in place to enhance accessibility to Masca with shuttle bus services from Los Gigantes and Buenavista, expected to start by the end of the year, to facilitate access and reduce congestion.
