A good Tenerife day has three moods: forest, sea, and views. This one blends a San Cristóbal market start, an hour on the Sendero de los Sentidos walk through the Avatar forest, and downtime to swim in volcanic pools. I also like how the day is paced so you’re not exhausted—just nicely busy.

The one thing to plan for: lunch isn’t included, so you’ll want a little budget for a traditional meal during the middle of the day.

Key moments that make this tour click

• San Cristóbal de La Laguna market time: snack and browse before the hike.
• Sendero de los Sentidos (about 1 hour): a calm walk through laurel woods and bird-song.
• Multiple miradors: short photo stops that stack the best viewpoints of the day.
• Punta del Hidalgo natural volcanic pools: real water time, with free time to relax.
• La Baranda Masai cocktail stop: a finale with ocean/coast views and Teide in the distance.

A full Tenerife day built around Anaga’s magic

This tour is the rare kind of day trip that feels like three separate experiences without feeling chaotic. You start with local life, move into mountain green for your hike, then drop down to the coast for swimming and an end-of-day drink.

That mix is why it works so well. If you’re used to Tenerife “scenic stops only” tours, this adds actual walking time (and payoff). If you just want nature, it still gives you culture and food instead of “walk, next, walk, next.”

You’re also in a small group (limited to 8), and you’re transported in a comfortable vehicle. You don’t have to concentrate on curvy mountain roads yourself; you can focus on where you are and what you’re seeing.

Market morning in San Cristóbal de La Laguna (your food compass)

Your morning begins at the meeting point in Puerto de la Cruz, then you head to the Mercado Municipal in San Cristóbal de La Laguna for a 30-minute food market visit.

Even with only half an hour, this is enough time to do two smart things:

1) get oriented to what local produce looks like, and

2) grab a small bite (you’ll have appetizers included on the tour, too).

If you care about food that isn’t just tourist packaging, this stop sets the tone. Markets in Tenerife feel practical and alive—fruit, local staples, and little smells you can’t replicate at home. Plus, it’s a good mental break before the forest hike.

Plan tip: keep your shoes on and your layers ready. You’ll be walking at least a bit after the market, and the weather can shift as you move up into the Anaga area.

Mirador de Jardina: quick views, good photo rhythm

After the market, you get a van ride up toward Mirador de Jardina for a short break and photo stop (about 10 minutes).

This part is not about staying. It’s about getting your first “wow” of the day and resetting your eyes before the trees take over. From miradors like this, Tenerife rewards you with wide angles: coastlines, hills, and that classic layered depth you only get from island viewpoints.

The best use of this stop is simple:

• take a few photos,
• stand still for 30 seconds, and
• notice the light.

Later, when you’re in the forest and then back at the coast, your brain will make better sense of the island’s shapes.

Sendero de los Sentidos and the Avatar forest walk

This is the heart of the day. You’ll hike Sendero de los Sentidos for about an hour—described as the magical “Avatar forest,” with a calm path through laurel woods.

Here’s what I like about this style of hike: it’s long enough to feel like a real walk, but not so long that you’re wiped out before swimming. You’re not sprinting between photo stops. You’re moving at a steady pace under trees, where the air feels cooler and quieter than the coast.

What to expect along the way:

• bird-song and fresh air as the tour description promises,
• a gentle rhythm that fits most active travelers, and
• a trail experience that feels peaceful rather than “look at me” tourism.

Footwear matters. The tour asks for sports shoes, and you’ll be happier if you bring something with decent grip. You don’t need hiking boots, but you do want confidence underfoot.

If you like nature with a bit of atmosphere, this is where you’ll feel it most. And when you come out of the forest, the contrast makes the ocean feel even more refreshing.

More Anaga viewpoints: Pico del Inglés and the old path

After the Sendero de los Sentidos hike, you’ll get two more viewpoint moments, both relatively short.

First is Mirador Pico del Inglés for a photo stop and free time (around 10 minutes). Then there’s Camino viejo al pico del inglès, a brief break/photo/visit (about 5 minutes).

Why these stops are worth your attention even if they’re quick:

• They give you a “map in your head” of where the hike fits in the island.
• They let you see Tenerife’s mountain shapes from different angles.
• They turn the day into more than a single highlight—you get a chain of perspectives.

The old path stop also adds a nice sense of place. Even when it’s only a few minutes, it hints at how people used to move through these areas, not just how tourists pause for photos.

Punta del Hidalgo natural volcanic pools: swim time with payoff

Next you head to Punta del Hidalgo, where the big reset happens: natural volcanic pools, plus photo stops and a full hour of free time for lunch and swimming.

This is a very Tenerife kind of payoff. Instead of a man-made pool or a beach stroll, you get rock-and-water bathing in a place shaped by volcanic geology. You can spend your time how you want:

• swim if you’re ready to get into the water,
• relax and watch the sea,
• or take it slow and just enjoy the coast views.

The tour includes lunch time here, but the meal itself is not included. That’s important to know so you don’t get surprised. If you’re the kind of person who likes options, this is a good moment to choose what fits your appetite and budget.

What to bring makes or breaks this part:

• swimwear
• a towel
• sports shoes (for the walk in and around the area)

You’ll also be glad you brought something you can change into quickly. Even if you don’t swim, it’s still a great coastline stop.

La Baranda Masai: the cocktail finale with Teide in view

To end the day, you stop at La Baranda Masai, an iconic terrace bar for a cocktail with panoramic coastline views and Teide in the distance (plus a photo stop and break time before the drink).

This final section is more than just a treat. It’s a smart way to close out the physical parts of the day. The hike and swim make you feel like you’ve used your body—then the terrace gives you a chance to sit down, talk with your group, and look at the island as a whole.

The tour’s pacing keeps this feeling relaxed rather than rushed. You get a cocktail and time to enjoy the view without having to “perform” for your phone camera the whole time.

If you like a bit of fun with your scenery, this stop tends to land well. A couple of details that show up with this kind of tour: the mood is usually upbeat, and the driver/host vibe often sets the tone for the whole day.

The $108 value: what you’re really paying for

At $108 per person for an 8-hour guided day, the value comes from packing together a lot of meaningful time—transport, guide support, multiple viewpoints, and the nature-and-water payoff.

Here’s what you’re getting that’s harder to recreate on your own as one smooth day:

• A small group format (up to 8 people), so the day doesn’t feel like a crowded bus tour.
• Market time for local atmosphere, not just scenic driving.
• An hour of guided trail time on Sendero de los Sentidos.
• Natural pool swim time at Punta del Hidalgo with free time built in.
• A cocktail stop with a great view to finish.

You’re also getting appetizers included and a coat if necessary. That little practical support matters when weather shifts between the forest and the coast.

The main “value catch” is the non-included part: lunch isn’t included. So think of the $108 as covering the planned experience, then set aside extra spending money for your meal at the traditional restaurant/lunch point during the coastal segment.

Who this tour suits best (and who should think twice)

This experience is a strong match if you want:

• a guided day that handles logistics (meeting point to viewpoint to hike to swim),
• nature with structure (one-hour trail segment plus viewpoint stops),
• and a finish that feels like vacation, not just transport.

It’s also a good pick for people who want to see more of North Tenerife without worrying about driving tight mountain roads.

Where you should consider your fit:

• If you don’t want to hike at all, you may find the Sendero de los Sentidos hour to be too active.
• If swimming isn’t your thing, you can still enjoy the coast and views—but the Punta del Hidalgo segment is clearly designed for water time.

The tour isn’t listed as suitable for children under 3 or people over 95, so check your comfort level and age fit before booking.

Practical tips so your day feels smooth

A few small choices will pay off a lot:

• Wear sports shoes. Not fashion sneakers—something that handles uneven ground comfortably.
• Bring a towel and swimwear even if you’re unsure. Conditions can change how you feel once you’re there.
• Carry a light layer. The tour includes a coat if necessary, but you still want your own plan for moving between cooler forest and coastal warmth.
• Keep ID with you. The tour asks for passport or ID card.
• Plan for lunch cost. It’s not included, and you’ll want to eat something that agrees with your swimming plans.

Also, since the trip is timed and guided, treat the free moments as “use them.” If you want a better photo, step into position during the photo stop rather than waiting for the next one.

Should you book this Avatar forest + Punta del Hidalgo day trip?

I think you should book it if you want one Tenerife day that feels like real variety: market culture, a memorable forest walk, volcanic swimming time, and a seaside cocktail finale.

Skip it if you prefer only beaches with zero hiking, or if you’re very price-sensitive once you add lunch. And if you’re someone who hates any walking segment, you may find the Sendero de los Sentidos hour to be the main friction point.

Overall, this is the kind of tour that delivers multiple highlights without turning your day into chaos. The structure is tight enough to feel organized, but the moments themselves still feel like you’re out in Tenerife—not stuck in a checklist.

FAQ

How long is the Tenerife-Puerto Cruz tour?

The tour lasts about 8 hours.

Where does the tour start and end?

It starts in front of the Mamio Verde Adventures office, and it ends back at the same meeting point.

How big is the group?

It’s a small group limited to 8 participants.

Is lunch included?

Lunch time is included in the schedule, but the meal is not included.

What should I bring for the tour?

Bring a passport or ID card, swimwear, a towel, sports shoes, and sportswear.

What languages are spoken by the host or greeter?

The tour is guided in English and Spanish.

What’s the deal with refunds if my plans change?

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.