Masca: Cultural Heritage and Mountain Landscapes

At Caserío de Masca, a protected historic ensemble meets a striking mountain and ravine landscape. If you are considering the area as a travel destination, you can explore its rural history, archaeological remains and nature in Parque Rural de Teno. When planning, it is worth treating the municipal Masca Circular Route and the trek through Barranco de Masca as separate activities: they differ both in route and in the available information on distance and elevation gain.

Historic Masca and traces of rural life

Caserío de Masca was protected as an Asset of Cultural Interest (Bien de Interés Cultural) in the Historic Ensemble category on September 7, 2004. Masca is regarded as one of the outstanding historic examples of rural adaptation to the geographical conditions of its surroundings. The caserío lies at the upper end of the deep Barranco de Masca and is bounded by Roque Tarucho and the rocky spurs of Abache and La Fortaleza.

The Iglesia de la Inmaculada Concepción is located in Plaza de Masca. You can also find traces of agriculture along the Masca Circular Route: terraces are visible from the route, and several pasiles lie along the way. These stone platforms were used to dry figs. Alongside its views, the route also offers a glimpse of the area’s former agricultural use.

Circular route and points of interest

The municipal Masca Circular Route connects the hamlets of Caserío de La Piedra and El Lomo. The loop takes about 20 minutes; your walking pace may affect the actual duration. Along the way, the route offers views of Guergues, Tarucho, La Fortaleza and Barranco de Masca. It ends at Museo de Masca. A few metres below the plaza is also the Centro de Interpretación de la Naturaleza, which is part of the Masca route. If you plan to visit the centre, check current visiting arrangements in advance.

Pico Yeje is also designated an Asset of Cultural Interest in the Archaeological Zone category; the designation was made in 2006. The area includes a rock-art complex with a clearly pre-Hispanic date. A paved path leading to the complex is known as Calzada de los Antiguos. Check current access arrangements before visiting.

The ravine landscape and nature in Teno

A section of Barranco de Masca has closely spaced vertical walls and ends at a small landing stage. Nearby, Morro de Catana rises almost vertically from the ravine bed. This rocky knoll is a clear example of the effects of erosion in the area around Masca. Within Parque Rural de Teno, Masca is one of the traditional rural landscapes of high aesthetic, cultural and ethnographic value, in harmony with its natural surroundings.

Cumbres de Masca is a restricted-use zone within Parque Rural de Teno. The western slopes of the upper catchment are home to threatened plant species endemic to the Canary Islands, including some classified as critically endangered. The western cliffs between Punta del Diente del Ajo and Playa de Masca are breeding grounds for numerous seabirds and birds of prey; some are considered critically endangered. Part of the population of the recently discovered giant lizard also lives in this area.

Planning routes and travel

Comparing the two routes described can help with planning your day. The municipal circular route connects Caserío de La Piedra and El Lomo and takes about 20 minutes. The trek through Barranco de Masca, by contrast, starts at Caserío de Masca, is around four kilometres long and descends 580 metres. Advance reservation is required to access the route through the ravine. Check the current access and reservation information before planning your visit.

TITSA routes 355 and 365 provide return connections to Masca from Buenavista del Norte and Santiago del Teide. As timetables are operational information, it is advisable to check them before travelling. This lets you coordinate your journey with your planned route without confusing the short loop with the trek through the ravine.

Discover more destinations: El Palmar

Go to the main travel overview: Buenavista Del Norte.