On the heights of Masca, from the Cruz de Hilda viewpoint

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This short route allows you to enjoy this area with its magnificent scenery. The view stretches far into the distance, and the cliffs are impressive. A pleasant route that climbs steadily amidst prickly pears and other vegetation. Even in winter, it’s a pleasure to walk here, whilst being far from the crowds of tourists in Masca.
There is the option to extend the walk further along this good path, for 1.5 km, to Cumbre Bolico. Personally, I was stopped in my tracks by the fog that rolled in at the end of the day.

Details

n°67206032
Creation:
Last update:
Last review:
  • Walking
    Activity: Walking
  • ↔
    Distance: 2.88 mi
  • ◔
    Average duration: 2h 10 
  • ▲
    Difficulty: Easy
  • ⚐
    Back to start: Yes
  • ↗
    Ascent: + 974 ft
  • ↘
    Descent: - 971 ft
  • ▲
    Highest point: 3,412 ft
  • ▼
    Lowest point: 2,543 ft
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Photos

View on the way up
Near the summit

Description of the walk

Follow the road through Masca and up towards the north (if you’re coming from the south). After 2 km, park in the relatively large car park at the viewpoint.

(S/E) Take the path that climbs up the slope, on the right as you turn your back on Masca. A sign indicates "Las Portelas 2.9 km". You’ll reach a crossroads of paths.

(1) Follow the sign for “Cumbres de Bolico” to the right and reach Cumbre de Masca: views over Masca and the surrounding area.

(2) Turn back and retrace your steps to return to the viewpoint car park (S/E).

Waypoints

  1. S/E : mi 0 - alt. 2,543 ft - Mirador de la Cruz de Hilda
  2. 1 : mi 0.74 - alt. 2,943 ft - Signposted to Cumbre de Bolico
  3. 2 : mi 1.44 - alt. 3,409 ft - Cumbre de Masca
  4. S/E : mi 2.88 - alt. 2,543 ft - Mirador de la Cruz de Hilda

Notes

Classified as easy because it is short, but the elevation gain is concentrated over a short distance.

Worth a visit

The nearby village of Masca, set in a spectacular location. Very well-known and therefore very popular. The drive down from Santiago del Teide requires you to be comfortable on very winding and narrow roads. As is often the case in Tenerife, cars park at the side of the road on both sides of the village. Even though there is only one lane in each direction! No cars in the narrow, cobbled streets of this village. It’s a pleasure to stroll around whilst admiring the scenery. You can also get there by bus.

Further on, the Cliffs of the Giants (Acantilos de los Gigantes) near Puerto de Santiago and Los Gigantes.

Reviews and comments

4.9 / 5
Based on 4 reviews
Reliability of the description
5 / 5
Ease of following the route
5 / 5
Route interest
4.8 / 5
User 11701417

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : May 15, 2026
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

A really lovely walk, with breathtaking views over Masca and the ocean. We carried on along the path past the “Cumbre de Masca” (no signpost, just the view over Masca, and at this point the rock is a different colour, more ochre), and came to a plateau where there were several paths, a ruin and no signposts. Not knowing which way to go, we turned back. No trouble at all parking at the Cruz de Hilda viewpoint in the morning. Take something to wrap up in; it’s very windy on the ridge, and there’s a risk of fog.

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User 7003640

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Oct 28, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

To park and wait at the bus stop for a car to leave.
Varied vegetation, numerous birds in the forest

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fdurance
fdurance
• Edited:

Overall rating : 4.7 / 5

Date of your route : Jun 02, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Very busy route : Yes

What a lovely route!

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Vanille06450
Vanille06450

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Feb 27, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : Yes

A lovely, easy walk with breathtaking views. Very busy, with limited parking spaces

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