REVIEW · TENERIFE
Go West – VIP Private Tour in Tenerife to Masca, Garachico and Icod
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Nothing beats a great road day in Tenerife. This VIP private tour strings together Masca, Garachico, and Icod so you can see big scenery without spending your whole trip driving and hunting parking.
I especially like the air-conditioned comfort in the van and the unlimited photo stops, which means you can pause for viewpoints at your pace. The one real downside to keep in mind: it’s weather-dependent, so if conditions aren’t good, you may need a date change.
In This Review
- Key Things I’d Plan Around
- Why This Tenerife Private Loop Makes Sense
- Price and What You Actually Get for $198.50
- Pickup, Meeting Point, and How the Day Runs
- Stop 1: Acantilado de los Gigantes Views That Set the Mood
- Stop 2: Masca Valley and the Masca Road Drive
- Stop 3: Masca Village, Pirate Legends, and a Quick Walk
- Stop 4: Natural Park of Teno, Mountain Time, and Western Tenerife
- Stop 5: Garachico, Volcanic History, and the Pompeii of Tenerife Feeling
- Stop 6: El Drago Milenario in Icod Area, One of the World’s Oldest Trees
- About the Guide: Why Gregory’s Style Matters
- Lunch Isn’t Included, So Plan Your Energy
- When This Tour Is a Great Fit
- Weather, Timing, and How to Avoid a Bad Day
- Should You Book It or Skip It?
- FAQ
- Is this tour private?
- Where does the tour start?
- Is pickup available?
- How long is the tour?
- What’s included in the price?
- Is lunch included?
- Is there an option for wine tasting?
- Do the stops require paid admission?
- What languages are offered?
- What if the weather is bad?
- What’s the cancellation window?
Key Things I’d Plan Around

- Unlimited photo stops keep the day flexible for quick pics and longer viewpoint breaks
- Air-conditioned private transport helps a lot on a long, scenic day
- One guide for the whole loop, with stories and local context that make each stop click
- Masca Road time lets you enjoy the drive, not just the photos at the end
- El Drago Milenario in Icod area gives you a rare stop: one of the world’s oldest trees
Why This Tenerife Private Loop Makes Sense

If you’re already in Tenerife, you’ve probably realized something fast: the island’s best scenery is spread out. Doing Masca, Garachico, and Icod in a single organized day is the whole point here. You cut out the hassle of figuring out routes, bus schedules, and parking, and you get a smooth plan with time built in for photos.
What makes this feel especially smart is the mix of stops. You get dramatic coastal views first, then a famous mountain village drive, then a volcanic history town, and finally a famous ancient tree. That’s four very different flavors of Tenerife without needing to switch hotels or juggle multiple tours.
And it’s private, meaning you’re not stuck behind a bus-load crowd at each stop. You still have a schedule, but you can breathe—especially with those photo stops added in.
You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Tenerife.
Price and What You Actually Get for $198.50
At $198.50 per person for 5 to 6 hours, this isn’t a budget “grab-and-go” activity. But it is strong value for what you’re buying: private transport, a professional guide, bottled water, and the ability to pause for photos as often as you want.
Here’s how I think about value on tours like this:
- You’re paying for convenience: pickup and return to the meeting point means you don’t spend the morning wrestling logistics.
- You’re paying for time efficiency: Masca and the Teno area are not close together, so an organized route saves you a ton of driving effort.
- You’re paying for pacing: unlimited photo stops turn roadside viewpoints into part of the day, not an afterthought.
- You’re paying for context: a guide isn’t just transportation; they help you understand what you’re looking at.
Two notes that keep expectations realistic. Lunch isn’t included, and there’s an optional wine tasting add-on (10 EUR per person). If those matter to you, plan on budget and timing so you’re not hungry or surprised.
Pickup, Meeting Point, and How the Day Runs

This tour starts at Siam Mall in Costa Adeje. If you’re doing pickup, you’ll wait at the start time just outside your hotel reception.
The tour ends back at the starting meeting point, so you can keep your plan simple. You’re also getting a mobile ticket, which is a small thing—but it helps if you prefer not to manage paper vouchers.
In terms of timing, you should expect a full half day. The route includes both quick viewpoint stops and a longer stretch through the Teno Mountains, so comfortable shoes and water habits matter.
Stop 1: Acantilado de los Gigantes Views That Set the Mood

You’ll begin with a short stop at Acantilado de los Gigantes, known for its huge cliff scenery over the Atlantic. The time here is brief—about 10 minutes—so this is a “get your bearings fast” kind of stop.
What I like about starting here is that it frames the day. You see the island’s dramatic coastal power early, so later scenery feels connected instead of random.
Practical tip: since it’s short, decide quickly where you want to stand for photos. If you’re a photographer, this is the moment to take a few test shots before you move on.
Stop 2: Masca Valley and the Masca Road Drive

Next comes the big scenic road moment: you’ll spend about 1 hour 30 minutes driving through the Masca Valley and along Masca Road. This is one of the reasons the tour is worth doing instead of DIY. The drive is a destination.
This stretch also works for different travel styles:
- If you love scenery, you get time to soak it in.
- If you’re mostly here for photos, unlimited stops let you choose the angles you like.
- If you just want a break from planning, this is where the guide and transport do the heavy lifting.
A drawback to understand: road time means fewer long walks. You’re enjoying vistas and overlooks more than exploring on foot for hours.
Stop 3: Masca Village, Pirate Legends, and a Quick Walk

After the road drive, you’ll reach Masca Village for about 10 minutes. The highlight is the village itself, founded by pirates. Even if you don’t spend long browsing, it gives the day a storybook tone.
This is not the stop for a long meal or a deep dive into shops. It’s a quick pause to capture the atmosphere and move on.
If you want to get the most out of the short stop, focus on one thing: a viewpoint photo first, then walk a bit to feel the village layout before time tightens.
Stop 4: Natural Park of Teno, Mountain Time, and Western Tenerife

Now you hit the longest stretch on the day: about 3 hours driving through the Natural Park of Teno, the westernmost part of Tenerife. This is where the tour shifts from coastal drama to mountain scenery.
I like this section because it changes the temperature and the feel of the trip. Instead of only looking at cliffs, you start watching how the terrain folds into valleys and ridges.
Again, this is road-and-view time more than hiking time. With unlimited photo stops, you can step out when you see something that fits your taste, but you won’t be doing extended trail walking.
Practical note: bring layers if you run hot. Even within a few hours, weather can shift in Tenerife’s higher terrain.
Stop 5: Garachico, Volcanic History, and the Pompeii of Tenerife Feeling

You’ll spend about 30 minutes in Garachico, described as the Pompeii of Tenerife. The reason is volcanic: lava destroyed the town’s earlier capital-era life more than 300 years ago.
Garachico is a good mid-tour stop because it’s not only scenic; it’s readable. You can look at the town and understand that lava shaped the streets and buildings you’re seeing now. That turns a quick stop into something you can actually grasp.
What to do in your 30 minutes: walk slowly enough to take in the historic feel, then get one strong photo at the best viewpoint you can find nearby. After that, don’t over-plan—time is tight once you roll back into the route.
Stop 6: El Drago Milenario in Icod Area, One of the World’s Oldest Trees
The final “wow” stop is El Drago Milenario, a dragon tree in the Icod area. You’ll have around 15 minutes here.
This is the kind of stop that’s hard to replicate without planning. A living tree this old is a rare thing. Even in a short visit, you’ll feel like you’re standing next to a natural landmark with a long timeline.
What makes it satisfying is the contrast to the rest of the day: mountains, volcanic town, cliffs, then a single ancient organism anchoring it all.
If you want great photos, arrive ready to shoot from a couple angles quickly—15 minutes goes fast once you start photographing details like trunk shape and surrounding greenery.
About the Guide: Why Gregory’s Style Matters
The reviews you’ll hear about this tour focus heavily on one thing: the guide experience. In at least one case, Gregory stood out as both driver and guide, keeping the day flexible and informative.
One particularly useful detail: if your group has mixed language needs, it helps to have a guide who can keep everyone informed. Gregory managed to provide clear information even when one person spoke English and another Spanish.
That kind of practical translation and pacing can turn a tour from watch-and-hope into something you truly understand as you go.
Lunch Isn’t Included, So Plan Your Energy
No lunch is included, and that matters on a 5 to 6 hour day that includes long driving segments. If you’re prone to getting hungry, eat before you start or pack a small snack you can manage during the driving portions when you don’t want to stop for a sit-down meal.
Also, optional wine tasting is listed at 10 EUR per person. If you want it, plan it as an add-on, not a guaranteed part of the route.
Bottled water is included, which helps, but I still recommend bringing your own extra water if you’re traveling in hot weather or you like to drink steadily rather than only when offered.
When This Tour Is a Great Fit
This is a strong choice if you want:
- A private, structured day that reduces logistics stress
- Major Tenerife highlights in one loop: Masca, Garachico, and Icod area
- Scenic time with frequent photo opportunities, not rigid “one stop, one photo, next” pacing
- Comfort-focused touring, with an air-conditioned vehicle
It also suits couples, friends, and anyone who doesn’t want to spend their vacation figuring out transport between distant points.
If you’re the type who needs hours of walking at every stop, you might feel the time is short at some locations. The trade here is clear: you’re buying scenery variety and efficient routing, not long hikes.
Weather, Timing, and How to Avoid a Bad Day
This experience requires good weather. If conditions aren’t suitable, the operator will offer another date or a full refund.
Here’s how I’d plan around that:
- Keep your schedule flexible for Tenerife’s outdoor scenery.
- Bring sun protection even if it looks mild in the morning. Cliff and road stops can be bright fast.
- Since you’re outdoors at viewpoints even for short stops, plan to be comfortable standing and moving quickly.
Also, since the tour is about 5 to 6 hours, try not to book something stressful right after. This is a half-day that you’ll feel in your legs and eyes.
Should You Book It or Skip It?
I’d book this Go West VIP Private Tour if you want a smart Tenerife highlights day without turning it into a car rental marathon. The biggest reasons are the unlimited photo stops and the private, air-conditioned transport that keeps you comfortable while you cover places like Masca Road, Garachico, and El Drago.
Skip it (or reconsider) if you’re hoping for a tour centered on long walking hikes and extended time in each town. This is built for scenic viewpoints, short village moments, and driving through the Teno area.
If you’re visiting Tenerife with limited time, or you just want the best chance of seeing several top sites in one smooth day, this is a solid pick.
FAQ
Is this tour private?
Yes. This is a private tour/activity, and only your group participates.
Where does the tour start?
The start point is Siam Mall, Av. Siam, 3, 38670 Costa Adeje, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Spain.
Is pickup available?
Pickup is offered. If you’re using hotel pickup, you’ll wait outside the main entrance to your hotel reception at the start time.
How long is the tour?
It runs about 5 to 6 hours.
What’s included in the price?
Included are air-conditioned vehicle transport, private transportation, bottled water, a professional knowledgeable guide, and unlimited photo stops.
Is lunch included?
No, lunch is not included.
Is there an option for wine tasting?
Yes. Wine tasting is optional and costs 10 EUR per person.
Do the stops require paid admission?
The stops listed are marked as free admission tickets.
What languages are offered?
The tour is offered in English.
What if the weather is bad?
The experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.
What’s the cancellation window?
Free cancellation is available. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

























