Tenerife and Gomera

A captivating journey displaying the contrasting landscapes of Tenerife and la Gomera. From volcanoes, ridges and primary forests, to vineyards, cities and isolated hamlets... The gentle rhythm of this trip allows time to appreciate the nature, to explore the UNESCO Heritage Sites, National Parks and historical monuments. Discover Tenerife, covered with rich exuberant vegetation and dominated by Teide volcano (3718m) this island is divided - the fertile woodlands of the north are a dramatic contrast to the dry desert landscapes of the south. Explore la Gomera, an unspoiled endearing island which has a well-established reputation among hikers and erosion scars in the form of gorges from summit to sea...

Itinerary

Day 1 Arrival

Welcome to Tenerife. Meet your guide and group at your hotel in the quaint village of Vilaflor found at 1500m. Dinner and evening at leisure.
Day 2 Teide National Park, UNESCO World Heritage Site

Morning visit to Teide National Park visitor centre. Then, we set of hiking across the volcanic plains and dunes of the magnificent Teide Volcano (3718m). A truly unique landscape awaits us! At the end of the afternoon we take the ferry to La Gomera (Approx 1 hour crossing) and find our accommodation for the next 3 nights.

2 and 1/2 hours walking
Elevation: +200m/-200m
Day 3 Anaga Rural Park & La Laguna

We leave by minibus towards the extreme north of the island and the Macizo de Anaga mountains. A surprising day featuring small villages and forgotten houses in the heart of the rock; winding roads, traditional farms and caves once home to the native aboriginal inhabitants of Tenerife, the Guanches. Then we head to the second most populated city on Tenerife, San Cristóbal de La Laguna, enjoy some free time to discover this bustling city and perhaps partake in a spot of shopping.

3 hours of walking
Elevation: +400m/-300m
Day 4 Hiking in Lunar Landscapes

Todays hike, at the foot of the National Park, leads us between Canarian pine forests and strange volcanic features carved by time and erosion. A lovely introduction to the Canary Islands. This afternoon we have time to take a stroll and explore the unique little town of Vilaflor.

3 hours of walking
Elevation: +300m/-300m
Day 5 The Red Mountain and Agulo

Morning visit to the National Park visitor centre. Then, we descend to the charming town of Agulo passing via a red mountain for a picnic lunch. We follow the 'real camino', a gravel road formerly used by locals to transport goods to the seaside to be loaded onto boats to England. Enjoy some free time exploring the pretty colonial town of Agulo.

2 and 1/2 hours walking
Elevation: +550m/-100m
Day 6 Garajonay National Park, UNESCO World Heritage Site

Todays trail takes us to the foot of El Cedro waterfall, the highest waterfall on the island. We then continue into the primary forest of the National Park, this primeval forest is more than 4000 hectares big and home to more than 400 plant species. We can make stop at the small chapel of Lourdes before sinking into the laurels and heather trees. At the end of the hike, we head to San Sebastian, the capital of Gomera. You can choose to visit the city or head to the beach.

3 hours of walking
Elevation: +550m/-100m
Day 7 Majona Natural Park

From the heights of Hermigua Valley, we follow a trail through ancient terraces, isolated hamlets and old grazing areas. On a clear day, we can enjoy magnificent views of Tenerife from this walk. The hike takes us to the seaside, where, conditions permitting, we can bathe in the turquiose waters. Later on, we take the ferry from San Sebastian to Tenerife (1 hour crossing). Tonight we sleep in an apartment to the south of Tenerife.
Day 8 Tenerife

Airport transfer after breakfast.

Please note that this itinerary, including distances and times, is indicative. Imponderables and unpredictable circumstances may result in inaccuracies. Our guides aim to provide the adventure that is best suited to the weather, your interests and the demands of the group. Please be aware that in order to achieve this, changes to the program may be made. For safety reasons, we reserve the rights to interrupt your participation in this programme at any time if your technical level or fitness are deemed unsuitable or if you are seen as a danger to the group or yourself. This will in no case give rise to refunds or compensation.

Dates & prices

Departures for French-speaking groups:

From	To	Price per person	Guaranteed	Booking
28/12/2024	04/01/2025	€1,200	No	Book now!

International departures:

No departure for now

Trip code: BCANTG

Included

All in-country transfers as detailed in itinerary
Hotel accommodation, double rooms
Full board from breakfast Day 2 to breakfast Day 8 except dinner Day 7
Full supervision by an expert qualifed guide

Not included

Transfer to Vilaflor on Day 1
Meals on Day 1 and evening meal Day 7
International flights
Repatriation insurance

Terms and conditions

Inscription

Booking a trip with Altaï Canarias implies acceptance of the terms and conditions of sale. Each customer is required to complete a registration form and, subject to availability at the time of registration, travellers are expected to pay a deposit of 35% of the total price to complete their booking. Payments can be made online or by bank transfer. You will receive an e-mail with your booking confirmation.

Facturation

Once your booking is confirmed you will receive an invoice by e-mail. The full balance of the trip must be received at least 30 days before your departure date. Altaï Canarias reserve the right to cancel your booking, free of charge, if this deadline is not respected.

Annulation

If for any reason you have to cancel your trip, Altaï Canarias require written confirmation of your decision. The money you have paid will then be refunded according to the following deductions:

Cancellation received more than 30 days prior to the departure date: a sum of €50 per person will be retained
Cancellation received 30 to 21 days before the departure date: your deposit, 30% of the total trip price will be retained
Cancellation received 20 to 14 days before the departure date: 50% of the total trip price will be retained
Cancellation received 13 to 7 days before the departure date: 75% of the total trip price will be retained
Cancellation received less than 7 days before the departure date: 100% of the total trip price will be retained

Special cases:

Please note that, regardless of the date of cancellation or modification if you have agreed to pay for services such as hotel reservations, flights or additional activities, these services are usually non-refundable so additional fees may apply.

Fixed airfares: if your airline ticket was issued in advance, often done to avoid significant surcharges, you will be charged 100% of any non-refundable fees if you wish to change or cancel your flight plan.
Fixed in-country costs: early charges for firm bookings will be charged if you cancel or modify your trip.
Insurance costs: if you have taken out comprehensive or cancellation insurance, the cost of insurance is due and cannot be refunded.

Please note that fees apply according to the date Altaï Canarias receive your cancellation or modification request in writing.

If we have to cancel a departure due to an insufficient number of participants, you will be informed no later than 21 days before departure and a full refund will be issued, you will not be entitled to further compensation. We reserve the rights to cancel departures due to exceptional circumstances which may impact the safety of participants. Such circumstances include those amounting to 'force majeure' in which case participants will receive a full refund but they will not be entitled to any compensation.

Modification du contrat

If you wish to make a change to your booking please contact us in writing; you will be expected to pay any fee which might arise from this change. In the event of unforeseen external events, Altaï Canarias may change some aspects of the travel contract. If any changes are necessary you will be informed as quickly as possible.

Prix et révision des prix

The prices on our website are updated regularly and all of the prices we advertise are accurate when published. Altaï Canarias reserve the rights to make changes to any of these prices. Before you make a booking we will give you the up-to-date price of your chosen holiday including any supplements, upgrades or additional activities you may have requested. If the number of travellers is fewer than the indicated number of participants on the website, a small group surcharge may be applied. For all of our trips we include details of services, prices and what is/is not included but please be aware that changes to the prices may be necessary in accordance with exchange rates or price changes of various components of the journey.

Cession du contrat

If you are unable to travel for any reason with Altaï Canarias, you can transfer your booking to another person in which case our modification conditions apply. Both the transferor and transferee will be jointly and severally liable for payment of the total holiday price and other associated expenses. Some airline carriers treat name changes as cancellations and you may be required to pay for the cost of a new ticket.

Insurance

We strongly recommend that you take out personal travel insurance for your trip with Altaï Canarias as soon as your booking is confirmed. We advice you to purchase a travel insurance policy which covers flight cancellations, luggage loss and emergency health care. Please look carefully at which activities are covered by your insurer and do not forget to bring all necessary documents and information with you (name of the company, name of the contract, insurance policy number, telephone number...)

Practical info

Staff

Armed with an abundance of experience and a wealth of knowledge, our professional guides are all experts in their domaine. Our qualified leaders are all English speaking, all practicing outdoor practitioners and they are all besotted the magnificent Canary Islands.

Food

Hearty 'continental style' breakfasts are served at your hotel each morning. Picnic lunches are provided every day featuring local cheeses, meats and a fresh fruits and vegtables - a large variety are widely available here including bananas, mangoes, avocados, tomatoes... Enjoy evening meals in small local restaurants which have been carefully chosen for their sublime gastronomy. The food in the Canary Islands in our opinions, perfect, we particularly love the fresh local fish.

You are expected to carry lunch and water with you during the day. Please let us know about any dietary requirements when you book the trip and we will work with you to cater for your needs. Most water sources in the Canary Islands are drinkable but please do not drink water from unreliable sources, your guide will advise you as to the best practices.

Accommodation

In the Canary Islands there are two main types of accommodation. Hotels with double rooms (sometimes triple) and roughly 3* comforts. Or apartment accommodation with a shared kitchen and bathroom facilities and a dining room. All accommodation options are can be described as clean and functional with basic comforts and luxuries.

Transportation

Private minibus transfers. Vehicle trype: Renault Trafic, 9 seats.
Maritime transport with Naviera Armas Ferries.
In-country air transfers with Binter Canarias.

Budget & exchange

The currency in the Canary Islands is the Euro €.

Payments by cash, credit or debit card are widely accepted, please check with your bank for information about using your card abroad.

Please budget for:

Drinks and personal expenses
An evening meal on Day 7

Tips

Tipping is always appreciated - it is not obligatory and should be left to the discretion of each individual.

Supplied equipment

If you choose to participate in any outdoor activities, all technical specialist equipment will be provided.

Vital equipment

Despite the mild Canary Island climate, evenings can be chilly and it can be windy.

From head to toe:

A cap or sunhat
Thermal baselayers: long-sleeved thermal tops and full-length long johns
Long sleeved and short sleeved t-shirts, preferably in quick-drying technical material
1 light fleece or equivilent (plus extra warm layers for austral winter months)
A breathable wind proof, waterproof jacket (Gore-Tex...)
Lightweight waterproof over trousers
1 pair of long suitable shorts
1 pair of walking trousers (detachable legs ideal)
A pair of high-rise walking boots with vibram soles - trails can be rocky and muddy
A pair of trainers or casual shoes for the evenings and cities
Thick walking socks
Warm gloves, hat and scarf (evenings in the mountains can feel cold)

Please also pack:

A swimsuit
Your personal toiletries
Fast-drying microfibre towel
Water bottle(s). Min. 2 litres, light and isothermal
A good pair of sunglasses (think min. category 3)
Sun-cream, face and lips
Head torch and spare batteries
A pocket knife (optional)
A pair of hiking poles (optional)
A waterproof bag cover (or plastic bags) to protect your belongings

Luggage

Your luggage must be divided into two bags:

A rucksack (35-40L or 45-50L) for use as a day bag. This will contain your (vital) personal belongings for the day,
A larger bag (60-80L) containing the rest of your belongings, those which you do not need with you in the day. Please bring is a soft bag like a ruckack or holdall rather than a hard cased suitcase because it is more practical for our drivers.

Medicine

Your guide is a trained first-aider and will carry a full first aid kit at all times during the trip. We recommend that you bring a small personal first aid kit containing any medication you may need such as inhalers, plasters, antiseptic and painkillers.

Passport

To visit the Canary Islands, travellers may need a passport which is vaild for at least six months after the last day of their stay, EU travellers may use passports/ID cards valid only for the duration of their stay. It is your responsibility to confirm your specific passport requirements and please be aware that proof of onwards travel may be required.

Visa

Most travellers staying less than 90 days in the Canary Islands do not need to obtain a visa. It is your responsibility to confirm your specific visa requirements.

Mandatory vaccines

No mandatory vaccinations are required.

Health information & recommendations

It is your responsibility to check that your personal health insurance covers everything in this trip. A consultation with your doctor is a prerequisite for any trip.

Weather

The Canary Islands are credited as having a pleasant year round 'Eternal spring' climate. Each island has multiple different micro-climates; you may find very different weather conditions across different islands at the same time. Year round, average temperatures in the Canary Islands range from around 15°C (59°F) to 28°C (82°F). Trade winds from the north-east frequent here; they are generally at their strongest during the warmest hours of the afternoon offering relief from the tropical sun rays. Rainfall is scarse and varied, Lanzarote and Fuerteventura are known as the driest islands with an annual precipitacion of less than 100mm yet the in the exposed high altitudes in the north of Tenerife experience an average of more than 600mm annual precipitation. We recommend packing suncream, windproofs and warm layers for evenings and mountains.

Electricity

The Canary Islands use the European two pin plug: 220 V, 50 Hz.

Local time

Coordinated Universal Time (UTC)/ Greenwich Mean Time (GMT) and Daylight Saving Time (DST) are observed in the Canary Islands.

Topography

The Canary Islands are an autonomous community of Spain.

Location: 100km (62 miles) west of Morocco

Number of Islands: 7 main islands plus lots of tiny isles and islets

Religion: 85% of natice Canarians are Roman Catholic

Governance: The Canary Islands have their own President, a Regional autonomous Government and 13 seats in the Spanish Senate

Fun Fact: Before humans arrived, the islands were inhabited by giant prehistoric animals including huge lizards; tortoises and rats

Sustainable tourism

As adventure and wilderness travel experts who run trips to some of the most remote parts of the world, we take responsible tourism very seriously.

We respect the ‘Leave No Trace’ outdoor ethical code and try to explore this beautiful location whilst causing minimal environmental damage.

The Leave No Trace policy can be summarized in 7 simple steps which we hope you will follow during ourtrip...

Be prepared
Stick to trails and camp overnight right
Stash your trash and pick up waste
Leave it as you find it
Be careful with fire
Respect wildlife
Be considerate of other visitors

Over the years we have built up good relations with our local suppliers and we are keen to support local businesses as much as possible. We are a small company and we pay our local partners and suppliers directly insuring fair rates.

Our small group sizes not only provide a more intimate adventure but also cause less impact on the environment and local communities.

We expect all who travel with us to support and uphold our Sustainable Tourism philosophies.

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Region: La Gomera Tenerife
Activity: Hiking & walking
Duration: 8 days
Group: 5 to 15 people
Code: BCANTG
Price: From €1,145
Level: 2/5
Comfort: 3/5
Language(s): French / English

Strengths

Discover the most beautiful hikes on the two islands of Tenerife and Gomera
Enjoy quality hotel accommodation
Sample delicious local gastronomy
Benefit from the experience of our professional guides

Guide's advice

'Everyone should do this trip at least once in their lifetime!'

Required level

This trip includes 2 to 3 hours of walking most days - it is suitable for anyone who enjoys the occassional walk.

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