The Masca Gorge, a basalt labyrinth, leads us from the village of Masca to the sea; the Atlantic Ocean. One of the most famous routes in Tenerife and the Canary Islands. A classic hike, a must-do at least once in a lifetime. Basalt, black, blue, the murmur of the water, the birdsong, transport us back to the natural being we once were, that we still are. An excursion of basaltic beauty. We will descend from the hamlet of Masca, one of the most famous mountain villages in the Canary Islands. Isolated for years until the road arrived between 1970 and 1980, it was home to the last local mayor of the Republic and also became a refuge and paradise for artists and hippies. Now it struggles to preserve its essence in the face of mass tourism.

The path, winding between towering cliffs, leads down to the sea. It was once a goat trail, used by people trading with fishermen for sweet potatoes and vegetables. It was also an escape route to Venezuela, where a clandestine boat would pick you up and take you to a new life, or, as some told me, a smuggling route. In short, stories from the old folks about the Masca ravine trail.

Duration approximately 3 hours and 30 minutes. 5 km and 750 meters of elevation gain. Difficulty : moderate to high. Although the trail has been significantly improved by the Tenerife Island Council, making it much easier than it was 4 years ago, it remains very technical; steps of varying depths and heights, uneven terrain with small stones or grit, sometimes wet, and dark areas. It continues to be a trail that carries some risk. The first few kilometers up to the canal, where the ravine narrows, are very steep. The descent then becomes gentler, but the Masca ravine becomes a continuous meander down to the sea. There, you'll see only giant basalt walls surrounding you on all sides—a spectacular labyrinth that obscures the sea, though you feel and sense its presence through the high humidity in the air, which will dampen your skin. Around a bend in the ravine, you might hear the gentle murmur of the sea, accompanied by the cool sea breeze. Then the Masca ravine widens again, and the path climbs to an ancient Guanche cave. From there, you'll see the blue of the sea, and you're almost there, but be careful, there are still a few hundred meters to the dock to catch the boat. Enjoy the journey along the cliffs of Los Gigantes.