Go West – VIP Private Tour in Tenerife to Masca, Garachico and Icod

REVIEW · GARACHICO & ICOD DAY TOURS

Go West – VIP Private Tour in Tenerife to Masca, Garachico and Icod

  • 5.03 reviews
  • 5 to 6 hours (approx.)
  • From $198.50
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Operated by TENERIFE HOST · Bookable on Viator

Tenerife’s best scenery comes fast here. In one VIP-style day, you can do Masca, Garachico, and the Icod area with comfy air-conditioned transport plus unlimited photo stops. I especially like the flexible pacing (no frantic rushing) and the way the route strings together viewpoints and small-town character. One thing to consider: the stop times are short, so if you want long walks or lots of time in each place, you’ll need to plan extra free time.

This is the kind of tour that feels like a local driver is handing you the island highlights with just enough structure to make it easy. I also like that you get bottled water and a guide who keeps things informative without turning the day into a lecture. If the weather is poor, the tour can change plans since it depends on good conditions.

Key highlights you’ll actually feel on the day

Go West - VIP Private Tour in Tenerife to Masca, Garachico and Icod - Key highlights you’ll actually feel on the day

  • VIP private setup: only your group, with an air-conditioned vehicle and a professional guide
  • Unlimited photo stops: you can pull over often without feeling like you’re slowing the day down
  • Masca Road + Masca Village: scenic driving and a quick taste of pirate-founded history
  • Teno Mountains time: a longer stretch through the Natural Park for big-picture views
  • Garachico’s lava story: see the so-called Pompeii of Tenerife in a compact town visit
  • El Drago Milenario in Icod: one of the world’s oldest trees stops the day on a memorable note

Why this VIP route makes sense: Masca, Garachico, and Icod in one run

Go West - VIP Private Tour in Tenerife to Masca, Garachico and Icod - Why this VIP route makes sense: Masca, Garachico, and Icod in one run
If you’re short on time on Tenerife, this tour is a smart way to stack major sights without doing mental math all day. The big payoff is efficiency: you’re moving between Acantilado de los Gigantes, Masca, the Teno Mountains, Garachico, and then Icod for El Drago, all with a comfortable vehicle.

The VIP part isn’t just marketing. Private transportation means you’re not trapped behind a huge group schedule, and the guide can adjust photo stops to how your day is going. I found that kind of flexibility matters a lot when you’re chasing good light for pictures.

The main trade-off is that most stops are brief by design. This isn’t a slow, all-day wandering plan. It’s a “hit the must-sees, enjoy the views, then move on” day.

You can also read our reviews of more private tours in Tenerife

Acantilado de los Gigantes: the big cliff views, no ticket hassle

Your first stop is Acantilado de los Gigantes, with a view of some of the island’s highest Atlantic cliffs. Even with only around 10 minutes, the timing works well because you’re fresh and the coastline views hit right away.

This is a great opener because it sets the stage for the rest of the day. Tenerife’s dramatic drop-offs aren’t just a background—you’ll start noticing them again as you drive later toward the western side.

The good news: the stop is listed as free admission. That means you’re not juggling ticket lines or extra costs before you’ve even seen the sea cliffs. The only real limitation is simple: ten minutes is enough to look, take photos, and reposition, but not to linger like you might at a beach.

Masca Valley and Masca Village: scenic roads plus a pirate-era pause

Go West - VIP Private Tour in Tenerife to Masca, Garachico and Icod - Masca Valley and Masca Village: scenic roads plus a pirate-era pause
From there, you head into the Masca Valley area and ride along the Masca Road, known for being one of the most scenic roads around. You get about 1 hour 30 minutes here, which is a meaningful chunk. That time lets the views keep coming instead of feeling like you’re just passing through.

Masca is also the kind of place where the drive is as much the experience as the destination. You’re getting that “wow, look at that” effect repeatedly without needing hiking shoes.

You then get a short visit to Masca Village itself—about 10 minutes. The village is described as founded by pirates, which is a fun detail to keep in mind while you’re looking around. Just know that this is a quick taste, not an extended museum-style visit.

A practical note: because the main focus is viewpoints and photo moments, wear something comfortable for quick stops. You won’t need a full day of stamina, but you will be stepping out, taking pictures, and getting back in the vehicle often.

Natural Park of Teno: the longest stretch for wide views

Go West - VIP Private Tour in Tenerife to Masca, Garachico and Icod - Natural Park of Teno: the longest stretch for wide views
The heart of the day’s driving time is around 3 hours through the Natural Park of Teno. This is the westernmost part of Tenerife, and the key promise is extremely picturesque views. That longer time block matters because it gives you room for the scenery to unfold instead of feeling like constant stop-and-start.

If you like roads that make you slow down (even when you’re not driving), this is your moment. The terrain and viewpoints tend to look different every time you round a bend, and the guide can make use of the unlimited photo stops so you’re not stuck with just two or three planned pictures.

What I appreciate most about a longer “in motion” section like this is pacing. You get a break from the quick hop-off-hop-on rhythm. It also tends to be where conversations with your group naturally pick up—everyone’s looking out the windows, then sharing what surprised them.

The only caution here is weather. Since the tour requires good weather, if visibility is poor you’ll want to treat this section as “drive and try again later,” not a guaranteed photo-perfect show.

Garachico: lava ruins, the Pompeii of Tenerife vibe

Go West - VIP Private Tour in Tenerife to Masca, Garachico and Icod - Garachico: lava ruins, the Pompeii of Tenerife vibe
Next comes Garachico, with a stop time around 30 minutes. The town is known as the first capital of the island and was destroyed by lava more than 300 years ago—and it’s often compared to the Pompeii of Tenerife. Even if you don’t go into deep detail, that story gives the place a heavier, more grounded feel than a typical seaside stop.

Thirty minutes is short, but it’s long enough to do the basics well: walk a bit, grab a few photos, and get the layout of the town. This is the kind of stop where you’ll get the best value if you keep moving—don’t try to see everything, just pick your “must photograph” corners.

Also, this stop is listed as free admission. That’s a nice balance because you’re spending time looking and not paying for entry.

One practical consideration: if you’re prone to getting tired on short day-trips, keep expectations realistic. Garachico is a quick cultural pause before you head to the serene, nature-focused closer.

You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Tenerife

Icod and El Drago Milenario: one of the world’s oldest trees

Go West - VIP Private Tour in Tenerife to Masca, Garachico and Icod - Icod and El Drago Milenario: one of the world’s oldest trees
The day ends with El Drago Milenario, the famous dragon tree. You get about 15 minutes, which is enough for a thoughtful look and photos from a few angles. This is one of the world’s oldest trees, so even a short stop feels meaningful.

There’s something grounding about seeing a living thing that’s survived centuries. It’s a great “slow down for a moment” stop after the history and lava story in Garachico. If your group loves nature details, this is often the part people remember most later.

Since admission is listed as free, you don’t have to factor in any entry timing. Your biggest need here is simply attention—look up, take in the tree’s scale, and then take a final picture before you head back.

Comfort, guide style, and photo-stop reality check

Go West - VIP Private Tour in Tenerife to Masca, Garachico and Icod - Comfort, guide style, and photo-stop reality check
This tour is built around air-conditioned vehicle comfort, private transportation, bottled water, and unlimited photo stops. Those are more than nice extras. They directly affect how enjoyable the day feels—especially when you’re bouncing between viewpoints.

In particular, the photo-stop setup is what makes this route feel like it fits real life. Instead of sprinting between locations, you can pause when the light is right or when a view surprises you. That’s the kind of flexibility I love because it turns a checklist day into a day that feels tailored.

The guide experience also plays a big role. One standout detail from past participants: Gregory has served as both an excellent driver and a strong source of local context. He’s also been able to handle mixed-language groups well, keeping both English and Spanish speakers informed without leaving anyone behind. That’s not just convenient—it keeps the whole day flowing smoothly.

Timing-wise, you’re looking at about 5 to 6 hours total. That’s long enough to feel like you went somewhere special, but not so long that it eats your entire Tenerife day. The ride back ends at the same meeting point.

If you want the best photos, do one simple thing: assume you’ll step out at multiple stops, so keep your camera/phone ready and your water bottle accessible. When the guide calls a pause, you’ll be ready instead of fumbling.

Price and value: what $198.50 per person buys you

Go West - VIP Private Tour in Tenerife to Masca, Garachico and Icod - Price and value: what $198.50 per person buys you
At $198.50 per person, this isn’t a budget group tour. But it’s not priced like a full-day luxury expedition either. The value shows up in what’s included: private transport, an air-conditioned vehicle, bottled water, a guide, and unlimited photo stops.

For many people, the biggest cost-saver here is how much ground you cover in one go. You’re packing together multiple “headline” stops that would be harder to coordinate on your own, especially if you want the driving plus structured viewpoints without spending your time navigating.

You’re also paying for comfort and control. A private vehicle means fewer waiting moments. Unlimited photo stops mean you’re not stuck with a rigid schedule that doesn’t match real visibility or your group’s pace.

Lunch isn’t included, and optional wine tasting costs 10 EUR per person if you choose it. That’s an easy add-on decision depending on your mood and timing. If you want food, plan for a simple meal strategy—either eat before you start or plan a post-tour bite since the tour returns back to the meeting point.

Who should book this Masca–Garachico–Icod VIP tour

This tour fits best if you want a hit list without the hassle. I’d especially recommend it for:

  • first-time visitors who want major highlights plus photo time
  • couples or friends who prefer private pacing over large-group schedules
  • anyone who wants scenic driving more than long hikes
  • mixed-language groups, since the guide style has supported both English and Spanish speakers well

If your travel style is slow and deeply exploratory, you may feel the short stop times at each place. But if your goal is to check off key spots and get great views without logistics stress, this is a strong match.

Should you book Go West VIP in Tenerife?

If you want a smooth, scenic day that hits Masca, Garachico, and the Icod dragon tree with unlimited photo stops and comfortable transport, I think you should book it. The included extras matter, and the private format makes the pacing feel calmer.

Book it with a realistic mindset, though: this is a highlights tour. You’ll see a lot, but you won’t have hours in each location. If that works for you, this is an efficient, enjoyable way to experience western Tenerife without turning your day into a navigation project.

FAQ

How long is the VIP private tour?

It runs for about 5 to 6 hours.

What does the tour include?

You get an air-conditioned vehicle, private transportation, bottled water, a professional guide, and unlimited photo stops.

Is pickup available?

Yes. Pickup is offered, and you wait outside the main entrance to your hotel reception at the start time.

Where does the tour start?

It starts at Siam Mall, Av. Siam, 3, 38670 Costa Adeje, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Spain.

Do I need to pay for admission at each stop?

The stops listed in the itinerary show admission tickets as free.

Is lunch included?

No, lunch is not included.

Can the tour be done in English?

Yes, the tour is offered in English.

What’s the cancellation policy?

You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the experience starts. If canceled less than 24 hours before, the amount paid isn’t refunded.

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.

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