Avatar forest on Tenerife sounds almost unreal. This full-day loop from Puerto de la Cruz pairs an Avatar forest laurel-wood hike with a dip in Punta del Hidalgo’s natural volcanic pools. One thing to note: lunch is not included, so you’ll want a plan for that meal.

I really like the small-group feel (limited to 8) and the relaxed pacing, with an English/Spanish host and a comfortable, spacious vehicle doing most of the heavy lifting. You’re free to enjoy the stops instead of wrestling your way through curvy mountain roads.

You’ll be walking for about an hour on a forest trail plus short viewpoint legs, so bring sports shoes and your swim kit. It’s an active day, not a sit-and-smile bus tour.

Key things you’ll love

• San Cristóbal de La Laguna market start: fresh local produce and an easy taste of everyday Tenerife
• Sendero de los Sentidos + Avatar forest: a 1-hour hike through laurel woods with big atmosphere for the time
• Miradors built into the route: quick photo stops that actually make sense before the longer walking
• Punta del Hidalgo natural pools: swim time in volcanic pools, plus time to hang on the coast
• La Baranda Masai cocktail stop: a coast-and-Teide view to cap the day

From Puerto de la Cruz to San Cristóbal: the market morning hits first

The day starts at Mamio Verde Adventures La Paz (right in front of their office). You hop into the vehicle with the group—small enough that the day feels personal, not chaotic—and you get moving quickly toward a place where locals really do life: San Cristóbal de La Laguna’s Municipal Food Market.

That market stop is a simple but smart move. Instead of spending your first hours chasing “pretty views,” you’re learning the flavors of the region right away. You’ll see fresh produce, local bites, and the kind of everyday stalls that make Tenerife feel like more than a postcard. Even if you just snack and buy a drink, it sets you up for the hiking and swimming later.

Practical note: the market visit is about 30 minutes. Use it to graze—fruit, small samples, anything that won’t weigh you down. If you’ve been meaning to try Spanish market culture beyond the big tourist squares, this is the right kind of stop.

Mirador de Jardina: quick views with no hassle

After the market, you ride up toward Mirador de Jardina. This is one of those “short but worth it” stops—around 10 minutes for a break and a photo moment.

It matters because it’s early in the day, before you’re tired. You get a taste of the Anaga area’s dramatic terrain, then you’re off again before the “standing around” part drags. If you’re traveling with a phone full of camera storage, this is a good time to decide what you want: wide shots for the ridges and valleys, or tighter framing for the cliffs and coast lines.

The Sendero de los Sentidos hike: where the Avatar forest vibe becomes real

This is the heart of the experience. You’ll walk the Sendero de los Sentidos trail through the Anaga region’s laurel woods—about 1 hour total.

Here’s why I think this section is so satisfying for most people: it’s long enough to feel like a real hike, but it doesn’t swallow your whole day. You’re in an enclosed, green corridor where the air feels different and birdsong is part of the soundtrack. The trail is described as peaceful, and the timing gives you room to experience it rather than just pass through.

You’re not going for a summit. You’re going for atmosphere. The “Avatar forest” idea isn’t just marketing fluff—it’s the type of forest walk where the setting looks like fantasy even when you’re just paying attention to the trees, shadows, and light filtering in.

What to watch for:

• Wear shoes with grip. Even if the trail is manageable, forest paths can be uneven.
• Bring your attention. If you treat this as a quick photo stop, you miss the best part. Take a moment, look up, breathe, then keep going.

Pico del Inglés photo breaks: small pauses, big payoff

After the main forest segment, you’ll get more short breaks focused on viewpoints. There are two quick photo-and-connection stops built in around Pico del Inglés:

1) A Mirador Pico del Inglés stop (with free time for about 10 minutes)

2) A short break at Camino viejo al pico del inglès (about 5 minutes)

These aren’t long hikes. Think of them as “you’re in the right place at the right time” moments. The Anaga ridges and sightlines can change fast, and the route is designed so you get the best glimpses without turning the day into a full-on trek.

If you get motion-sick on winding roads, you may appreciate these short resets. If you don’t, still use them to stretch your legs and avoid that end-of-day stiffness.

Punta del Hidalgo: volcanic pools, real sea air, and time to swim

Next comes the coast and the part people talk about for a reason: Punta del Hidalgo’s natural volcanic pools.

This segment includes:

• Photo stop and time to get oriented
• Lunch time (but the meal itself is not included)
• Up to about 1 hour of free time for swimming and relaxing

This is one of the best value pieces in the whole itinerary. Many Tenerife tours give you beaches, but they don’t build in a proper chance to get in the water. Here, the schedule gives you enough time to actually swim (not just dip a toe and move on).

What’s also nice: it’s not only about water. You get time to enjoy the coastal setting, take photos, and decide if you want to swim first or after lunch. And because the pools are part of a natural, volcanic setting, the vibe is different from a standard beach.

A reality check for planning: since lunch isn’t included, you’ll want to decide what you’ll do at that lunch window—either pick something on-site or bring snacks if that fits your style. I’d rather you eat well here than rush through the water time hungry.

La Baranda Masai: cocktail hour with Teide and coast views

You’ll finish at La Baranda Masai, an iconic terrace bar. This is your final “reward” stop: a break with photo time and a cocktail, about 25 minutes plus a little extra before you head back.

The best part is that the views make the drink feel like part of the scenery, not just a checkbox. You’re looking out over the coastline, with the Teide mentioned as part of the panoramic backdrop. It’s the kind of sunset-adjacent ending that turns a hiking day into a full memory.

If you like your travel days to have one clear finale, this is it. After walking and swimming, you don’t need more “activities”—you need a seat, a view, and something cold.

Price and value: is $108 a fair deal for this day?

At $108 per person for about 8 hours, this tour isn’t the cheapest thing on Tenerife—but it’s also not overpriced for what you get.

Here’s where the value comes from:

• Transportation + guiding for multiple viewpoints and a forest trail, without you driving the mountain roads yourself
• Small group size (max 8), which usually means a more manageable pace and less waiting
• Appetizers included, so you’re not starting from empty later in the day
• A meaningful hike plus a real swim window, not just a quick stop at the water

Where the cost doesn’t cover everything:

• Lunch is not included, so you’ll likely spend extra for a meal at/near Punta del Hidalgo.

For many people, the “value” calculation is really about effort. If you’re staying around Puerto de la Cruz and want Anaga + coastline + pools + a final drink without planning routes and juggling parking and timing, paying this $108 starts to make sense fast.

Who should book this Tenerife day?

This works best if you want:

• A nature-focused Tenerife day with one main hike and several viewpoint breaks
• Time to swim (real water time, not a token stop)
• A guided route so you can spend energy on the scenery instead of driving

You’ll probably enjoy it most if you’re comfortable walking about an hour on a forest trail and you’re okay with a long day. It’s also a good match if you like small groups and don’t want to feel herded.

If your idea of a vacation day is all museum stops and zero hills, this may feel too active. But if you like fresh air, coastal air, and a practical plan, it’s a strong fit.

Should you book this Avatar forest + Punta del Hidalgo tour?

Yes—if you want one organized day that combines the Anaga forest mood, a coast swim, and a proper finish. The biggest wins are the Avatar forest-style Sendero de los Sentidos hike and the chance to swim in Punta del Hidalgo natural volcanic pools with enough time to do more than a quick splash.

If you’re sensitive to long days, or you don’t like planning your own lunch, consider that as your main trade-off. Otherwise, this is the kind of Tenerife itinerary that feels like you covered real ground without exhausting yourself with driving.

FAQ

Where does the tour start?

It starts in front of the Mamio Verde Adventures office (Mamio Verde Adventures La Paz).

How long is the tour?

The duration is listed as 8 hours.

What group size is this?

It’s limited to a small group of up to 8 participants.

What languages are spoken by the host?

The host or greeter speaks English and Spanish.

What’s included during the day?

Included items are a comfortable and spacious vehicle, appetizers included, and a coat if necessary.

Is lunch included?

No. Lunch is not included as a meal, though there is lunch time during the Punta del Hidalgo segment.

Is there swimming time at Punta del Hidalgo?

Yes. You’ll have free time at Punta del Hidalgo with swimming allowed for about 1 hour, plus you’ll be at natural swimming pools.

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