REVIEW · TENERIFE
Travel in Time at El Pasaje Secreto
Book on Viator →Operated by El pasaje secreto · Bookable on Viator
Tenerife turns into a storybook here. El Pasaje Secreto in El Roque turns a simple stroll into a guided walk through a garden and cave world of myths, art, and local legend.
I love how the experience blends storytelling with real craftwork—sculptures and intricate drawings are treated like clues to the island’s spiritual life. I also like that the guides (Maria and her family, including Patrick) keep it calm and personal, so kids and adults can follow the threads without feeling rushed.
One drawback to plan around: this place needs good weather, because your route depends on conditions outside.
In This Review
- Key highlights worth knowing
- Entering El Pasaje Secreto: a Tenerife “time travel” feeling
- Meeting at Calle la Degollada: timing your 4:00 pm start
- The 3-hour experience (and why time can feel flexible)
- Garden stories: sculptures, symbols, and “your turn” to notice
- Into the caves: where myths feel physical
- Canarian water collection systems: history you can see and understand
- The people behind it: Maria, her family, and a relaxed style
- How private works for families and mixed groups
- Price and value: what $56.59 buys you in real terms
- What to expect during the walk (so you’re not surprised)
- Practical tips to get the most out of it
- Should you book El Pasaje Secreto?
- FAQ
- Where is El Pasaje Secreto located?
- What time does the tour start?
- How long is the experience?
- Is this a private tour or shared group?
- Is the tour offered in English?
- Do I get a mobile ticket?
- What happens after the tour ends?
- Is cancellation free?
- Does the tour require good weather?
Key highlights worth knowing

- Private by default: only your group goes through this time-and-myth route.
- Art you can feel up close: sculptures and drawings are part of the story, not decoration.
- Guides named Maria and Patrick: family-style hosting with a steady, patient pace.
- Garden-to-caves flow: you move from open-air atmosphere into darker, more mysterious spaces.
- Water collection systems: the Canarian ingenuity shows up as part of the narrative, not an afterthought.
- Location tip: if your map app struggles, try the coordinates 28.096791, -16.640795 for the parking area.
Entering El Pasaje Secreto: a Tenerife “time travel” feeling

El Pasaje Secreto is the kind of attraction that doesn’t feel like a factory tour. It’s a family-built world where stories, mythologies, and local history are brought to life through the way the space is arranged—garden first, then caves, with surprises along the path.
What makes it work is the tone. It’s not frantic. The pacing feels more like wandering through an inspired living room mixed with a small theatrical experience—quiet, thoughtful, and designed to make you pay attention.
And yes, the theme is fantasy. People describe it as stepping into a different reality, and you’ll likely feel that same switch as you follow the guide’s narration.
You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Tenerife.
Meeting at Calle la Degollada: timing your 4:00 pm start

Your tour starts at 4:00 pm at El Pasaje Secreto, Calle la Degollada prolongada 92, 38629 El Roque, Santa Cruz de Tenerife. It ends back at the same place, so you don’t need to worry about transit on foot afterward.
Practical tip: this area can be easier if you use that coordinate shortcut (28.096791, -16.640795). One review notes those coordinates take you directly into the parking—useful if your phone’s map pins you somewhere else.
Because you’re doing a guided walk, arrive a few minutes early so you can settle in before the story starts. A late arrival can also mean you miss the first part of the narrative flow.
The 3-hour experience (and why time can feel flexible)

The tour duration is listed as about 3 hours. One group reported an 1.5-hour tour, which suggests the experience can run shorter depending on the session and the flow of your group.
Either way, plan your evening like this is the main event. You’ll want time afterward for a relaxed dinner, not another timed activity.
The reason this matters: the experience is built on attention and mood. When you have to rush, you lose some of the magic.
Garden stories: sculptures, symbols, and “your turn” to notice

Your first big phase is the garden area. Expect a mix of lush outdoor space and crafted details—sculptures and drawings integrated into the environment. The guides help you read these details as part of the spiritual myths and cultural narratives tied to the Canary Islands.
I like this setup because you ease into the theme. In most places, people start inside and work outward. Here, the garden helps you shift your mindset first, so when the caves begin, you’re already in story mode.
Look for the small moments where the guide points out a meaning behind a design. The pace is calm, but you’ll get more out of it if you treat it like a guided scavenger hunt—without needing to memorize anything.
Into the caves: where myths feel physical

Then comes the mysterious part: the caves. This is where the tone gets darker and more dramatic, and where the storytelling really starts to click.
The caves are decorated with sculptures and intricate drawings, and the guide connects them to spiritual life and myths from different cultures. Think of it as an illustrated narrative you walk through—only you’re not flipping pages. You’re standing inside the imagery.
A big part of the “different reality” feeling is the way the space shapes your attention. Lighting and proximity make you slow down. You’re not viewing art from across a room; you’re close enough to notice texture and the care behind the work.
Canarian water collection systems: history you can see and understand

Not every fantasy-themed visit teaches you something practical. Here, you also get an explanation of the ingenious water collection systems crafted by the Canarian people.
That’s a key value point. Tenerife’s dry stretches aren’t just a backdrop—they’re why these solutions mattered. By tying engineering to culture and survival, the guide makes the history feel alive instead of abstract.
You’re not just hearing facts. You’re learning how people adapted to the land, and that makes the whole experience more grounded. Even if the caves are pure imagination, the water systems bring you back to real island ingenuity.
The people behind it: Maria, her family, and a relaxed style

The experience is hosted by the creative family behind El Pasaje Secreto. Maria is mentioned by name, and Patrick also shows up in the story of how the place is run and cared for.
What stands out in the feedback is how infectious the passion is. The vibe is welcoming—more like being guided by hosts who love sharing their world than led by someone checking boxes.
That matters because private tours work best when the guide can match your group’s energy. If you’re traveling with mixed ages—kids, adults, and even a senior in one group—this kind of family-led pace makes it easier for everyone to stay connected.
How private works for families and mixed groups

This is a private tour/activity, meaning only your group participates. That changes the feel right away.
You don’t have to adjust to other schedules, other questions, or other pacing. If a child needs a moment to process the next turn in the cave, you’re not forced to keep pace with strangers.
For families, this is a big deal. Several reviews explicitly mention enjoyment for kids, and the overall tone suggests the guides know how to explain myth and symbolism in a way that feels fun, not like homework.
For adults, the value is different but still strong: you get time to notice details and ask questions without feeling like you’re slowing a big group.
Price and value: what $56.59 buys you in real terms
The price is $56.59 per person. On paper, that might look like a lot for what could be described as a “story place.” In practice, what you’re paying for is time, attention, and craftsmanship.
You’re getting a guided experience that lasts roughly 3 hours, plus a guided walk through intentionally designed spaces—garden and caves with sculptures and drawings. You’re also getting a story that connects myth and spiritual life to local identity, plus a practical historical thread with the water collection systems.
The biggest value boost is privacy. If you’re traveling with a group, the cost per person can feel more reasonable because you’re not just buying access—you’re buying the benefit of a dedicated guide for your time.
What to expect during the walk (so you’re not surprised)
Since the experience is themed and spatial, you’ll likely want to treat it like a slow, guided stroll rather than a checklist of photos.
Expect:
- Turns and surprises as the narration follows the space.
- A mix of outdoor and cave atmosphere (which changes light and temperature).
- Story moments that ask you to observe rather than sprint ahead.
From the tone described in feedback, it’s also relaxing. The guide’s calm presence is part of why the place feels special. So don’t show up expecting a loud, high-energy show.
Practical tips to get the most out of it
A few small habits can make your visit smoother:
- Wear shoes you’re comfortable walking in, since you’re going through a garden and into caves.
- Keep your phone handy, but don’t treat it as the main activity. The story gains power when you watch the details the guide points out.
- If you’re sensitive to cooler cave air, bring a light layer. Even without details on temperature, caves commonly feel cooler than open air.
- If you’re bringing kids, tell them the goal is to play attention games—look, listen, and follow the story turns.
If you like art, myth, and culture that feels handmade, you’ll likely enjoy the pace. If you only want standard sightseeing, you may find it too “story-world” for your taste.
Should you book El Pasaje Secreto?
I’d book it if you want something real in Tenerife, not just another stop with a quick photo. The combination of family-led storytelling, art-filled caves, and the explanation of Canarian water systems makes it feel like a thoughtful experience—one where the time actually counts.
Skip it if you want a typical museum vibe or if you’re traveling with rigid time limits. The experience is about atmosphere and movement through space, and weather matters, too.
If you can go on a day with solid conditions and you like guided narratives that blend fantasy with local meaning, El Pasaje Secreto is an easy yes.
FAQ
Where is El Pasaje Secreto located?
The meeting point is El Pasaje Secreto, Calle la Degollada prolongada 92, 38629 El Roque, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Spain.
What time does the tour start?
The start time listed is 4:00 pm.
How long is the experience?
The tour is listed at about 3 hours.
Is this a private tour or shared group?
This is a private tour/activity, so only your group participates.
Is the tour offered in English?
Yes, English is one of the offered languages.
Do I get a mobile ticket?
Yes, the tour includes a mobile ticket.
What happens after the tour ends?
The activity ends back at the meeting point.
Is cancellation free?
Cancellation is free. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
Does the tour require good weather?
Yes, it requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

























