Travel & IMMERSE
TENERIFE SLOW
Immerse into the local culture and enjoy the magic of Tenerife island. A slow journey through history, culture, and nature
As your dedicated official tourist guide of the Canary Islands, I’m thrilled to host your stay, personally guide you, and connect you with other expert guides to make your visit truly unforgettable.
Tenerife boasts black-sand beaches, breathtaking cliffs, a 20 million-year-old forest, Spain’s highest peak (though situated on the African plate), volcanic tunnels, and a year-round spring-like climate. Beyond these well-known attractions, let me introduce you to the island’s hidden treasures only locals know. You’ll be staying in La Orotava, a charming town that’s part of the Cittaslow movement, embracing sustainable, responsible tourism. I’ll take you to a guachinche, a delightful home-style restaurant where you can enjoy local wine and specialties. Together, we’ll explore remote lighthouses, docks, and beaches. I’ll walk you through the picturesque alleys of my favourite villages and show you how the local architecture inspired some of Latin America’s most beautiful colonial towns. You’ll also learn about the “Guanches,” the mysterious indigenous inhabitants of the islands. Most importantly, you’ll meet some of the friendliest people you’ll ever encounter.
The Canary Islands is a one-off location – Join me. ¡Bienvenidos a Tenerife!
Sample Itinerary
Meals
All breakfasts, 3 lunches and 2 dinners
Activities
City walks, nature hikes, Stargazing at Teide, volcanic tunnels, traditional meals and more.
Transportation
Included public transportation card throughout the tour.
Accommodation
7 nights accommodation in La Orotava.
Our personal guide Sara was not just a wonderful human being but very knowledgeable about the natural aspects, history and culture of the Canary Islands. We enjoyed hikes, stargazing, lava tunnels, and exploring historical towns.
— Raquel. Traveller 2023
WHAT WILL WE DO EACH DAY?
Day 1 - Welcome to Tenerife!
Today our adventure begins – To start we will set a meeting point for you to meet with me, your local host and dedicated guide who will take you to your new home. Get comfy, freshen up and then join me for an included welcome dinner. Expect local delicacies that will tell you about the unique mix of cultures this island has in store, as well as locally produced wine at one of our favourite venues. Buen provecho!
Day 2 - First encounter with your new home
Good morning! Did you sleep well? Today we will have a beautiful morning discovering your new home! Join me after breakfast as we embark on a fascinating journey through one of the oldest cities in Tenerife: La Orotava. This historic town is known for its traditional Canarian architecture, beautifully preserved 16th- to 19th-century buildings, and cobblestone streets—a place where history and traditions come alive. La Orotava is also part of the Cittaslow movement, which means you’ll experience a slower pace of life, where sustainable practices and local culture are deeply valued. While walking, I’ll tell you about La Orotava’s rich history, from its Guanche origins to its evolution over the centuries. With the green valley surrounding us, it’s a perfect introduction to the spirit of Tenerife.
Day 3 - Volcanic tunnels, millenary trees and a "guachinche" lunch
A bus will take us to the northwest of the island. Our destination: The village of Icod de los Vinos, where we will wander around and visit the famous Millennial Drago. This tree is an endemic species from the islands.
A visit to Icod would not be complete without enjoying some of its traditional food and wines. This part of the island is famous for its “guachinches”. Do not expect anything fancy but do expect tasty food, locally produced wine and a very relaxed and friendly atmosphere.
After lunch, we will take taxis that will take us closer to Mount Teide to visit the “Cueva del Viento” (Cave of the Wind). We are only going to tell you this cave actually is one of the longest volcanic tubes in the world!
Day 4 - La Laguna - A UNESCO World Heritage Site
A bus ride that will take us 1000 metres above sea level to the old city of San Cristobal de La Laguna.
This World Heritage Site city (as declared by UNESCO in 1999) was the first capital of the island. Built inland by a natural lagoon considered to be sacred by the aborigines, was chosen by the “Adelantados” (The aristocracy that conquered the island) as the location for their residences, and soon became the most important city in the entire archipelago.
Join me and wander the colonial streets of this university town, get lost in its alleyways and discover convents, churches and squares. If you have been to any colonial towns in Latin America, you will immediately be taken back…guess what? They were designed after La Laguna!
Day 5 - Choose your own adventure
Today, the day is yours to choose one of several magical experiences we suggest! Whether you’d like to dive into the island’s agricultural history on the Canary History and Potato Ecotour, visit a local winery and enjoy a wine tasting, take a peaceful walk through the natural beauty of La Caldera, or stroll along the coast and savor a delicious meal at a seaside arrocería, the choice is yours. Just let me know which experience speaks to you, and I’ll make it happen!
Day 6 - Stargazing from Mount Teide
After being picked up from your accommodation, you will be driven towards the Teide National Park. Enjoy the sunset from one of the best viewpoints in Tenerife that overlook the three islands. Continue into the Teide National Park where you will have the opportunity to see more stars than ever before with an expert laser-guided tour of the constellations in the dark sky, all set against the backdrop of prehistoric rock formations and Teide.
This unique experience will be guided by a local astrophysicist, who will not only teach us to interpret the skies but will also tell us stories that link the cosmos with local culture and history. Simply unique!
Day 7 - Enjoy Tenerife at your own rhythm and farewell dinner
Today is all about embracing Tenerife at your own pace. You can spend the day shopping, or join me for a visit to a local gem like San Juan de la Rambla, where you’ll stroll through beautiful surroundings and enjoy a meal with breathtaking views. For those captivated by history and architecture, explore the quaint town of Garachico. If you crave exploration, head west to discover charming towns like Los Silos or Buenavista, or embark on a scenic hike in Teno.
Tonight, we’ll gather for a delightful farewell dinner. It’s the perfect time to share stories, reflect on our journey, and celebrate the memories we’ve created together on this vibrant island.
Day 8 - Until we meet again
We hope you loved your time with us.
Do not hesitate to ask us for suggestions on how to get back to the airport or make arrangements for your next adventure. ¡Hasta la próxima!
Accommodation
Your stay in La Orotava will be magical. You’ll be housed in a beautifully restored 17th-century traditional house, one of the oldest in the town’s historic center. This charming hotel preserves its original Mudejar ceilings and tea wood floors, offering a perfect blend of historic charm and modern comfort.
For those seeking an upgraded experience, the nearby Hotel Alhambra offers an elegant 20th-century mansion with a Nasrid-inspired courtyard, beautiful balconies, and personalized service. Its quiet charm and art-filled common spaces make it a perfect retreat for those looking to escape the bustle.
Testimonials
I visited Tenerife last July with my young daughter . Our personal guide Sara was not just a wonderful human being but very knowledgeable about the natural aspects, history and culture of the Canary Islands. We enjoyed hikes, stargazing, lava tunnels, and exploring historical towns. We would do another tour with Sara without question. Indeed, I now take Spanish classes with Sara every week and she is an excellent teacher with a unique curriculum to really re-enforce learning the language.
— Raquel. Traveller 2023
More information
DATES
Tailor-Made: You tell us your dates!
PRICE
From €1850 / person
*Price will vary based on number of participants, time of year, included excursions and number of days
*Price based on 2 adults sharing. Single supplement from €27085
WHAT IS INCLUDED?
- Dedicated oficial tour guide
- Excursions
- Accommodation
- Public transportation
- Breakfast / 3 meals / 2 dinners
- VAT
EXCLUDED
- Flight tickets
- Transfer from airport to accommodation
- Transfer from accommodation to airport
- Travel insurance
Responsible travel policy
We are committed to promoting sustainable tourism by supporting Tenerife’s local culture and economy. Designed and led by a certified Canary Islands guide, our tours offer travellers an immersive experience of the island’s authentic life, far from the typical tourist resorts. Travellers will uncover Tenerife’s rich history, landscapes, and culture, fostering direct connections with local communities and the natural environment. This respectful, low-impact tourism supports local businesses and traditions, in line with the «Cittaslow» principles.
PLANET
Reducing carbon emissions
- Prioritizing public transport: Our tours emphasize public transportation wherever possible, reducing the carbon footprint associated with private transfers. Destinations are selected for their accessibility via public transport to minimize environmental impact.
- Occasional local private transport: When private transportation is necessary, we rely on local taxi services, optimizing routes to minimize vehicle use and support the local economy by utilizing existing services.
- Promoting walking and outdoor activities: We encourage low-emission activities such as hiking and cultural walking tours, giving travellers the chance to connect directly with nature and local surroundings without adding to its degradation.
Protecting and restoring nature and biodiversity
- Respect for local ecosystems: All activities are crafted with a deep respect for Tenerife’s diverse ecosystems, carefully avoiding sensitive areas and supporting conservation efforts. Our tours operate in regions known for their biodiversity, ensuring that every interaction with nature is mindful and respectful.
- Tours led by local experts: Travellers are guided by certified Canary Islands guides throughout, whose goal is to highlight the island’s extraordinary biodiversity. While Tenerife is often seen as a sun-and-beach destination, we reveal its environmental richness. By offering this understanding, we hope travellers will not only appreciate Tenerife’s natural treasures but also become ambassadors for its protection as a biodiverse destination.
- Responsible nature activities: During nature-based activities such as stargazing in Teide National Park or visits to other natural areas, our certified guide shares educational insights while reinforcing responsible practices to protect the local flora and fauna.
PEOPLE
Providing local benefits from tourism
- Supporting local businesses: All accommodations featured in our tours are historic or rural buildings run by local families. This ensures that the economic benefits of tourism remain within the community, contributing directly to local livelihoods.
- Promoting local gastronomy: Meals are hosted in small, family-run restaurants—some known as «guachinches»—which offer traditional, home-cooked dishes made from locally sourced ingredients, supporting local farmers and producers.
- Empowering local communities: We prioritize employing local experts and professionals, creating opportunities for jobs and skills development within the community.
