Masca: Cultural Heritage, Gorge and Nature

The Caserío de Masca was protected as an Asset of Cultural Interest (Bien de Interés Cultural) in the category of Historic Site. Masca is considered one of the outstanding historical examples of rural adaptation to the geographical conditions of its surroundings.

Culture and History

The Iglesia de la Inmaculada Concepción is located on Plaza de Masca. Pico Yeje is designated as an Asset of Cultural Interest (Bien de Interés Cultural) in the category of Archaeological Zone. The Pico Yeje archaeological area comprises a rock art complex with an unequivocally pre-Hispanic date. The Pico Yeje archaeological complex can be reached via a paved path known as the Calzada de los Antiguos.

Landscape

The Caserío de Masca lies at the upper end of the deep Barranco de Masca and is bounded by Roque Tarucho and the rocky spurs of Abache and La Fortaleza. Morro de Catana is a rocky eminence rising almost vertically from the bed of the ravine and a clear example of the effects of erosion in the Masca area. The Barranco de Masca has a section with closely spaced vertical walls and flows into a small landing place. In Parque Rural de Teno, Masca is one of the traditional rural landscapes of high aesthetic, cultural and ethnographic value that are in harmony with the natural surroundings.

Nature

The Cumbres de Masca are a restricted-use zone within Parque Rural de Teno; the western slopes of the upper catchment area are home to threatened plant species endemic to the Canary Islands, including some classified as critically endangered. The western cliffs between Punta del Diente del Ajo and Playa de Masca are a breeding ground for numerous seabirds and birds of prey, some of which are classified as critically endangered; this cliff area is also home to part of the population of the recently discovered giant lizard.

On Site

The Centro de Interpretación de la Naturaleza is located a few metres below Plaza de Masca. TITSA routes 355 and 365 provide return connections to Masca from Buenavista del Norte and Santiago del Teide.

Another available location is El Palmar.

Circular Trails and Gorge

The municipal Masca circular trail connects the hamlets of Caserío de La Piedra and El Lomo and takes approximately 20 minutes. The circular trail offers views of Guergues, Tarucho, La Fortaleza and the Barranco de Masca; agricultural terraces can also be seen from the Masca circular trail. Along the Masca circular trail there are several pasiles, piles of stones used for drying figs. The Masca circular trail ends at Museo de Masca.

The trek through the Barranco de Masca gorge begins at the Caserío de Masca, is four kilometres long and involves a 580-metre descent. The details of the circular trail and trek can be compared for planning purposes based on duration, distance and elevation change. Access to the route through the Barranco de Masca is regulated and requires advance reservation.

For the higher-level travel overview: Buenavista Del Norte.