If you like forests and sea time, this hits the spot. I love the Anaga laurel forest hike with the calm Path of the Senses vibe, and I love ending in Bajamar’s natural volcanic pools before the day turns into an ocean-and-Teide cocktail moment.

One thing to plan for: the route can shift and the swim is weather-and-sea dependent, so you’ll want to keep your expectations flexible if conditions aren’t perfect.

Key things I’d plan around on this Tenerife day

• Small-group feel (up to 8): easier conversation, more time at stops, less waiting around.
• Anaga “Avatar forest” hike: a one-hour walk through laurel forest on the Sendero de los Sentidos.
• Teide viewpoint stops: multiple photo breaks with big “wow, Tenerife is real” angles.
• Bajamar natural pools: volcanic rock, saltwater, and the kind of swim you don’t find in a pool.
• Cocktail at Serendipia (La Baranda terrace): ocean views paired with a proper end-of-day relax.

First stop: La Paz to La Laguna market (and why it matters)

The tour starts at Mamio Verde Adventures La Paz. From there, you’re in an air-conditioned vehicle, headed toward San Cristóbal de La Laguna for the Mercado Municipal visit. It’s a great warm-up because it’s practical and local: you see everyday Tenerife life, not just scenic pull-outs.

In the market, you’ll get time to browse local organic and eco-produce and pick up food ideas you’ll recognize later on the trip. Even if you don’t buy anything, the market stop gives you context for the day—this isn’t only about walking. It’s also about how people eat, shop, and live on the island.

I also like that this part is time-boxed. You get a solid 30 minutes. You don’t feel dragged through stalls, and you still have plenty of energy left for Anaga.

The viewpoints before the forest: Pico del Inglés and Jardina

After La Laguna, the van makes a series of climbs and photo stops. Expect a quick break at Mirador Pico del Inglés, then a short photo stop along the older path area (Camino viejo al pico del inglés). These stops are brief, but they’re not filler. They help you understand what you’re about to enter: steep terrain, forest edges, and those high Canaries viewpoints where the ocean feels close.

Then comes Mirador De Jardina. You’ll have another dedicated photo stop here, and this is one of those moments where you’ll want to slow down—even for just five minutes. The day’s walking later in Anaga will feel better if you start it with a calmer state of mind.

Anaga forest hike on Sendero de los Sentidos: calm air, birdsong, and shade

This is the heart of the day. You’ll drive toward Anaga and then head into the “Avatar forest” style scenery—laurel forest under a canopy that keeps the air cooler and the light soft.

The trail here is Sendero de los Sentidos, and you’ll do about an hour on foot. The tour style is relaxed: you’re not doing a hardcore grind, and it’s framed as a disconnect-from-the-city kind of walk. In practical terms, that means: comfortable pacing, time to look around, and the chance to actually hear the forest.

Why I think this stop is such good value: Tenerife is famous for beaches and volcano views, but Anaga is where the island feels like a different world. You’re trading crowds for shade, birdsong, and that thick, mossy-green calm you only get in certain corners of the Canaries.

Bring sports shoes. The ground can be uneven, especially once you’re deeper into the forest.

Cruz del Carmen lunch stop (and what to do with that timing)

Between the forest and the coast, you’ll stop in Cruz del Carmen for lunch at a traditional restaurant. Lunch is not included, so budget for it separately.

The timing is smart. You get a chance to refuel before you go to the water areas and start thinking about swimming. Also, if you’re the type who needs a bathroom break before the sea part, this is your moment.

Tip: keep lunch lighter than you’d normally do. You’ll still have hiking time and pool time later, and you’ll enjoy it more if you don’t feel stuffed.

On the coast trail: San Juanito’s short walk

Once you head toward the coast, you’ll get a walk along Sendero litoral San Juanito. The walking time is short (about 30 minutes), but it’s enough to shift your mindset from forest to ocean.

This is a good segment for photos too. You’ll get those coastal angles and sea-breeze breathing. It’s also a nice bridge between “getting there” and “doing something fun in the water.”

The best way to treat this part: don’t rush. Use it to shake off the van time, stretch your legs, and reset your energy.

Bajamar natural pools: the real payoff (if conditions are right)

Then you reach Bajamar. This is where the tour earns its name—natural volcanic pools, not a man-made attraction.

You’ll have time to relax and swim if sea conditions are favorable. The schedule gives you a meaningful window (including photo stop, lunch/free time, and about an hour of swimming time). That’s long enough to enjoy it, not just to dip your toe and leave.

A key detail: the whole swim depends on the sea. That means you should arrive ready to adjust plans. If the water is rough or conditions aren’t ideal, your group may still get time by the coast and in the area, but swimming could be limited.

Here’s why Bajamar is worth it anyway: the volcanic rock forms these natural basins, and when the water is calm, it feels like being in a protected ocean spa. Even when you’re not swimming, the setting is scenic and you can still enjoy the view.

Bring your swimwear and towel. Sports shoes are helpful too—some areas around the pools can be slick, and you’ll feel better with grip.

Serendipia cocktail stop with Teide and ocean views

You finish at Serendipia, on the La Baranda terrace, for a cocktail. The payoff here is the viewpoint: ocean views plus the volcano in the distance.

This isn’t a rushed “drink-and-out.” The stop is roughly 25 minutes, and it’s timed for a relaxed end to the day. It also gives you a chance to talk with your guide about what you just experienced—Anaga forest, Tenerife’s climbing viewpoints, and why Bajamar’s coastline works the way it does.

One practical note from real-world experience: sometimes the exact timing of the late-day vibe can be affected by what’s happening outside the tour’s control. But when it works, this is a great final scene—legs a bit tired, air cooling off, and Teide in the backdrop while you sip something local-style.

Comfort, group size, and the guide effect

This is a small-group tour, limited to 8 participants. That matters more than you’d think. It keeps the day personal and makes it easier to ask questions, especially on the forest walk and during the viewpoint stops.

Language support is English and Spanish, and the tour is led by a host/greeter plus a guide/driver. Reviews specifically mention a guide named Manolo as kind and flexible, and that’s consistent with what you want from this kind of day: safety on roads, good timing, and the ability to adjust if weather changes.

Also, the vehicle is air-conditioned and comfortable. On Tenerife, you can feel the heat quickly between stops, and comfort helps you keep your energy for the hike.

If needed, the tour provides a coat. That’s a small line item, but it’s smart for a place where forest air and coastal evenings can feel cooler.

Price and value: what $112 covers (and what you should still budget)

At $112 per person for about 8 hours, you’re paying for a lot of the day to be handled for you:

• transport in a comfortable vehicle
• a small-group guided experience
• market time in La Laguna
• guided forest hiking through Anaga
• access to Bajamar natural pools time
• a cocktail with panoramic views

Lunch is not included, so that’s your main extra cost. The other variable is swim conditions—if you can’t swim much, you’ll still get the viewpoint and the coastline time, but the “swim payoff” might be less than expected.

Is it worth it? For me, the value depends on how much you care about having the day stitched together for you. If you want Anaga without planning bus routes, timing trail access, and figuring out coastal pool logistics, paying for a guided, small-group day makes sense. If you’d rather DIY every stop, you could piece things together—but you’d be trading convenience for effort.

What this tour is best for

This is a strong fit if you:

• want a one-day Tenerife sampler that includes market culture, forest walking, and ocean time
• like walking that’s active but not overwhelming (about an hour in forest plus shorter coastal walking)
• value smaller groups so the day feels more personal

It’s less ideal if you:

• need swimming guaranteed (it’s only possible if sea conditions are favorable)
• want a tour that never changes stops under any circumstances (the route can be modified for alerts or directives)

Quick packing list that actually helps

Bring:

• Swimwear
• Towel
• Sports shoes and sportswear
• Passport or ID card

And for comfort: water and sunscreen are always a smart idea on Tenerife, especially with viewpoint stops and time in the sun.

Should you book this Tenerife experience?

I’d book it if your dream day is: market morning energy, Anaga’s shaded forest calm, a sea-based payoff at Bajamar, then a cocktail where the ocean and Teide share the frame. The small-group setup and the guided routing are where you’ll feel the money working.

I’d think twice if you’re counting on swimming as the main reason you booked. The tour is honest about sea conditions and can adjust the day. If you can roll with that, you’ll still have plenty to enjoy—even beyond the water time.

FAQ

How long is the tour?

It runs for about 8 hours.

Where does the tour start?

It meets in front of Mamio Verde Adventures office at Mamio Verde Adventures La Paz.

Is lunch included?

No. Lunch is not included, though there is a scheduled lunch stop at a traditional restaurant.

Will I definitely be able to swim at Bajamar?

Swimming in Bajamar natural pools depends on sea conditions. If conditions aren’t favorable, you may still spend time in the area but swimming time may be limited.

What should I bring?

Bring a passport or ID card, swimwear, a towel, sports shoes, and sportswear.

How big is the group and what languages are offered?

The group is limited to 8 participants. The host/greeter works in English and Spanish.