Puerto Cruz: VIP Teide Sunset & Stars, Guachiche Lunch+Cava

If you’re heading to Tenerife and looking for an experience that combines breathtaking views, authentic Canarian cuisine, and some of the clearest night skies in the world, the Puerto Cruz VIP Teide Sunset & Stars Tour might just be what you need. This carefully curated 7-hour journey promises a taste of local flavors, stunning vistas of Mount Teide, and a night under the stars that could redefine your idea of celestial beauty.

What makes this tour stand out? We love how it blends diverse experiences — from savoring traditional Canarian dishes in a cozy Guachinche to witnessing the fiery glow of sunset from the best vantage point on the island. Plus, the star-gazing at Mount Teide’s high elevation offers an almost otherworldly chance to see constellations in some of the clearest skies you’ll find in Europe.

That said, a potential consideration is the weather dependency; cloudy or rainy nights will mean no sunset or starry spectacle, which can be a bit disappointing if the forecast isn’t favorable. But if you’re lucky with clear skies, this tour offers a truly memorable combination of scenery and ambiance—perfect for nature lovers, foodies, and space buffs alike.

In short, this experience is best suited for those who want a full sensory experience — great food, stunning vistas, and celestial wonders — all in the company of a knowledgeable guide. It’s ideal for small groups, making it more personable and flexible than large bus tours.

Key Points

• Authentic Canarian cuisine served in a cozy local restaurant.
• Spectacular sunset views from Mount Teide’s Mirador El Retamar.
• World-class stargazing in a UNESCO-protected park with minimal light pollution.
• Scenic stops along the way, including Mirador de la Bermeja and Mines of San Jose.
• Small group size (limited to 8 participants) for a more personal experience.
• Weather-dependent activity — clear skies are essential for the best views.

You can check availability for your dates here:

A Detailed Look at the Tour Experience

Starting Point and Transportation

Your adventure begins at Mamio Verde Adventures La Paz in Puerto de la Cruz, where a small group (up to 8 people) gathers for a relaxed and friendly atmosphere. From there, a comfortable van whisks you away for the day’s explorations. The tour typically lasts about 7 hours, with precise start times depending on availability. The small group size ensures you won’t be just another face in a crowd, and the transport makes navigating the island’s scenic roads easy and stress-free.

The Canarian Lunch at Guachinche El Cubano

One of the tour’s highlights is a typical Canarian meal in a well-regarded local restaurant. This traditional eatery offers an authentic taste of the island’s culinary culture, which travelers often find more flavorful and genuine than touristy spots. The meal usually includes local specialties and is complemented by Canarian wine or cava, which many reviews highlight as a lovely touch. Travelers note that the lunch is ample and well-loved — one guest even mentioned the guide “ate the lion’s share of the food,” hinting at the hearty and welcoming atmosphere.

Scenic Stops En Route

The tour’s itinerary includes several stops that showcase Tenerife’s diverse landscapes:

• Mirador de la Bermeja: This lookout provides sweeping views of the Orotava Valley, which is lush and green but also dotted with volcanic formations. It’s a quick 10-minute stop, perfect for photos and catching your breath before heading onward.

• Mines of San Jose: A historic site that offers a scenic backdrop for photos and a glimpse into Tenerife’s mining past. The stop lasts about 10 minutes, giving just enough time to soak in the views.

• Roque Cinchado: One of the island’s most iconic rock formations. Here, you’re encouraged to take photos and enjoy the dramatic landscape for about 30 minutes.

• El Portillo Visitor Center: At an altitude of 2,100 meters, this spot is ideal for a light snack and getting a sense of the high-altitude environment. It’s also a good place for photographs and to acclimate before the night’s star-studded activities.

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Sunset from Mirador El Retamar

Arguably the tour’s crown jewel, the sunset from Mirador El Retamar offers panoramic views of the island’s volcanic terrain bathed in the warm glow of dusk. Many reviewers describe it as spectacular, with one noting the sunset is “spectacular — if somewhat crowded,” but the view still worth sharing.

This vantage point allows you to witness the fiery sunset that sets the perfect mood for the upcoming night of star-gazing. The tour typically spends about 40 minutes here, allowing plenty of time to take photos and enjoy the moment.

The Drive to the El Portillo Visitor Center

After sunset, the journey continues to the El Portillo Visitor Center, which acts as both a scenic viewpoint and a hub for the star event. The drive is about 30 minutes and offers more sweeping views of the moonlit landscape, with some guests finding the scenery almost surreal in the evening.

Stargazing in Mount Teide National Park

The final act of the tour takes place at Mount Teide’s high-altitude park, where the dark sky conditions make for exceptional stargazing. The guides are knowledgeable and point out constellations, planets, and other celestial sights, often with the help of telescopes. Many reviews rave about the “best stargazing of their lives,” highlighting how clear and vibrant the night sky is here, free from city light pollution.

However, the activity is weather-dependent. A cloudy or rainy night could mean missing out on the star spectacle. One reviewer mentioned that their guide “swopped the day from Wednesday to Monday hoping for clearer skies,” showing the flexibility and responsiveness of the tour operator.

Returning and Final Impressions

You’ll head back to Puerto de la Cruz around 10 pm (or 9 pm in winter), with plenty of time to reflect on a day packed with diverse and memorable experiences. The small group setting ensures a relaxed atmosphere, and many travelers emphasize the friendly, knowledgeable guides — like Manolo, who’s been praised for making the trip “very fun” and for his local expertise.

Price and Value Consideration

At its price point, this tour offers a package that combines authentic local food, scenic drives, and a unique natural spectacle. While it doesn’t include hotel pickup, the logistics are straightforward, and logistical costs are likely built into the overall value. For travelers who appreciate well-organized small group experiences that blend culture, nature, and astronomy, this tour offers good bang for your buck.

The presence of local guides, the inclusion of a traditional Canarian meal, and the chance to see the famous Mount Teide sunset and starry skies all add to its appeal. It’s not just about ticking boxes but about enjoying a cohesive experience that captures the essence of Tenerife’s natural beauty and local charm.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This experience is perfect for nature lovers, foodies, and star gazers alike. If you enjoy sitting down to a hearty local meal after a day of exploring, this tour hits the mark. It’s also well-suited for those who want a personalized experience with a small, friendly group rather than a large bus full of travelers.

Travelers who appreciate scenic vistas and making the most of a clear night sky will find this tour especially rewarding. Given its reliance on good weather, it’s best reserved for a forecasted clear night or when you’re flexible with your plans.

For those with limited time but a desire to experience Tenerife’s most iconic landscapes and celestial views without strenuous hiking or overly commercialized attractions, this tour provides a well-rounded, memorable day.

Final Thoughts

The Puerto Cruz VIP Teide Sunset & Stars tour strikes a good balance between authenticity, scenic beauty, and culture. It’s a carefully curated mix of culinary delights, stunning viewpoints, and celestial wonder, wrapped into a manageable, small-group experience.

You’ll love the way it combines local flavors with breathtaking scenery, making it a well-rounded choice for travelers wanting more than just a quick sightseeing run. The guides are praised for their knowledge and friendliness, and the vistas from Mount Teide are genuinely some of the most spectacular in Europe.

The main caveat remains the weather — clear skies are essential for the starry finale — but if you hit lucky, this tour will be a highlight of your Tenerife trip. It’s most suitable for those who want a comprehensive, relaxed, and authentic experience that touches on nature, culture, and the universe beyond.

FAQ

• What is included in the tour?

Pickup and drop-off from Puerto de la Cruz, a typical Canarian meal at Guachinche, and star-gazing from Mount Teide.

• Is hotel pickup available?

No, hotel pickup and drop-off are not included, so you’ll need to meet at Mamio Verde Adventures La Paz.

• How long does the tour last?

Approximately 7 hours, with start times depending on availability.

• What should I bring?

Passport or ID, a jacket for cooler evenings, and comfortable shoes for walking. Luggage or large bags are not allowed.

• What if the weather is bad?

If it rains or skies are cloudy, the tour won’t take place, as the sunset and star-gazing depend on clear weather.

• Are the guides bilingual?

Yes, guides speak both English and Spanish.

• How many people are in each group?

Limited to 8 participants for a more personalized experience.

• Can I cancel if my plans change?

Yes, free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.

• Is the star-gazing suitable for children?

Most likely yes, as long as children are comfortable staying outdoor in the evening, but check specific age recommendations with the provider.

• What makes this tour special compared to others?

The combination of authentic Canarian food, scenic viewpoints, and the chance to see some of the world’s clearest starry skies makes it a well-rounded, memorable experience for travelers seeking both culture and nature.

This tour offers a well-balanced slice of Tenerife’s natural beauty, local culture, and nighttime celestial spectacle. Whether you’re a food lover, a landscape enthusiast, or a stargazing devotee, it’s a chance to enjoy the island’s most iconic sights in a small, friendly setting — and that’s a recipe for a memorable day.

You can check availability for your dates here: