A Scenic Excursion Tenerife Visitors Love—With a Hidden Twist
T
he Chipeque Viewpoint in Santa Úrsula, North Tenerife, is one of the island’s most breathtaking stops for travelers enjoying an unforgettable excursion Tenerife experience. Overlooking the lush Orotava Valley and crowned by sweeping views of Mount Teide, it’s a must-see destination for anyone exploring the island’s natural wonders. Tourists flock here daily, often arriving as part of guided excursion Tenerife tours or in their own rented cars, eager to capture that iconic panoramic shot.
But this postcard-perfect location recently became the center of an unexpected crackdown. The Guardia Civil’s Nature Protection Service (Deprona Teide) reported a man for selling snacks and drinks without a license—a seemingly small offense that has sparked big questions about fairness and priorities in Tenerife’s tourist zones.
Authorities confirmed that the man was operating as an unlicensed street vendor, a practice strictly forbidden within this protected natural environment. Officials warned that buying from unauthorized sellers can create hygiene issues, lead to littering, and hurt legitimate local businesses. The man now faces potential fines, and the case has been forwarded to the relevant authorities.
At first glance, this might sound like a routine action to preserve the island’s beauty for the millions who book an excursion Tenerife each year. Yet locals and frequent visitors see something far more troubling behind the scene.
The Double Standard No One Can Ignore
What truly shocks both residents and tourists is the stark double standard on display. While this solitary snack vendor at a quiet mountain viewpoint was swiftly punished, hundreds of illegal street sellers openly operate across Tenerife’s busiest tourist zones—seemingly untouched by law enforcement.
In hotspots like Los Cristianos, Playa de las Américas, and the bustling promenades of Costa Adeje—areas that every excursion Tenerife traveler is likely to visit—unlicensed vendors brazenly sell counterfeit designer goods. From fake Gucci handbags to knockoff Rolex watches, these black-market stalls line the streets in full view of both police and tourists. Many locals claim that some of these sellers also push recreational drugs, yet their trade continues largely unhindered.
Residents whisper of an open secret: these networks allegedly pay protection money to organized groups, ensuring that enforcement is either delayed or deliberately selective. Meanwhile, a lone man selling drinks at a mountain viewpoint is swiftly fined and reported. The contrast is impossible to ignore. Visitors on an excursion Tenerife can see it for themselves—luxury-brand fakes and even illegal substances are sold in broad daylight, yet a simple snack stall is treated as the greater threat.
Why This Matters for Excursion Tenerife Travelers
For anyone planning an excursion Tenerife, this case serves as a striking reminder to stay informed and cautious. Here’s what every traveler should keep in mind:
-
Health and Safety First: While a cold drink might be tempting during a long day of sightseeing, buying from unlicensed sellers can pose real health risks. Hygiene checks are minimal or nonexistent.
-
Avoid Counterfeit Goods: Fake designer products might look appealing, but purchasing them supports criminal networks and can lead to legal issues if you’re caught at customs.
-
Support Legitimate Businesses: Licensed cafes, snack bars, and excursion Tenerife operators follow strict hygiene and safety standards. Your money helps sustain the local economy instead of funding organized crime.
It’s a striking paradox: a man selling water at a mountain lookout is treated as a major offender, while sprawling black markets continue to flourish across Tenerife’s most popular tourist hubs.
Exploring Tenerife Responsibly and Freely
Despite these inconsistencies, Tenerife remains a paradise for travelers seeking unforgettable experiences. Booking a professional excursion Tenerife—whether it’s a Mount Teide stargazing tour, a whale-watching boat trip, or a guided hike through Masca Valley—offers the safest and most rewarding way to discover the island. Reputable operators provide clean facilities, licensed guides, and transparent pricing, allowing you to focus on the scenery rather than worrying about scams or shady dealings.
If you’re traveling independently, renting a car gives you the freedom to design your own excursion Tenerife adventure. Just remember to buy food and drinks only from regulated establishments and to avoid any offers that seem suspiciously cheap or “too good to be true.” The beauty of Tenerife is best enjoyed when your mind is at ease.
A Lesson in Priorities
The Chipeque incident highlights more than just a single fine—it exposes the uneven enforcement of laws that shape Tenerife’s tourism economy. While one man is punished for selling snacks in a protected area, entire networks of counterfeit and drug-peddling vendors thrive in broad daylight. For visitors embarking on an excursion Tenerife, it’s an eye-opening glimpse into the complex realities behind the island’s glittering tourist facade.






