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THE 10 BEST Teide National Park Tours & Excursions

Teide national park tours.

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1. Mt. Teide and Masca Valley Tour in Tenerife

2. Teide by Night: Sunset & Stargazing with Telescopes Experience

3. Tenerife: Quad Adventure Teide Tour

4. Off-Road Quad Tour from Woodlands to Volcanic Heights

5. Monster Quad Teide Tour

6. Small Group Teide National Park Volcanic and Forest Wonders

7. Sunset & Stargazing Experience From Teide

8. Mount Teide Tour with Transfer and Optional Cable Car Ticket

9. Around Tenerife in One Day

10. Tenerife Volcano Quad Tour

11. Mount Teide Summit Hiking Activity By Night

12. Buggy Safari Adventure 700cc

13. Buggy tour to Teide in Tenerife

14. Tenerife Teide National Park Tour including Volcano Teide and Masca

15. Astronomical Observation Tour in Teide Tenerife

16. Sunset and Stars at Teide National Park

17. Teide National Park

18. VOLCANO TEIDE NATIONAL PARK Half-Day in a small group by bus

19. Private Shore Excursion in Tenerife from your Cruise Ship

20. Self Driving Sunset and Stargazing in Teide National Park

21. 6-Hour Tour with Observation of the Stars 1242 with Lunch

22. Admission Ticket for the Science and Legend Exhibition

23. Volcano Teide National Park Guided Tour from Puerto de la Cruz - Tenerife North

24. Buggy Tour Volcano Teide By Day in Teide National Park

25. Tenerife VIP Tour

26. Custom Private Full-Day Tour into the Heart of Tenerife

27. Private VIP Tour Tenerife Magic Circle

28. Teide road bike climb from PdC

29. Teide Tenerife´s jewel

30. Half-Day Volcanic Experience in Teide, Tenerife

What travelers are saying.

• Mt. Teide and Masca Valley Tour in Tenerife
• Teide by Night: Sunset & Stargazing with Telescopes Experience
• Sunset & Stargazing Experience From Teide
• Tenerife: Quad Adventure Teide Tour
• Small Group Teide National Park Volcanic and Forest Wonders

8 Best Mount Teide Tours in Tenerife, Spain

Home | Travel | Europe | Spain | Canary Islands | Tenerife | 8 Best Mount Teide Tours in Tenerife, Spain

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There are many great excursions to Teide , the highest peak in the Canary Islands and all of Spain. So, if you’re traveling to Tenerife and plan to climb Mount Teide, a guided tour is the best option, especially if you don’t want to drive or hike on your own.

Mount Teide is in the center of Tenerife, so you can see it from practically anywhere on the island. When you go to Teide National Park, not only can you do a Teide volcano tour , but you can see the park’s fauna, flora, and unique geological formations. Moreover, the volcano’s peak is 12,190 feet above sea level, so seeing the incredible views from there is one of the top things to do in Tenerife .

To help you plan your adventure, here are the 8 best tours of Teide :

• OPTION 1 : Tour with cable car ride
• OPTION 2 : Tour with cable car ride and access to the summit
• OPTION 3 : Tour through the Cañadas del Teide
• OPTION 4 : Hiking tour to climb Mount Teide along the Montaña Blanca route
• OPTION 5 : Night hike through the Cañadas del Teide
• OPTION 6 : Stargazing tour in Teide National Park
• OPTION 7 : Tour to Mount Teide and Masca
• OPTION 8 : Tour to Mount Teide, Icod, and Garachico

1. Mount Teide tour with cable car ride

One of the most popular excursions to Teide includes transportation to the base of the cable car and a ride to La Rambleta. While this tour doesn’t go to the volcano’s summit, it’s still quite impressive because La Rambleta is 11,660 feet above sea level.

Depending on where you are staying, you can book this excursion from the north of Tenerife or this one from the south. You’ll travel by bus from the meeting point to Teide National Park, about 7,730 feet above sea level. From there, you’ll board a cable car and ascend to La Rambleta, enjoying lovely views along the way.

Once at La Rambleta, you’ll have an hour to explore the trails and viewpoints in the area. Keep in mind that this Mount Teide tour doesn’t go to the summit since a special permit is required. Also, an hour isn’t enough time to hike the trail to the volcano’s peak.

• Highlights : Bus ride to Teide National Park, cable car ride, La Rambleta
• Duration : 8 hours
• Price from : $75
• Departure : North and south Tenerife
• Description : Enjoy round-trip transportation by bus to Teide National Park, where you’ll ride a cable car to La Rambleta. There, you’ll have one hour to enjoy the views and walking paths .

2. Mount Teide tour with cable car ride and access to summit

One of the best excursions to Teide , if you want to reach the summit, is this tour . Along with the special permit to access the summit, the excursion includes a guide and cable car ride; so this is this is the tour we recommend no matter you’re planning a week itinerary in Tenerife or you have just 5 days to explore Tenerife .

On this Teide tour , you’ll hike on Trail 10 or Telesforo Bravo, the only route that goes to the summit. The trail is less than half a mile, but it has an elevation gain of over 650 feet, so it’s only recommended for experienced hikers.

The excursion also includes transportation from different parts of Tenerife to the cable car entrance, and a cable car ride is also included. The ride is less than 10 minutes and leads to La Rambleta, where you’ll begin the hike to the summit.

During your hike, you’ll witness the spectacular landscape of Mount Teide, such as the volcanic rock formations. As you get closer to the peak, you’ll smell sulfur in the air, another indication of the volcanic activity in this area. Without a doubt, this is one of the top excursions to Teide , especially if you love hiking and you want to see Spain’s ultimate apex.

Moreover, the tour company handles all the special permit requirements, so you won’t have to worry about it.

• Highlights : Bus transportation, cable car ride, and hike to the summit of Mount Teide
• Duration : 5 hours
• Price from : $97
• Departure : Areas in northern and southern Tenerife (see the different points here )
• Description : Enjoy round-trip transportation by bus to the Mount Teide cable car. Your tour includes a cable car ride to La Rambleta, where you’ll begin your hike to the top of the volcano, following the Telesforo Bravo trail. Permit access to the summit is also included .

3. Tour through Las Cañadas, a cheap excursion to Teide

Within Teide National Park, at the foot of the volcano, you’ll find Las Cañadas, an expansive area, and site of several volcanic eruptions. It is believed that this region was created after the caldera that’s also here, although there is still much debate about that. Regardless, if you want to tour Mount Teide and see this part of the park, I recommend this tour from the north or this one from the south.

3. Tour through Las Cañadas, a cheap excursion to Teide –  Efrén Yanes

On this excursion in Teide , you’ll be able to witness the desert landscape surrounding the volcano, including rivers of lava and volcanic rock formations like the Roques de García. Throughout the journey, you’ll get lovely panoramic views of Mount Teide.

Depending on the time of year, you may see the  tajinaste rojo , or the tower of jewels, a bright red plant that only grows in Teide under special conditions. Also, there isn’t any difference between the tours from the north and the south, as they both cover the same areas. Besides, the price is quite low, so this is a good, cheap Teide volcano tour to consider.

• Highlights : Las Cañadas del Teide
• Duration : 4- 5 hours
• Price from : $31
• Description : Enjoy round-trip transportation by bus to the Cañadas del Teide, where you’ll take a guided hike and explore the flora and views .

4. Hiking tour to Mount Teide’s peak (Montaña Blanca route)

We reached the summit of Mount Teide by taking Trail 7 or the Montaña Blanca route, one of the best hikes in Tenerife . If you love to hike, this is the best way to get to the volcano’s peak. Although we did it on our own, you can book a Teide excursion that does this route, like this tour .

This excursion takes all day and goes from the Cañadas road, where the ascent begins. Part of what makes this Teide tour the best is that you’ll discover unique places along the route. One of these is the Huevos del Teide, two huge black rocks behind the White Mountain. You’ll also pass through the Altavista refuge and the cable car station. The ascent is done on foot, while you’ll descend down the mountain by cable car, and the tickets are included.

The terrain is quite steep since you’re walking on solidified lava, so this is a difficult hike that I don’t recommend for people who aren’t in good physical shape. That said, if you can do it, it’s an incredible Teide day trip that will reward you with amazing panoramic views and landscapes.

On this excursion, you’ll hike the Telesforo Bravo trail, the only one that leads to the summit, and the tour company handles permit access.

• Highlights : Hike along Trail 7 (Montaña Blanca) and Telesforo Bravo
• Duration : 1 day
• Price from : $178
• Departure : Hotel pick-up in Los Cristianos, Las Américas, or Costa Adeje
• Description : Take a guided hike along Trail 7 (Montaña Blanca) to reach the peak of Mount Teide. The tour includes a guide, accident insurance, cable car ticket, and permit access to the summit .

5. Night hike through Las Cañadas, the best Mount Teide tour at night

Tenerife, specifically El Teide, undergoes a drastic change at night, so doing a Teide night tour can give you a completely new perspective of this otherworldly landscape. If you’re interested in this kind of experience, I highly recommend this tour .

5. Night hike through Las Cañadas, the best Mount Teide tour at night –  Efrén Yanes

The excursion begins at the Parador de Cañadas del Teide (one of the best paradores in Spain ), where you’ll meet your guide and embark on a 3-mile hike under the beautiful starry sky. Moreover, this evening Mount Teide tour will take you to some iconic places, like the Roques de García, all while basking in the glow of the moon and stars.

To make the most of your time, I recommend spending the night at the Parador Las Cañadas del Teide hotel, since you’ll be starting and end the tour there anyway. If it’s already booked, you can find other hotels to stay in Tenerife close to the meeting point.

• Highlights : Las Cañadas del Teide at night
• Duration : 3 hours
• Price from : $22
• Departure : Parador de Cañadas del Teide
• Description : Take an evening hike through the Cañadas del Teide and see some of the most popular sights in the area while enjoying the night sky. The tour includes a guide, snacks, and flashlights .

6. Stargazing tour in Teide, one of the best nighttime excursions in Teide

Tenerife is a designated Starlight Tourist Destination since it has all the perfect conditions to enjoy the night sky. So, if you’re looking for an impressive night tour in Teide , I suggest booking this one .

You’ll experience a Night Sky Star Safari in Teide National Park, where you’ll observe the stars through a telescope. Meanwhile, an expert guide will tell you all about the visible planets, the moon, stars, and much more. Best of all, this Teide excursion includes a glass of cava while you watch the sunset, as well as a traditional Canarian meal.

6. Stargazing tour in Teide, one of the best nighttime excursions in Teide –  Efrén Yanes

Another great nighttime excursion to Teide that you can book is this one , which includes stargazing and a visit to Reverón Wineries, located 4,640 feet above sea level.

Regardless of the tour you book, I suggest reading our guide on how to photograph the Milky Way so you can make the most of it!

7. Tour to Mount Teide and Masca, the best day trips to Teide

If you’re looking for excursions to Teide from Puerto de la Cruz in northern Tenerife, one of the best is this tour , which includes a visit to Masca.

You’ll travel in a 4×4 across volcanic formations in the La Orotava valley and Teide National Park. Along the way, a guide will explain the events that caused the volcanic eruptions in this area, and the impact they had on the island’s geology. For example, the village of Garachico was practically buried when Chinyero erupted.

7. Tour to Mount Teide and Masca, the best day trips to Teide –  Efrén Yanes

Then, you’ll reach the beautiful town of Masca, located 2,460 feet above sea level. It has one of the best viewpoints in Tenerife, thanks to its popular ravine. Without a doubt, it’s one of the best full day trips to Teide .

If you’re in the southern part of Tenerife, don’t worry because this tour departs from Las Américas and is nearly identical to the other excursion. The only difference is that you’ll start in the south of the island, so you’ll go to Masca and Vilaflor, another charming village.

These are the best tours to Teide, Tenerife if you want to explore the nearby areas and learn more about volcanic activity there.

8. Teide, Icod, and Garachico, a complete Mount Teide tour

For those who want a complete tour of Mount Teide, I recommend this tour , as it’s one of the few trips that combine Teide , Masca , Icod , and Garachico .

This tour departs from northern Tenerife, but you can also book this option if you’re in the south. Depending on your starting point, the order of the stops may vary.

One of the places you’ll visit on this Teide tour is the Cañadas del Teide National Park, an area that was created after the volcano erupted. Today, it boasts rivers of lava and characteristic rock formations like the Roques de García. Moreover, from here, you can see Mount Teide in the distance and get a better idea of its full grandeur.

You’ll also stop at Santiago del Teide and Masca, the latter of which is known for its ravine and viewpoints that overlook the region from 2,460 feet above sea level. The excursion’s two other stops are the historical town of Garachico and the municipality of Icod de Los Vinos , where you can see ten Ancient Dragon Tree, considered by many to be a National Monument.

Again, these Mount Teide tours are the perfect choice if you want to take advantage of discovering other points of interest in Tenerife.

• Highlights : Teide National Park, Masca, Garachico, and Icod de Los Vinos
• Duration : 8- 9 hours
• Price from : $43
• Departure : Pick-up at your hotel in Puerto de la Cruz or from south ​​Tenerife (El Médano, Callao-El Paraíso, Ten Bel, Los Gigantes, Golf del Sur, La Caleta, Las Américas, Los Cristianos, and Chayofa)
• Description : Enjoy a complete tour through Teide National Park and see the volcanic geological formations. Then, travel to some of the most popular towns in Tenerife, like Masca, Garachico, and Icod de los Vinos.

Mount Teide tour prices

If you’re still not sure which excursion to Teide you want to do during your vacation in Tenerife , here is a comparison of the different prices for each tour:

In addition to the climbing tours on Teide , there are many excursions from Tenerife that will take you to different corners of the island. Of course, to learn more about this stunning island and to make the most of your trip, I recommend reading our guides on things to do in north Tenerife and places to visit in south Tenerife . Regardless of which part of Tenerife you visit, Mount Teide is a must! However, if you’re traveling without renting a car in Tenerife , you should know that there are many e xcursions from Puerto de la Cruz so I recommend staying here.

Finally, I hope that you feel more confident about booking your excursion to Teide . If you have any questions, leave me a comment below and I’ll help you as much as I can. Have a safe trip!

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Teide National Park in Tenerife: The Ultimate Guide [2024]

• Updated On March 7, 2024

Teide National Park is for many the number one highlight of a visit to Tenerife. Visit here to experience the island’s visually impressive backdrop, see surreal rock formations and explore a lunar, otherworldly landscape. It’s not to be missed, particularly if you enjoy stargazing or hiking. 

Planning Your Trip to Teide National Park Last Minute?

Below are our favorite tours and hotels we highly recommend when visiting the national park.

Top Experiences and Tours: Mount Teide Tour with Cable Car Ticket & Transfer (all in one, perfect if you don’t have a hire car) Teide Stargazing Experience (Teide is one of the best places in the world to view stars!) Mount Teide Summit Guided Hiking Tour (once in a lifetime experience!) Quad Adventure Tour (very fun tour riding quad bikes to the national park) Mount Teide Observatory Guided Tour (perfect for science buffs!) 

Top Hotels: Parador de Las Cañadas del Teide (This is the only hotel inside the national park. We stayed here and highly recommend it!)

Without a shadow of a doubt, the biggest attraction in Tenerife is Teide National Park. To miss seeing it while visiting the island seems almost criminal. 

Parque Nacional del Teide is spread over more than 13,500 hectares of the island – or around a tenth of the land mass. The park and highest peak is located in the Macaronesia volcanic zone, and the active volcano last erupted in 1909. The peak of Mount Teide is Spain’s highest summit, and the mountain is surrounded by an otherworldly, lunar landscape. Other things to see at this national park include dark caverns and intriguing rock formations. 

A variety of altitudes also means there’s a vast range of floral species to be seen when hiking in Teide National Park. Some of these are found nowhere else on the planet. That’s only one of the reasons why the park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, attracting around three to four million visitors each year.  

Over 80% of the volcanic rock formations found on Earth can be seen at this unique national park. The variety of colours and textures is incredible and includes green due to the presence of copper oxide. As for the peak itself, it emerges from a large caldera left over from a previous volcano. 

There are plenty of things to do when you visit Teide National Park. You can take a cable car or hike to the summit. There’s also plenty of other amazing hikes in the park which pass through lava fields. Or you can just visit the numerous viewpoints, soaking up the views without the need to tackle a hike. 

You can also stay overnight in the only Teide National Park hotel . The park is among the best places in the world for stargazing, due to minimal light pollution, the location and the lunar landscape. 

From getting there to planning countless activities the park has to offer, this ultimate guide has you covered. Let’s dive deeper into the volcanic, surreal world of Teide National Park in Tenerife!

Table of Contents

Weather in Teide National Park

Due to the altitude, the weather in the national park is usually several degrees cooler than the rest of the island. In winter, averages are around 8°C, and in summer, highs can reach about 20 to 22°C.

When we lived in Tenerife for a year, we saw Teide every single day while taking the kids to kindergarten. In winter, the mountain was covered in snow. Upon seeing that, we were so excited to go up there and feel it for ourselves because it’s such a contrast to the balmy 20°C temperatures on the coast. 

We failed in our mission a couple of times, as the roads leading to Teide were closed. This happens when there is heavy snow. By the third time, though, we did manage to get into the park and were completely enthralled by it. As it was 4°C by then, the snow was melting but you wouldn’t believe how many Spanish families brought their kids here to play with the snow! It was incredible to witness. The children brought their sledges along, which they probably only get to use 2 to 3 days per year.

If you take a cable car ride to the top, you’ll find that it’s even colder up there. In winter, minus temperatures aren’t uncommon. So do prepare for that by taking warmer clothes with you.

Any time of year is good for visiting the park. Many people hike to the peak in summer, but during spring is the best time due to the wildflowers covering the lower slopes. The summit may also still be snow-clad in spring. In winter, reaching Teide National Park by car can be impossible due to road closures. 

Most of the park is above the clouds. So even when it’s cloudy on the coast, you will drive past a certain point while heading to Teide and it will suddenly become sunny. 

How to Visit Teide National Park

This section covers how to get to Teide National Park and essential information you need to know. Thankfully, due to its popularity, there are now plenty of ways to visit. Of course the simplest option for many is to rent a car, as this is the most flexible means of getting there, but other options are also covered below. 

Visitor Centres

There are two visitor centres in Teide National Park: one in El Portillo ( location ) and the Cañada Blanca visitor centre ( location ) near the Parador de Cañadas del Teide hotel.

El Portillo is the main one and can be found in the east of the park. It offers information on hiking trails in Teide National Park, plus exhibits about local flora, fauna and geology. Some free hikes are also led by staff. 

The Cañada Blanca visitor centre is in the south, and this focuses more on the relationship between the park and humanity. 

Useful Information

• You don’t have to budget for Teide National Park tickets, as entry is free. You do have to pay for the cable car to take you to the top, though. It costs 38 Euros for a round-trip ticket for adults, and 19 euros for children aged between 3 and 13. Children under 3 are not permitted to ride. Book the tickets via the official website .
• The cable car takes you to the top station called “La Rambleta”, at an altitude of 3,555 metres. There you have the option of choosing between three walks. One of these is to the peak. You need the right Teide permits to do this: you can get that here . Do keep in mind that spaces fill up about two months in advance. If you fail to get one, you could opt for the official tour instead. This involves climbing to the peak as part of a guided tour, without needing to get a Teide National Park permit. 
• Parking in the national park is free, but free spaces soon disappear during high season. Sometimes you might need to drive around for some time before a space frees up.
• Don’t leave your valuables unattended inside the car when parking at the park – or in other tourist places in Tenerife. There is a chance that the car window will be smashed and your belongings stolen in a matter of seconds. Unfortunately, car thefts are common in Tenerife, even though we have never experienced them ourselves.
• There is one hotel in the park – Parador de Las Cañadas del Teide – so you can stay overnight if you’d like to.

Getting to Teide National Park

This is for many the easiest and most flexible option. There are four roads leading to the national park:

• From the South. If you are staying in the popular areas of Playa de las Americas , Costa Adeje or Los Cristianos , you will usually take this road. It passes Vilaflor – the highest village in Tenerife, located at an altitude of 1,400 m. After reaching the village, take the TF-21 to reach the national park. 
• From the West. If you are staying in the Los Gigantes area, firstly you must get to TF-38 through Tamaimo. You’ll then switch to TF-21 once inside the national park. This is the fastest route, and you’ll pass spindly pines and a stretch of solidified lava along the way.  
• From the North. If you’re staying in Puerto de la Cruz , you need to get to La Orotava before switching to the TF-21. This will get you into the park.
• From the North-East. From Santa Cruz de Tenerife or San Cristóbal de La Laguna, take TF-24 from La Laguna (Carretera de La Esperanza). This then connects to the TF-21. It’s probably the most picturesque road.

The roads are in very good condition and we find them easy to navigate. Despite the fact that you are gaining elevation, this happens smoothly and thus shouldn’t be a problem for any intermediate driver.

Alternatively, take a bus to Teide National Park. Two bus routes can get you there without a hire car.

Number 342 runs from Costa Adeje, via Playa de las Americas and Los Cristianos, to various stops within the national park. It runs only once per day. The bus departs at 9:15 am from Costa Adeje bus station, and the whole trip takes 2 hours and 15 minutes. To get back, catch the bus at 3:15 pm from El Portillo. This also passes the cable car station at approximately 3:40 pm. The price is 7,60€ one way. 

Number 348 runs from the northern part of Tenerife. It sets off at 9:30 am from Puerto de la Cruz and the final stop is near the Parador de Las Cañadas del Teide hotel. The whole trip takes around 1 hour and 40 minutes. You can head back at 4 pm, and the price is 6,20€ one way.

Both buses give you plenty of time to use the cable car from 12 pm. You can then spend up to 3 hours up there (which is enough even for hiking to the peak if you have a permit) and still get back in time for the return trip.

In all honesty, rarely do people spend so much time on the top. Usually about an hour is enough.Then you’ll have some time left for other activities, such as visiting several viewpoints.

To help with that, there is a third bus that can transport you within the park, from one site to another. It’s the number 341 , and runs a few times per day.

If you have any questions on using a bus system in Tenerife, check out our complete bus guide.

Taking a Teide National Park tour is a third way to get there. Many of these will show you the highlights, without any stress, renting a car or driving. Unless specified, it’s best to assume these tours don’t leave sufficient time for the return cable car trip. 

Whether you’re staying in the north or south, you shouldn’t have any trouble finding a suitable trip. Many include pick-up from your accommodation too. Here are the tours that we can recommend. Some of these are organised by the national park itself, and others by private companies.

• Excursion from Southern or Northern Tenerife . The cost is 74 Euros and this includes transport from your hotel, a return cable car ticket and an official guide in your preferred language. If you are staying in the Costa Adeje, Playa de las Americas or Los Cristianos areas, the tour is available daily. For the Los Gigantes or Costa del Silencio areas, it takes place on selected days only. Check the link above for more information. Duration: 7 hours.
• Teide Stargazing Experience . As already mentioned, Teide National Park is one of the best places on Earth for stargazing because of the clear skies. This tour takes you from selected hotels in Southern Tenerife (or you can drive before joining the tour at the park). You get to experience sunset above the clouds with a glass of Cava, savour an authentic meal in a local restaurant and watch the night sky with powerful telescopes. This one is highly recommended. Duration: 6 hours with hotel pickup, or 4 hours if you drive to the national park yourself.
• Mount Teide Summit Guided Hiking Tour . Another great option. By choosing this tour, you get to hike to the summit of Teide with a guide, which is a truly memorable experience. This option includes a transfer from Tenerife South or North, cable car tickets, and a permit to visit the crater. The latter is very important because if you want to summit Teide without this tour, you would have to get the permit yourself. This must be done at least two months prior to your trip. By choosing this tour, you can save yourself the headache. Perfect.

These 3 first options listed above are the best tours, in our opinion, so we urge you to try at least one. Here are a few different, fun options worth considering too:

Guided Teide Observatory Tour – Teide has its own stargazing observatory: in fact, it’s the largest solar observatory in the world. By opting for this 1.5 hour tour, you can learn how an observatory works and get to use professional-level telescopes. Children under 8 years old cannot join this tour.

Full Day Scenic Tour – By choosing this tour, you can travel through the highest village in Tenerife – Vilafor. Next, you’ll visit Teide National Park. After that, you also get to go to Icod de Los Vinos , Garachico and Masca . Keep in mind that by choosing this tour, you will only get a glimpse of Teide and won’t be able to use the cable car. It’s a good option if you’re short on time though.

Quad Adventure Tour – a very very fun tour! It’s a guided quad bike tour including hotel pick-up. You’ll travel 90 kilometres from Playa de las Americas to an elevation of 2,400 metres at Teide. You can choose to have a quad bike of your own, or share one with a friend or family member.

Things to Do in Teide National Park

If you’re now wondering what to do in Teide National Park, how do some of the following options sound?

Visit a Variety of Viewpoints

For magnificent panoramic views, visit the many miradors (viewpoints) located along the road through the park. Each has a unique perspective to offer.

Mirador de los Poleos

This viewpoint is in western Tenerife, along TF-38 leading from Los Gigantes. You can catch your first glimpse of the peak from here, and see where some of the most recent eruptions have occurred. Oh, and the views of the neighboring island La Gomera are unforgettable.

Location: Google Maps

Mirador de las Narices del Teide

Mirador Narices del Teide literally translates as the nostrils of the Teide. This viewpoint shows Tenerife’s longest volcanic eruption, which lasted for three months in 1798. The path taken by the lava is very evident here.

Llano de Ucanca

This quiet little layby gives you great views of Teide, La Ruleta and the Roques de Garcia. For stargazing, this is one of the best spots on the island.

La Ruleta Vista Point

This is probably the stop that the majority of people visiting Teide make. You will find the largest car park here, and there’s also further parking spaces on the other side of the road, near the Parador de Cañadas del Teide hotel.

That said, finding a free space during high season here is still a challenge. You usually have to drive around while waiting for a car to leave. 

One of the main hikes in the area, Roques de García, starts here. It’s perfect for the whole family, so many people choose to do it. (You can find out more about it below.) You will also find an observation deck here that overlooks Las Cañadas caldera.

Mirador El Tabonal Negro

This is one of the first viewpoints you’ll pass when heading to the park from northern Tenerife. There are stunning views over mountains and valleys, as well as Teide itself.

Minas de San José

This is one of our favourite stops when visiting the park. This one’s different, as you’re permitted to walk around on the volcanic sands. Contrasting shades of red, orange, yellow, black and grey make this a very photogenic spot.

Mirador de El Corral del Niño

This is probably the best place to watch the sunset and see the stars. There are great views of Teide observatory and Teide volcano, plus a sea of clouds beneath you. It’s truly a breathtaking place. Bring warmer clothes for sunset, as it gets chilly quickly here after the sun goes down.

Zona Recreativa Las Lajas

This is not actually a viewpoint, but rather a place for picnicking and camping. It’s a  beautiful, tranquil place with barbecue grills for public use, taps and restrooms. There’s also a play area for kids.

Take a Cable Car Trip

This is our number one recommendation – and an absolute must unless you’ve come to Tenerife with small children. Kids under 3 are not allowed to take this journey, due to health concerns related to the high altitude.

It’s the simplest way to reach the mountain’s peak, and the views are spectacular – apart from when it’s cloudy. When the sun shines, you can make out the islands of La Palma, La Gomera, and El Hierro. The ride takes only eight minutes to reach an altitude of 1,200 metres, and departs every 10 minutes. 

We recommend purchasing cable car tickets online at least a day in advance. It’s almost impossible to get same day tickets when you arrive at the park during high season, so it’s best not to take the risk. Book via the official website .

You have to choose a day and a time slot for your visit. The current price is 38 Euros for an adult return and 19 Euros for children aged between 3 and 13.

You can’t be late for your appointed time, so make sure you arrive with plenty of time to find parking (it can be pretty busy at the car park by the cable car). There’s a cafe, so you can spend some time there while waiting for your designated slot.

Anyone with lung or heart issues should not travel, due to low oxygen levels at higher elevation. Bring a jacket too, even if it’s hot elsewhere. 

We felt slightly light-headed due to the lack of oxygen, but nothing too extreme. It was harder to walk, though, and a bit more difficult to breathe.

Be aware that, due to weather conditions, the cable car doesn’t operate on some days, especially in winter. On any given day you can check the status of the cable car and the weather at the official website . It’s difficult to predict in advance whether the cable car will operate on the day of your visit or not. 

All you can do is check the weather forecast and hope for the best. This is more of a problem in winter, when it can snow on Teide. But don’t worry – your tickets will be fully refunded, or you can change dates easily.

The cable car will get you to the upper station, “La Rambleta”, at 3,550 metres. On the top of the mountain you can choose between 2 walking routes (apart from the third route to the peak, which requires a permit: find more about that below). So you can choose to head to the Fortaleza viewpoint (426 metres) or take the Pico del Teide route to another viewpoint (731 metres). 

Officially, you are allowed to stay up there for an hour. Each of these trails will take around 45 minutes, at a leisurely pace. So while it’s possible to do both trails, we would recommend choosing only one. An hour is usually more than enough because of high winds, chilly weather and the lack of oxygen.

There is also a toilet and a hot drinks machine at the top. If you don’t plan to rent a car, you can still do this by choosing one of the tours recommended above, or by using a public bus to reach the cable car station.

Climb to the Summit

Climbing to the peak of Teide, at an altitude of 3718 metres, is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. You can do this in several ways.

From the Upper Cable Car Station

The easiest way is to take the cable car to the upper station of “La Rambleta”. You can then hike from there via the Telesforo Bravo path to the peak ( trail map ). The path is 618 metres long and 173 metres high, and it will take around 40 minutes to reach your destination. For comparison, you would be able to cover a distance of about 3 to 4 kilometres in normal conditions, but it’s more difficult to walk here due to the lack of oxygen.

This path is rocky underfoot, with challenging conditions and steep sections. It’s not recommended for those with health issues or children, but the views are stupendous.

The problem with this option is that you need a permit, as we mentioned briefly above. This is to restrict visitor numbers. You can apply for your permit here , but do bear in mind that spaces fill up about two months in advance. So you will need to plan.

You will have to choose from one of the 2 hour time slots: 9 to 11 am, 11 am to 1 pm, 1 to 3 pm, or 3 to 5 pm. Then you have to calculate how much time you’ll need to arrive at the national park and travel up by cable car. Take your passport or ID with you on the day, and don’t miss your time slot. If you have a 3 to 5 pm permit, you must enter by 4.30pm at the latest. Before leaving, also check that the summit isn’t closed due to the weather conditions. 

If you can’t get a permit, thankfully there is another option. You can take the official guided tour where you will climb to the peak without needing a permit. The price is reasonable at 111 Euros, and this includes hotel transfers, return cable car tickets, a Spanish, English or German speaking guide – and the permit you need. 

There are a few other so-called VIP tours available, where you can ascend the peak of Teide privately, with a guide for just you and your friends or family. The price is 430 Euros per person if you want to climb the peak after using the cable car, or 590 euros if you want to cover the whole distance on foot from the bottom. A minimum of 2 people is required.

Montaña Blanca Trail

You can also choose the hardest option by hiking all the way from the bottom to the peak. It takes about 3 to 5 hours to hike to the upper cable car station, then 40 minutes more from there.

The hike is normally completed via the Montaña Blanca trail. Check out the trail map here . The entire length is 16.3km and the elevation gain is 1,362 metres. There is parking at the start of the trail ( location ).

The Montaña Blanca track is the first section, where you can see pumice stone created by volcanic activity. Once tackling the slopes of the mountain, the path becomes very steep, and that plus the altitude is very tiring. In places the gradient is up to 60%, so only take this hike if you’re in peak physical condition and free from heart issues. 

No permit is needed until you reach the upper cable car station. The good news is, if you choose to visit the peak between 6 am and 9 am (for sunrise) or from 6 pm to 9 pm (for sunset) there is almost no queue for the permit. You still need to get it via the website here (choose one of the bottom two options) but they are generally available, even for tomorrow.

That’s because the cable car does not operate at these times. This opens at 9 am. The time of the last descent varies according to the time of year, but it’s usually between 5 pm and 6:30 pm.

Of course choosing these times may mean hiking up at night or descending in darkness. Even though this sounds terrifying, it’s a pretty normal practice for people to do this throughout the year. You just need a headlamp. Sometimes the stars will light up the way for you too, and hiking under the stars is something you will remember for your whole life.

Hiking up at night is more popular. If you do this, you can take the cable car down after sunrise. 

This route can also be done over two days, spending the night in the Altavista refuge . As of early 2023, though, the refuge is closed, with no news on when it might reopen. It has two buildings, and you could spend a maximum of one night there. Before COVID, the price was 20 Euros per night.

If staying over does become an option once more, you can split the climb to make life easier. The views from the refuge are impressive and you can rise at around 5 am to complete your climb. This way you can avoid hiking all the way by night.

Here’s a few things to consider if you choose to hike all the way to the top of Teide from the bottom:

• The sun is very strong during the day, even in winter. In fact, in summer it’s considered extreme. So do bring sun protection and wear a cap or a hat.
• The weather is most unpredictable at the peak. The summit of Teide is at 3,718m. At this altitude, conditions can be vastly different, and are more affected by how windy it is. In winter, the temperature at the summit is around -1°C to 5°C by day. During summer, the range is between 8°C and 12°C for calmer, brighter days. By night, winter temperatures can be as low as -8° and summer temperatures around zero.
• You will need a headlamp if you hike up at night, plus good hiking shoes at any time. Don’t forget to pack water and snacks too.
• With a considerable change of altitude, this is not an easy hike. If you come from one of the resorts in Tenerife South, you will go from zero altitude to over 3,500m in a day! There is a lack of oxygen, and mountain sickness can give you a headache. If you feel really bad on the trail, don’t push your luck; just hike back down instead.

Hit the Hiking Trails

Tackling more of the best hikes in Teide National Park is the ideal way to explore. You can follow the trails independently, or take a guided tour from the visitor centre. Whichever you do, don’t forget water and sunscreen, because all hikes here provide almost no shade at all!

Chinyero Volcano

The Chinyero Volcano loop passes some breathtaking lunar landscapes, so it’s one of the island’s most popular hikes. The 15,60 metre high Chinyero last erupted in 1909, and is now the protected Chinyero Special Natural Reserve. It’s not too challenging, so it’s ideal for families. 

Do wear decent hiking footwear, though, for crossing bumpy lava fields and passing through pine forest. Along the way you can enjoy lovely views, plus local flora and fauna. The car park for this trail is off TF-38.

Distance: 7.2 km loop, 2 hours to complete Elevation: 213 metres Difficulty: Easy Information: Hike Map , Trailhead

Roques de García

This is also an easy and fairly brief walk. The red landscape forms the backdrop for the most dramatic lava formations, which come in the most bizarre and unexpected shapes. It’s a circular trail, and realistic even for young children. 

Wear sturdy footwear and bring an extra layer, and arrive early if you can. After a flat path to Los Roques you’ll reach Llano de Ucanca plain, made from sedimentary rock. Look out for twisty Roque Cinchado, aka the “Finger of God” or “Stone Tree”; the tongue-like La Cascada (The Waterfall); and pointy La Catedral (The Cathedral). 

Distance: 3.5 km loop, 1 hour 15 minutes to complete Elevation: 181 metres Difficulty: Moderate Information: Hike Map , Trailhead

Mirador de Sámara

This circular trail takes you to Montaña de Sámara and Montaña de la Botija. It’s moderately challenging and the loop takes about two hours to finish. Good hiking shoes are recommended. 

The landscapes are ever-changing along the way, including Mount Teide, a variety of flora, Canarian pine forest and volcanic sand. Start at Samara car park, and take path number 13. It’s worth climbing to Montaña de la Botija, Montaña de Sámara or both for the incredible views, especially at sunset. 

Distance: 5.1 km loop, 2 hours to complete Elevation: 288 metres Difficulty: Moderate Information: Hike Map , Trailhead

Mount Guajara

If you want the best views of El Teide without too much effort, then the hike to Mount Guajara summit is ideal. At 2,718m, Mount Guajara is one of Tenerife’s highest peaks. 

The trail starts near the Cañada Blanca information centre, which is adjacent to the Parador de Cañadas del Teide hotel. It’s quite a tough hike due to the steep incline. There is also little to no shade to be found, but the views from the top make it all worthwhile. 

Distance: 8.4 km out & back, 3 hours 45 minutes to complete Elevation: 637 metres Difficulty: Hard Information: Hike Map , Trailhead

Along with the ascent to the peak of Teide, this hike could be named the most difficult in the entire national park. It’s a 14km out and back trail, with an ascent of about 1,000 metres. So it is considered challenging. You have to be in good physical condition to tackle it. 

Pico Viejo is 800 metres wide and the second highest Canarian volcano. A lake of lava once flowed here, and the last eruption in this area was in 1798. Weather permitting, you can see La Palma, La Gomera and El Hierro from the summit. “Teide’s Nostrils” can also be seen on the western slopes, and the colours of the landscape and crater are breathtaking. 

The trail starts opposite the Parador de Cañadas del Teide hotel. The first section of the trail is the same as in the Roques de García trail, so you will pass the famous Roque Cinchado rock formation. Good hiking footwear is a must, and be prepared for a steep climb. In winter, you’ll need appropriate cold weather clothing, plus poles, and crampons can also prove useful.

Distance: 14 km out & back, 6 hours to complete Elevation: 990 metres Difficulty: Hard Information: Hike Map , Trailhead

See the Sunset

Teide National Park is one of the finest spots in Tenerife for seeing the sunset. Though slightly outside the park, Mirador de Chipeque ( location ) is one of the most popular places. Or we recommend Mirador de El Corral del Niño ( location ) for a lovely sunset inside the park.

Alternatively, take a cable car to the upper station outside of regular working hours and watch the sunset from there. This is more expensive than buying regular cable car tickets, and they must be purchased separately on their website . This activity is not available daily, and currently takes place twice a week on Tuesdays and Fridays. You can also book this tour to get both evening cable car tickets and transportation from your hotel.

Or you can participate in one of these recommended tours, which offer a sunset experience plus stargazing.

Sunset and Night Tour with Stargazing and Pickup

All transport, telescopes and an expert guide are included with this stargazing and sunset tour. 

Romantic Sunset and Stargazing Tour with Dinner

Dinner at a local restaurant, Cava and seeing the stars and sunset is all covered by this romantic Tenerife by night tour.

Go Stargazing

Teide National Park is not only a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it’s also a “Starlight” tourist destination and among the best places on the planet for astronomy and stargazing. The climate, altitude, lack of light pollution and proximity to the equator creates the magic formula for seeing the sparkling night skies properly. Over 80 constellations can be seen clearly. 

You have two options. Either wait for the sun to go down so you can see the stars yourself, or book a stargazing tour.

Here are the tours we like:

Teide National Park Stargazing Experience

Experience what NASA calls a “window to the universe” with this stargazing tour . Includes dinner, Cava and even coats to keep you warm. 

Combine sunset, Cava, starry skies and constellations with this romantic evening tour in Tenerife. 

Teide Night Experience with Dinner and Stargazing

After stopping for a delicious Canarian dinner with wine in Vilaflor, experience Tenerife’s night skies with this tour led by a stargazing guide .

If you are with small children, though, a tour can be exhausting. Plus not all of them will allow your children to go near the expensive telescopes!

Once, we decided to celebrate one of our boys’ birthdays in Teide National Park, so we booked the only hotel there for a night (Parador de Cañadas del Teide). When the sky turned pitch black, we simply stood outside and watched the sky from there. And it was brilliant! We were amazed by how many different stars, planets, and galaxies we saw. The Milky Way was so bright!

We saw shooting stars, and it was the best night for our children too. So, even without a tour, it’s totally worth doing. You could also skip staying overnight and just go back to your hotel – we just thought that might be too tiring. Descending the mountain in the dark didn’t sound like the safest idea either, as there are almost no road lights in the national park.

If you are visiting Tenerife without children, then we definitely recommend one of the stargazing tours mentioned above for a better experience. They let you use special telescopes, so just imagine how awesome that is!

Tour the Observatory

Teide Observatory is more than 2,400 metres above sea level, and you can book a guided tour. The observatory is operated by the Institute of Astrophysics for the Canary Islands, and stargazers and scientists from all over the globe come here to see the night skies. 

Mount Teide Observatory Guided Tour

After making your own way to the meeting point, this tour will show you how an observatory works and you can also use solar and night telescopes. 

Mount Teide Observatory Astronomical Tour

This option includes hotel pick-up in southern Tenerife. Taking place during the afternoon and evening, you can view both day and night skies during this tour . 

Do note that children under 8 are not permitted to participate in these tours.

Stay Over at Parador de Cañadas del Teide

Parador de Las Cañadas del Teide is the only hotel within Teide National Park. It’s a simple, comfortable three star property in a one-off location. Stay here to enjoy the night skies and surreal lunar landscape, or before setting off early to hike to the summit. 

You can also savour authentic Canarian cuisine in the restaurant, or use the sauna or swimming pool. As you might expect, all rooms come with superb views and have large picture windows. The hotel even has a telescope, and stargazing sessions are held weekly on Friday evenings. 

The hotel also has parking and a garden, and all accommodation is en suite. Book in here as soon as you can, as there’s only 37 rooms here in total. 

Visit the Village of Vilaflor 

If driving from Los Cristianos, Playa de las Americas or Costa Adeje, you can visit Vilaflor either on your way up to the national park, or or the way back down. Alternatively, just take a separate trip.

The village also makes a great base for exploring Teide, if you plan to spend a few days in the national park. It’s just a 30 minute drive from the park itself.

Vilaflor lays claim to being Tenerife’s highest village, and it’s an idyllic, unspoiled spot. The main square is at the heart of local life here, with lacework shops, restaurants and bars. You can also visit a huge Canarian pine tree that’s 8 centuries old just outside the village, and see San Pedro church and its statue of the saint that dates back to the 1500s. 

As well as all the charm the village offers, Vilaflor makes a great base for discovering the national park and mountains. It’s therefore popular, so book early if you want to stay here. You can also reach the Mirador San Roque viewpoint on foot from Calle Santo Domingo and the main square. 

With a rural feel, Vilaflor is an excellent choice for fans of hiking, history and fine wine. 

If you want to take a walk, don’t miss the Pino Enano route for sweeping village views.

Cycle to the National Park

If you have a full day at your disposal and are a keen and experienced cyclist, then you can ride up some steep routes to reach many of Teide National Park’s highlights. In fact the area is used by cycling pros as a training ground during winter. 

The most popular cycling route departs from the southern resort of Los Cristianos. You can seek respite in the towns and villages along the way, and the first section of the route is partially shaded by trees.

Another option is the route from Puerto de la Cruz. This is the longest, but is less steep than the other two routes. It follows the Camino de Chasna, and the route is lined with lush greenery. Though it’s the least steep option, be prepared for a few serious inclines. 

The third route begins in Los Gigantes. It’s a relatively traffic-free option, and involves passing some of the prettiest parts of Tenerife’s volcanic landscape. 

TENERIFE ESSENTIALS

To explore Tenerife to the fullest and at your own pace, we highly recommend renting a car. Our favourite place for car rental is the RentalCars website . It allows you to compare different providers and pick the best deal. You also get the best protection and flexibility for booking terms.

The unmissable top attractions in Tenerife are: Siam Park ( tickets here ), Loro Parque ( tickets here ) and Teide National Park ( cable car tickets + transfer ).

We also recommend taking at least one guided tour. Our favourite place for booking tours in Tenerife is GetYourGuide .

Top 3 excursions on the island:

• A whale and dolphin watching (pick by location: Los Cristianos , Costa Adeje , Los Gigantes ).
• Stargazing in Teide National Park
• Kayaking and Snorkeling with Turtles

Our favourite websites for accommodation in Tenerife are: Booking.com (for hotels) and VRBO (for apartments and holiday homes).

The best hotels for families with kids (in our opinion) :

Luxury: GF Victoria (Costa Adeje) or Bahia Principe Fantasia (Golf del Sur) Mid-Range: Spring Hotel Bitácora (Playa de las Americas) or Iberostar Bouganville Playa (Costa Adeje) Budget: GF Isabel (Costa Adeje) or Paradise Park Fun Lifestyle Hotel (Los Cristianos)

The best adults-only hotels :

Luxury: Iberostar Grand El Mirador (Costa Adeje) or Gran Melia Palacio de Isora (Alcalá) Mid-Range: Tigotan Lovers & Friends (Playa de las Americas) or Iberostar Selection Sábila (Costa Adeje) Budget: Barceló Santiago (Puerto de Santiago)

Top hotels for everyone:

Luxury: The Ritz-Carlton, Abama or Bahia del Duque (Costa Adeje) Mid-Range: Hard Rock Hotel (Playa Paraiso) or Dreams Jardin Tropical Resort & Spa (Costa Adeje) Budget: Alexandre Hotel Gala or Olé Tropical Tenerife (both Playa de las Americas)

Meet Jovita, co-founder of Enjoy Canary Islands. The archipelago is her favorite place on Earth. She visited all the islands multiple times and lived in Tenerife for a year. She is here to help you plan the best trip of your life.

For Further Reading

Visit La Caleta in Tenerife – What to Do, Restaurants & Hotels

15 Best Beaches in Tenerife: From North to South (+Map)

Puerto de Santiago, Tenerife – Things to Do & Where to Stay

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Home » Europe » Spain » The Ultimate Guide to Visiting Mount Teide

The Ultimate Guide to Visiting Mount Teide

By Author Lance Longwell

Posted on Last updated: October 2, 2022

No visit to the Canary Islands would be complete without visiting the Mount Teide volcano, Spain’s highest mountain. This imposing volcano is the reason for the island’s existence and casts a huge shadow over the entire island. But those who visit Mount Teide will be rewarded with incredible views from the summit!

Given the number of tourists who come to Tenerife every year, it’s no surprise that Mount Teide National Park is the most visited national park in Spain and also in all of Europe. Millions of visitors come to this barren landscape every year for the incredible views.

Like most visitors to the Canary Islands, we knew we wanted to visit the Mt Teide volcano during our brief holiday in Tenerife. We found lots of contradictory information on the Internet on the best way to go about it, so we set out to write this ultimate guide to Mount Teide to help other visitors.

Our day-long, self-guided Tenerife volcano tour was the highlight of our trip! However, there are many ways to see and enjoy the volcano.

Visiting Mount Teide

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There are a number of ways to get up the volcano on Tenerife. Here are your Mount Teide travel options, listed in order of least to most strenuous:

There are numerous Mount Teide tours and excursions that will drive you and direct you to the highlights within the national park. Please note, not all of the excursion packages allow enough time to take the cable car to the summit. Where the cable car is included, we’ve noted it. Otherwise, assume this is a driving-only excursion that just takes you through the park.

Here are some of the most popular Mount Teide tour options:

• From Playa de las Americas by private jeep , which includes Masca
• From Puerto de la Cruz: National Park VIP Tour
• Tenerife: 5-Hour National Park Jeep Safari . This is one of the few Mount Teide trips from Costa Adeje and other points in the southern part of the island.

The best and most rewarding option is to rent a car and drive Mount Teide yourself ! This gives you maximum flexibility and is also more economical than an excursion or package tour. We recommend renting a car at the airport and having it for your entire stay.

There are three main approaches to the volcano. Leaving from Puerto de la Cruz in the north, from Los Christianos in the south, and from Los Gigantes in the west. Assume you are staying anywhere in Southern Tenerife (Costa Adaje, Playa de las Americas, etc.), we recommend driving up from Los Gigantes in the morning. There are fewer cars than along the other routes. In the afternoon, we recommend driving back through Vilaflor and Los Christianos, which allows you to stop at the winery in the afternoon.

While the national park is well signposted, given the poor mobile phone reception, you might want a quality driving map of Tenerife .

When people speak about the “Mount Teide climb” they are usually only talking about summiting the mountain from the cable car or the more popular Montaña Blanca route. But that’s not really climbing Teide.

The die hard hikers and mountaineers who visit actually climb the volcano from sea level. That means hiking all 3,718 meters (12,198 feet) up to the highest point in Spain. This is not for the recreational hiker!

There are two routes: the Playa de El Socorro and the Camino de Chasna. The Playa de El Socorro starts at the beach bearing that name on the north shore. This is the shorter (and steeper) of the two routes. It generally follows back roads and steep trail up into the Teide National Park, where it intersects the main trail just above Montaña Blanca.

The second route is the Camino de Chasna. This route follows the Camino Real from Puerto de la Cruz to La Orotava, and then the Camino de Chasna from La Orotava up to the Portillo in Teide Park. The route was popularized by the naturalist Alexander von Humboldt over 220 years ago. It’s sometimes called the Humboldt Pilgrimage.

Anyone considering either hike should get specialized topographical maps for Tenerife and plan their route carefully. Again, this is not an easy hike and should not be undertaken casually.

Every winter, professional cyclists from around the world descend on Tenerife for training. For amateur cyclists, the chance to do it like the pros and ride up the volcano in Tenerife can be extremely compelling. Although it probably shouldn’t be attempted unless in excellent physical shape.

For cyclists (and runners) training, Spain’s highest mountain represents both a challenge and opportunity: extreme climbing. The Mount Teide road is one of the longest continual ascents in the world, and the longest in Europe. It is a chance to climb directly from sea level up to one of the tallest volcanoes in the world.

There are three popular routes up the volcano, but the most popular leaves from Los Christianos in the south. This is the steepest and shortest way up the mountain, but also has a few towns and villages along the way in case something should go wrong. There are also trees for the first half of the trip, which can provide shade.

The second route leaves from Puerto de la Cruz and basically fallows the Camino de Chasna. Over half the trip is spent riding past lush vegetation. This is the longest of the three routes up the volcano, but is the least steep (although there are some sections with serious grades).

The third and final route leaves from Los Gigantes on the western end of Tenerife. This route has the least traffic and some of the prettiest landscapes on the entire volcano. Cooling mists on the volcano’s western end are not uncommon.

Visitors who want to test themselves against the mountain now have the chance. One company runs Friday cycling trips up El Teide. They follow the Los Christianos to Vilaflor route – the shortest and steepest. If you want to test your skills, consider booking this cycling ascent of the mountain .

The Mount Teide Cable Car is the top Tenerife attraction and the most popular activity in the national park. The cable car whisks visitors 1,199 meters up the mountain in speed and comfort.

The cable car takes just 8 minutes to make the ascent while taking 44 passengers at a time. The cable car never gets more than about 30 meters above the side of the mountain, so it is perfect for people who have a fear of heights because it never gets very high.

Visitors need a special permit to hike from the upper cable car station to the volcano summit. However, if you don’t have a permit, there are two other good trails to hike near the summit. Trail Number 11 goes to the La Fortaleza Vantage Point for views of Northern Tenerife. Trail Number 12 goes to the Pico Viejo Vantage Point for views of Southern Tenerife and the volcano caldera of Las Cañadas del Teide.

The best way to take the cable car is to pre-book Mount Teide tickets here (for cable car only) or tickets for the cable car, including summit hiking permit . Remember, you should be at the lower cable car station 20 minutes prior to your ticket time. Parking can be difficult, so be sure to see our parking tips below.

There are two ways to reach the summit.

First, most summit hikers do the two-day trip from Montaña Blanca. This trip is divided into three stages. On day 1, complete stage 1 by hiking the Montaña Blanca trail to the Altavista Refuge. From the main road in national park (TF-21 Teide Road), head to the Montaña Blanca trailhead (located at approximately kilometer 40.5 between the lower cable car station and Portillo). On the north side of the road there is a small car park to leave your vehicle. Be sure to sign the hikers log before beginning your trip.

Follow the Montaña Blanca Trail up the mountain (trail number 7). The trailhead is located at 2,348 meters and your goal is the Altavista Refuge at 3,260, where you can spend the night. The route will take you 4.5 kilometers up to the summit of Montaña Blanca, before climbing another 2.6 kilometers up to the Altavista Refuge (this section is EXTREMELY steep). Most hikers will complete this journey in around 5-6 hours. (Both of the hikes from sea level mentioned above intersect the Number 7 Montaña Blanca Trail.)

Sleep overnight at the Altavista Refuge (detailed information on the refuge is below). Remember you need to bring your own food and water. This is basic accommodation (a bunk bed). However, by sleeping at the Altavista Refuge, your summit permit is included (if you are off the summit by 9:00am). You will be one of the lucky few to experience a Mount Teide sunrise.

On day 2, you will get up extremely early (like between 4:00-5:00am) to complete the second stage. After leaving Altavista Refuge, hike the ~1km to La Rambleta cable car station. In the dark, this usually takes most hikers about an hour.

From there, immediately begin stage three (which is the same as if you took the cable car):

The second way to hike the summit is to take the Teide National Park Cable Car to the the upper station, which is called La Rambleta (and this is the third stage if you are hiking the Montaña Blanca trail). This is located at 3,555 and is just below the summit (3,718 meters), the highest point in Spain. That last 163 meters may not seem like much, but it can be a real struggle when you are at extreme elevation and struggling for breath. You’ll slowly make your way up the mountain and past numerous sulfur vents while en route to the summit.

To reach the summit, follow the Telesforo Bravo trail (trail 10) up the mountain. Some hikers are able to make the climb in about 20 minutes, while other people can take over an hour. Whatever your level of fitness, take your time and watch your footing. Loose rocks can be found on the path.

If you want to do the hike from the cable car (and did not sleep at the Altavista Refuge), remember that a permit is required and only 200 permits are issued per day. Request your permit as far in advance as possible! Permit requests can be submitted here . An alternative is to book the guided cable car tour, which includes the permit. Book the cable car guided tour with summit permit here .

Finally, remember after making the summit, you need to get down! You can either hike all the way back down the way you came. Or, you can buy a ticket for the cable car and go back that way.

There are so many more Mount Teide hike options than just number 10 to the summit and number 7 up Montana Blanca. In fact, there are 37 officially designated trail options in the park (many with views of the volcano) covering nearly 400 kilometers of ground.

Since nearly everyone who visits the national park focuses on the volcano cone and the summit, if you decide to hike in the park, you’ll likely have the trail all to yourself!

As popular as the summit and cable care are, stargazing on the volcano may be even more so. Since Tenerife and the Canary Islands are so isolated, it is the perfect location for stargazing! Seeing the stars on Mount Teide is made easier because of the lack of light pollution from area areas and the national park being located well above the marine layer (clouds formed by thermal inversion near the ocean). From the volcano, you can see 83 of 88 constellations with tremendous clarity.

Guided stargazing tours bring visitors up to the national park to look through special telescopes. It is completely different way to enjoy the beauty of the national park. Book stargazing tours of Mount Teide at night here .

Note: If you are self-driving, please be extremely careful descending the mountain in the dark. There are no road lights and many of the turns are extremely tight. Auto accidents are a frequent occurrence at night!

The Teide Observatory is the largest solar observatory in the world. It is possible to visit the observatory on a pre-booked daytime tour (this is a solar observatory). You won’t have access to any of the research telescopes, but they have special telescopes for visitors who can observe the sun. Tour space is limited and it is extremely popular, so if the observatory in Tenerife is on your bucketlist, be sure to book your tour early.

Throughout the national park, you’ll see tourists with cameras pointed up at the volcano cone of Mount Teide. One of the most popular things to do in the national park is to photograph the volcano itself. And why not? It’s incredibly photogenic!

Here are some of our favorite viewpoints:

• Los Poleos: On the west side of Tenerife driving up Teide along TF-38. This is your first good view of the cone rising above the jagged lava rocks.
• Pinar de Chio: On the west side of Tenerife driving up along TF-38. This is a chance to set photos of the cone rising above a forest. The contrast of green against the brown volcano is very nice.
• Montana Las Cuevitas: On the west side of the volcano along TF-38. Good viewpoints near the elevation sign.
• Mirador de las Narices del Tiede viewpoint: On the south end along TF-38. This is view due north of the volcano cone.
• Boca Tauce viewpoint: Located where TF-38 and TF-21 intersect, this is one of the most popular viewpoints in the national park.
• Zapato de la Reina: Located along TF-21, this features some nice rock formations in the foreground of the volcano, however, we actually think the next viewpoint is better.
• Llano de Ucanca: Along TF-21, the rock formations are much closer in the foreground and really set up a nice picture.
• Mirador de Le Ruleta: Along TF-21, this is the most famous rock formation in the national park and also provides great views of the volanco. It is located across the highway from the Parador de Las Cañadas.
• Tabonal Negro: Along TF-21, this pull-off has a good view of the volcano.

The rich, volcanic soil on Tenerife’s volcano produces some very fine and very unusual wine varietals. We recommend visitors to Tenerife stop at the winery, Bodega Reveron . The winery is located on TF-51 between Vilaflor and Arona on your way down towards Los Christianos.

The Reveron winery produces a range of wines, but they excel at fine red wines. The grapes thrive in the hot Spanish sun on the wind-swept slopes of the Teide volcano. If you stop, you can follow in our footsteps: try their wines before buying a bottle to take back to your hotel or holiday rental apartment.

Based on our experience, we put together these tips for visiting the Tenerife volcano:

There are two schools of thought on cable car tickets. The first is that you don’t want to be committed to a trip on a day when the weather may be bad. So, you don’t book tickets ahead and you just show up and buy your tickets that day. However, the downside to this strategy, is that tickets sometimes sell out or you may need to wait at the lower cable car station for a long period of time until lots of tour groups have gone (waits of over two hours are not uncommon, especially during peak season).

The second school of thought is to book your tickets for the Mt. Teide National Park cable car in advance. You can lock in a time, save money, and have certainty about your trip. The downside is that you might end up with tickets for a bad weather day.

So what should a visitor do about Teide tickets? Our recommendation is to book tickets in advance, however, we recommend waiting until 2-5 days before the date to do it. This way, you can check the forecast for the best weather on Mount Teide. You can check the Mount Teide weather forecast here .

If you want to hike to the summit of the volcano peak, you need a Mount Teide permit. You can apply for the Mount Teide Hiking Permit here . Permits go fast, so apply for your permit as far in advance as you can.

An alternative to the permit process is to book a cable car trip with guided tour, which includes the summit permit. Guided tours with summit permits can be booked here . Even if you are unsuccessful in getting a permit, visiting the volcano is still worth it!

There is limited parking along the roads and in the parking lots at the cable car station (GPS location: 28.255055, -16.625664). In fact, there are only 220 parking spots. If you see a spot, grab it, and don’t count on another spot that might be closer. While there is parking along the road up to the cable car station, there can also be traffic jams as buses try to navigate the confined space. Consider parking at the bottom in one of the three carparks and walking up (GPS for the lower lot is 28.255016, -16.621633). It’s a 6-minute walk at a moderate pace.

The parking lots are busiest in the middle of the day. The people in the morning will be coming down and the people for the afternoon will be arriving. This means there is overlap and fewer spaces. Try to plan your arrival for early or later in the day to accommodate this. Do the math: the cable car runs every 8 minutes and holds 44 people, but there are only 220 parking spots. Parking spots go fast!

In the worst-case scenario, you can park for the cable car at the Parador de Cañadas del Teide hotel/visitors center. You should allow approximately 1 hour to walk from the Parador de Cañadas to the Mt. Teide cable car station (it is approximately 4.4 kilometers). It’s not an ideal solution, but you can do it if you have no other options. This means, you should plan to arrive at the cable car early in case you need to try and find parking.

Resist the temptation to just park illegally along the side of the road. The police patrol the area and tickets are common.

Mobile phone service on the mountain can be extremely poor. While we did find we had reception in several places, it was very sporadic. Visitors should not rely on mobile or cellular phone service for navigational purposes or GPS use.

You can either visit as a Teide day trip, or stay overnight on the volcano. If you want to stay overnight, there are two good options:

This bunk house is located on the side of the volanco at an an elevation of over 3,260 meters. The views are absolutely fabulous, and the accommodations are absolutely basic. You’re getting a bunk bed in a communal dormitory. Guests need to arrive between 5:00pm-10:00pm and rooms are allotted at 7:00pm, which is perfect because it will give you a chance to catch the Mount Teide sunset. All guests need to leave by 7:30am, however, if you want to visit the summit for sunrise, you’ll need to leave by about 5:00am.

The Altavista Refuge has only 54 beds and these book far, far in advance. Because guests at the Altavista Refuge get access to the summit before 9:00am, you don’t actually need a permit to stay here. Guests will need to bring all of their own food, which can be cooked in the small kitchen. While this is a no frills option, the chance to visit the summit for sunrise make it worth it and and one of the best accommodations in Tenerife. Check reviews and book a room here .

The Parador de Las Cañadas del Teide is the ideal choice to stay inside the national park and sleep on the volcano. This hotel offers exceptional views of the volcanic cone, caldera, and the breathtaking geography. The hotel has the nicest restaurant in the park and also a swimming pool. However, with a capacity for only 73 guests, rooms here book far in advance. Please note: guests at Parador de Las Cañadas del Teide do not get special access to El Teide mountain or a summit permit. Check reviews and book a room here .

If you want to visit the mountain as an excursion, you can stay anywhere else on Tenerife. The volcano is reachable from every point on Tenerife Island. However, our recommendation would be to stay somewhere on the southwest coast, like Costa Adeje. Check accommodation options in Adeje here .

Located in Portillo Alto about 10 minutes from the cable car, Restaurante Papillon is your best bet for food in Mount Teide National Park. Papillon lacks the large parking lot for the big buses, so it has a slightly more relaxed quality to it. They do get some buses, particularly in the evening, when the “Mount Teide by Night” tours stop here.

These two restaurants on Mount Teide are owned by the same management group and have the same menu. Restaurante La Bamby is located across the street from Papillon and Restaurante el Portillo is located a few kilometers down the road just past the Portillo visitor’s center. Both have large capacities (300+) and big parking lots catering to the motor coaches. However, they turn the food quickly. We ate at La Bamby were pleasantly surprised at the quality. They serve mostly Canarian cuisine, but have a few tapas and pintxos on the menu. It was not the best restaurant in Tenerife, however, it was better than we expected.

The restaurant in the Parador de Las Cañadas del Teide is your best bet for fine dining and a refined meal on the mountain. Food is prepared by an actual chef and is up to the standards you’ll find at any resort. However, on the downside, you do get large tour bus groups and the restaurant hours leave something to be desired. The Parador de Las Cañadas del Teide closes for lunch at 15:30, which is quite early, particularly if you are going up the mountain.

The easiest and most uninspiring option is the snack kiosk and buffet at the lower cable car station. Options are both expensive and limited, although the ice cream is quite good!

If you’re planning a trip, your experience will be greatly enhanced if you come prepared. We recommend bringing:

Camera : The views are second-to-none anywhere in the world. You’ll probably want to capture the moment with a good travel camera. We personally use the Sony RX 100 and the Nikon D-7500 .

Hat, gloves, and warm clothes : It can get cold up on the summit, even in summer. Be sure to pack warm clothes and dress in layers. It seems strange to bring warm clothes to a best destination like Tenerife, but you’ll thank us!

Sunscreen and sunglasses : The sun can be very intense in Tenerife. Be sure to pack sunscreen ! There is almost no shade up on the volcano, so be prepared.

Water bottle : You should bring a large water bottle for your trip. And if you plan on hiking the summit, you should bring a second water bottle. While the temperatures on the summit can be cool, you’ll be exerting lots of energy and you should stay hydrated.

Headlamp : If you are planning to climb up and stay at the Altavista Refuge, you will definitely need a headlamp . To experience sunrise on Mount Teide requires you to leave the refuge well before dawn.

Mount Teide is the volcano on Tenerife, on the Canary Islands (part of Spain ) in the Atlantic Ocean. The volcano is located on the southwestern half of the island.

The height is 3,718 meters (12,198 feet), making it the highest mountain in Spain. A common trivia question is, ‘what is the highest mountain in Spain’ because many people don’t immediately associate the Canary Islands with Spain.

As one of the tallest mountains in the world (as measured from its base), the volcano casts the largest shadow in the world. The perfect triangular shadow is cast on the sea and partly covers the neighboring island of Gran Canaria. Sunset is the most popular time to visit the volcano to try and catch a glimpse of the shadow.

This is an active volcano, although the chances of seeing volcanic activity are very slim. The last eruption was in November 1909.

For years, British tabloid magazines have been predicting an imminent eruption. And it hasn’t happened. Yes, there will be another eruption someday. It could be tomorrow or another 100 years from now. However, the chances of it happening on the exact day you visit are as close to zero as could possibly exist. And the next time a British tabloid predicts an imminent eruption, try to find someone to make a bet. The odds are in your favor.

Lance Longwell is a travel writer and photographer who has published Travel Addicts since 2008, making it one of the oldest travel blogs. He is a life-long traveler, having visited all 50 of the United States by the time he graduated high school. Lance has continued his adventures by visiting 70 countries on 5 continents – all in search of the world’s perfect sausage. He’s a passionate foodie and enjoys hot springs and cultural oddities. When he’s not traveling (or writing about travel), you’ll find him photographing his hometown of Philadelphia.

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Wednesday 22nd of March 2023

Hi, I would like to know what is the best time of day to go to Mt, Teide? Thanks in advance.

Lance Longwell

Tuesday 4th of April 2023

Depends what your goals are. If you want cooler temperatures and fewer people, go first thing in the morning. However, if you want to see the famous Teide Shadow, you have to go at sunset.

Gareth Gosling

Saturday 20th of August 2022

Is it possible to get a What 3 Words location for the car park for the lower cable car station please?

Updated with GPS coordinates. Nobody uses What3Words (and the company sues people who use/publish their proprietary information).

Monday 4th of April 2022

Hi, could I ask, do you know if it is possible to take public transport to the Cable Car Station and if so, where would be the best place to take it from (and stay the night before). TIA

It's possible, but not recommended. The local bus in Tenerife is called the guagua. You can take bus number 348 from Puerto de la Cruz. Or, you can take bus number 342 from Costa Adeje. But the buses are notoriously unreliable and don't really run on a schedule.

Lars Salquist

Monday 17th of January 2022

Hi, Great homepage. If you go up by cable car, how long is the trip back if you go by foot? Best, Lars

Tuesday 18th of January 2022

The hike up is 5-6 hours. The hike back down can be done in as little as 2-3 hours, but most hikers will allow about 4 hours.

Thursday 22nd of July 2021

Thank you so much for all the information about Mt. Teide. It is difficult to find all this helpful information.

Top Tours in Teide National Park, Spain

Teide national park tours.

• Sightseeing Tours
• Historical & Heritage Tours
• Night Tours
• Ports of Call Tours
• Private Tours
• Cultural Tours
• Skip-the-Line Tours
• Photography Tours
• Walking Tours
• Up to 1 hour
• 1 to 4 hours
• 4 hours to 1 day
• 5.0 of 5 bubbles
• 4.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 3.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 2.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• Likely to Sell Out
• Special Offers
• The ranking of tours, activities, and experiences available on Tripadvisor is determined by several factors including the revenue generated by Tripadvisor from these bookings, the frequency of user clicks, and the volume and quality of customer reviews. Occasionally, newly listed offerings may be prioritized and appear higher in the list. The specific placement of these new listings may vary.

1. Mt. Teide and Masca Valley Tour in Tenerife

2. Teide by Night: Sunset & Stargazing with Telescopes Experience

3. Tenerife: Quad Adventure Teide Tour

4. Off-Road Quad Tour from Woodlands to Volcanic Heights

5. Monster Quad Teide Tour

6. Small Group Teide National Park Volcanic and Forest Wonders

7. Sunset & Stargazing Experience From Teide

8. Mount Teide Tour with Transfer and Optional Cable Car Ticket

9. Tenerife Volcano Quad Tour

10. Around Tenerife in One Day

11. Mount Teide Summit Hiking Activity By Night

12. Buggy Safari Adventure 700cc

13. Buggy tour to Teide in Tenerife

14. Tenerife Teide National Park Tour including Volcano Teide and Masca

15. Astronomical Observation Tour in Teide Tenerife

16. Sunset and Stars at Teide National Park

17. Teide National Park

18. VOLCANO TEIDE NATIONAL PARK Half-Day in a small group by bus

19. Private Shore Excursion in Tenerife from your Cruise Ship

20. Self Driving Sunset and Stargazing in Teide National Park

21. 6-Hour Tour with Observation of the Stars 1242 with Lunch

22. Volcano Teide National Park Guided Tour from Puerto de la Cruz - Tenerife North

23. Buggy Tour Volcano Teide By Day in Teide National Park

24. Tenerife VIP Tour

25. Custom Private Full-Day Tour into the Heart of Tenerife

26. Private VIP Tour Tenerife Magic Circle

27. Teide road bike climb from PdC

28. Teide Tenerife´s jewel

29. Half-Day Volcanic Experience in Teide, Tenerife

30. Private 8-hour shore excursion to El Teide + Cable Car with guide and driver

What travellers are saying.

• Mt. Teide and Masca Valley Tour in Tenerife
• Teide by Night: Sunset & Stargazing with Telescopes Experience
• Sunset & Stargazing Experience From Teide
• Tenerife: Quad Adventure Teide Tour
• Small Group Teide National Park Volcanic and Forest Wonders

Mount Teide Tours

About mount teide.

The Mount Teide Tours lets you climb one of Spain's highest points above sea level in the Atlantic islands. Mount Teide is commonly known as Teide and it is an active Volcano in Tenerife in the islands of Canary, Spain. The Teide is considered the third highest and tallest volcano in the world. At the Mount Teide Tours, you can learn about the history of Mount Teide which can be traced 170,000 years back when the volcano was formed. You will also get to visit the Teide national park during your Mount Teide Tours, which is spread over an area of approximately 18,900 hectares. In 2007, by UNESCO, the park was named a world heritage site. Mount Teide is one of the most visited places in Spain, and people find it convenient to book Mount Teide Tours for a better experience and guided assistance. The Teide last erupted in 1909; since then, this active volcano has been a safer place for tourists.

Highlights Of Mount Teide

• The region has been formed by volcanic activity. You will see various volcanic craters that attract many tourists around the globe every year.
• Mount Teide tours will show that Teide has an abundance of Tenerife, which offers a spectacular view of nature. Excursions of Tenerife can be done using modern techniques like cable cars, night tours, Teide crater tours, and walking on foot through VIP access. You can choose your view of Mount Teide tours by selecting modes for meeting your travel needs.
• Cable Cars are very popular as they provide an overall tour of the mount, while the prices of tickets will vary. For instance, if VIP access to the Mount Teide tours is chosen, the ticket price will be higher. Night tours and Stargazing excursions are very popular, making us closer to nature and owing to its location being the highest point in Spain.
• The main highlight of Mount Teide is its shadow on the sea spread over 40 kms. The shadow depicts the perfect triangle shape of the mountain; hence cable cars help to capture the view more effectively and prominently.

Available Mount Teide Tours

Mount Teide tours can be done in various ways, as you can opt for different packages. For example, you can choose Mount Teide Tour With Cable Car Tickets, Mount Teide Night Tour, Climbing The Teide Crater + Cable Car, or the Astronomic tour to Teide, including a visit to the Observatory to have a great Tour of Mount Teide.

This package is great as it has all you might need on your Mount Teide tours. If you choose this package, you can select cable cars for exploring the beautiful place. You will be able to visit the Teide National Park and have a great scenic view as you move towards the peak. This is one of the most sustainable ways to take a tour of Teide.You also get an official guide who can speak various languages like English, Spanish, French and German. Sustainable transport is provided so you can visit from north to south and enjoy the beauty of this place with Mount Teide tours.

When you choose this package, you select a completely different experience that tourists might have in the daytime. Because visiting the Tiede at night has many more things to do, like you get to gaze at the beautiful stars with professional equipment. You will also get to learn about the mysteries of the sky through our astronomical guides. The amazing tour ends on a perfect note as you get to witness the sunrise from the Teide National park. In such Mount Teide tours, you will have a round-trip transportation facility and professional guides who are experts in French, German, Spanish and English.

This package will help you reach the peak of the highest mountain in Spain. In this Tour of Mount Teide, you can reach the height of 12,188 and enjoy the scenic view of the Teide National Park and the Canary Island. You will also get a a guide who is fluent in English, Spanish, German and French. Along with all these facilities, you can get the facility transfer from north to south and enjoy a return ticket of the cable car.

In this Mount Teide tour, you will get a chance to get a closer look at an active volcano. This package includes more than you might be looking for in a tour to Mount Teide.

Flora And Fauna At Mount Teide

A tour of mount Teide will expose you to natural beauty and inexperienced flora. The soil layer is thin and rich in minerals and nutrients. The island is home to more than 138 species of plants out of which 33 are endemic. Since the region has many active volcanoes, the forest covers half of the volcanic formations.The plant species here include Canary Island Pine and Canary Island Juniper, which extend over 1,000 to 2000 meters. The native flora of Mount Teide would consist of white broom, crucifers that yield yellow flowers, Wallflower, which grows in violet colors, and Teide Bugloss, which extends into red flowers. Daisies are also found in Teide at altitudes closer to 3600 meters. Violet Teide is one of the highest plants that flowers in Spain. The plants are habitual to extreme weather conditions like very high altitude, intense sunlight, temperature, insufficient moisture, etc. The exposed leaves take downy forms or cover the outer area with wax-like pigment that helps to protect the plantation. The park is also home to a large number of animal species, many of which are endemic. Some of the most common species found here are Dipterans, Hemipterans, Spiders, Hymenoptera and Beetles. There is a limited variety if Vertebrate fauna at the Teide National Park including Blue Chaffinch, Berthelot’s Pipit, Atlantic Canary,

Know More About Mount Teide

Mount Teide Tours FAQs

Do we have to book in advance for mount teide tours.

Mount Teide Tours is very popular so it has a limited permit to safeguard the environment. Hence, you must book the tour in advance, so your planned vacation is not wasted. Although, you have an alternative as well, for which you will require a summit permit for the Tour of Mount Teide. Remember, the area has many active volcanoes. Hence, your tour must be guided and approved with a summit permit.

What is the best time to experience the Mount Teide Tours?

The best time to make a Tour of Mount Teide will be between April and October as the weather at this time is humid and not too cold or hot. The temperature in these months is between 64 F and 71 F; hence, it will be easier to travel on foot. You must visit on Monday, Friday and Saturday from midday to evening at 4.00. Since it is located at a height from sea level, thus, you must carry a warm jacket with you during Mount Teide Tours.

What is the minimum age required to book Mount Teide tours?

On a tour of Mount Teide, children are allowed along with the adults. Although, the age of a child should not be below 3 years. Thus, the minimum age would be 3 years. For booking a cable car, the minimum age is 3 years, while your child must be over eight years old if you want to visit Teide observation.

How long does it take to walk up Mount Teide?

The walk or time of reach in Mount Teide Tours highly depends on your mode. If you are walking from Montana Blanca, it may take more than five hours to reach. On the other hand, if you are taking cable cars towards a specific point and then walking, you might not take more than 1- 2 hours. If you want to climb the mountain, you should take a permit in advance.

How long is the cable car ride on Mount Teide?

The lower station of cable cars is usually reached by road. Mount Teide Tour is equipped with cabins that hold more than 40 passengers. You can get to the top in just eight minutes using the cable car. The price varies for residents, children, adults and children, and non-residents. They're not more than two cabins in the area, which stretches 43 kms from the south. Hiking footwear and wind jacket are a must.

What are the other top things to do in Spain?

Benalmadena Cable Car

Teide Cable Car

Caminito Del Ray, Malagna

Las Golondrinas Barcelona Boat Cruise

Madrid Segway Tour

Las Aguilas Jungle Park , Tenerife

Granada City Tour

Royal Palace of Madrid Tour

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Teide National Park Tenerife – the ultimate guide to plan your visit

The volcanic landscape of Teide National Park Tenerife seems to tick off all the superlatives. Rising from the caldera is the cone of Mount Teide. It is highest mountain in Spain, often capped with ice and snow.

This arid environment offers an austere beauty that grows on you. The eye tunes in to subtle colours and earthy tones that glow red and orange at sunset.

A cable car ride to the top of the volcanic peak, offers a surreal view over the blanket of cloud below. Read on for our comprehensive guide to visiting Teide National Park, one of the unmissable things to do in Tenerife.

This article may contain affiliate links that provide commission on purchases you make at no extra cost to you. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Table of Contents

The landscapes of Teide National Park

Located in the centre of the island of Tenerife, Teide National Park forms a high plateau at around 2000 metres above sea level. Encompassing an area of 190 km2, the boundary of the national park follows the line of a huge caldera. Known as the Circo de las Cañadas , it is the result of past volcanic activity.

While high rock walls surround the caldera, the natural amphitheatre they encircle is relatively flat. It is covered by petrified lava flows, eroded rock formations and volcanic ash.

From this sea of lava rises the cone of Mount Teide, the highest mountain in Spain at over 3700 metres. The road meanders through the park, with several parking places to stop and view Mount Teide. Hiking trails branch out across the lava fields.

For much of the year, Mount Teide sports a cap of snow and ice. Around it the landscape glows in shades of red, orange and black. There’s a sparse sprinkling of low shrubs that manage to survive in this arid world.

Driving up from the coast on hairpin bends is an adventure in itself, as you observe the changing vegetation that grows at each altitude. Neatly tended fields give way to pine forests and then low scrub on the higher slopes.

The landscape once you arrive in Teide National Park is austere and other-worldly. But observe a little closer and you’ll spot clumps of yellow broom and other small plants clinging to the rock crevices. It was this surprising survival of flora and fauna that allowed the Guanches , earliest inhabitants of Tenerife, to bring their herds of sheep and goats up here for summer pasture.

Discover 12 fun and unexpected things to do in Tenerife

Plan your trip to Mount Teide National Park Tenerife

Teide is the most visited national park in Spain, and one of the top things to do in Tenerife, so you won’t want to miss it! To plan your visit first consider:

• How long do you have to spend ? Minimum is half a day but ideal is a full day.
• How will you get there ? Main options are hire car, public bus, or take a tour with transport provided.
• What do you want to see and do while in the park? This will help determine the best type of transport for you.
• Do you want to take the cable car ? If so you need to pre-book a timed ticket, ideally at least a few days ahead.
• Do you want to climb the trail from the top cable car station to the summit of Mount Teide? This requires a special permit, and numbers are limited so book 2-3 months ahead.

Need help to design your dream holiday? We’ve partnered with UK travel advisor Luxeco Holidays to create your personalised itinerary

Points of interest within Teide National Park

Within Teide National Park, these are the main points of interest;

This is the most popular draw within the park and it will take you up to the high slopes of Mount Teide. From the cable car or Teleferico top station, you can follow two different walking trails.

And, if you have a special permit, you can walk to the summit itself. This tour includes the cable car ticket and this guided hiking tour includes the cable car and pass to take the trail to the summit.

Roques de Garcia

An extremely popular spot with a cluster of striking rock formations and a circular walking trail that allows you to view them. There’s parking on the side road leading to it. If you do not have cable car tickets, this is where you should head first. It’s also a short walk from the Parador.

The Parador des las Cañadas del Teide

This is the only hotel within the National Park, and you could book to stay the night here if you’d like to see a bit more of Teide. For most day visitors, it’s a place to stop at the adjoining cafeteria. It serves simple lunch dishes and refreshments, and has an outside terrace with views of Mount Teide.

Visitor centres

There are two visitor centres within the park. You will pass Visitor Centre El Portillo if arriving from the north of Tenerife. Visitor Centre Cañada Blanca is by the Parador.

A small information kiosk and exhibition is located at the Museo Etnografico Juan Evora , which shows how pastoralists lived in the past. It’s a good idea to stop at one of the visitor centres to pick up a map of Teide National Park. All the walking trails are marked on it.

Viewing Points

Along the roads through and into the park, there are numerous viewing points, where you can park the car and get a view of Mount Teide. Marked trails lead off from many of these. There are information boards to tell you about the different geological formations, flora and fauna.

Teide Observatory

On the northern edge of the park at Izana, the observatory has several buildings with telescopes to observe the solar system. The inside of the observatory buildings and telescopes can only be visited on a tour, which can be pre booked here .

Read about Timanfaya National Park and the volcanoes in Lanzarote

Map of Teide National Park Tenerife

I could not find any decent map online of Teide National Park. However, you can pick up a free leaflet with an excellent map at the information centres within the park.

To help you plan your visit, I have photographed the map from this leaflet, which shows all the walking trails below. There are also numerous information boards showing a map with walking trails and points of interest, located at each viewing point.

Different ways to experience Mount Teide National Park

Once you’ve arrived in the Mount Teide National Park, ideally for a few hours or a whole day, how should you spend your time there? Here are some different options, depending on your mode of transport and whether you are visiting as part of a tour.

• Driving tour – Drive through the park from one side to the other, admiring the landscape. You might stop in a couple of places, such as the Parador / Roques de Garcia for photos. This is what you’ll get on many day tours like this one that include Teide as well as other locations in Tenerife. (Time 1-2 hrs)
• Driving tour + short walks – Drive through the park with multiple stops at different parking areas. Then, read the information boards and have a walk on some of the marked trails that lead from them. (Time 3-4 hrs)
• Driving tour + cable car – Drive around the park, stopping at a few different areas. Then take the cable car to the top of Mount Teide for a walk on the trails at the top station. This is the option that I tried on my day trip. If you have a special permit, you can also walk the trail that leads from the top cable car station to the summit of the volcano crater. This tour includes the cable car pass.(Time – a full day)

Walking and cycling tours

• Walking trails – Drive to the park or take the bus, then spend a day hiking on the many trails around the park. One of the hikes could be to walk up Mount Teide itself on the Montana Blanca trail. This walking tour includes a guided hike, the cable car and the pass to walk up Mount Teide crater. (Time – a full day).
• Cycling tour – Keen cyclists can cycle up into the national park, then cycle around the national park, stopping at different parking areas for photos or rest stops. There is nowhere to hire bikes within the park, so this option involves cycling up serious inclines just to reach the park. It is best left to the serious rather than occasional cyclist. (Time – a full day)

Teide excursion and tours

There are numerous Teide excursions and tours available within the national park. Here are a few that we recommend;

Mount Teide tour with cable car ticket – this full day tour includes pickup from your hotel in the north or south of Tenerife. You’ll pass through some pretty Tenerife mountain villages and through the park before arriving at the cable car at the base of Mount Teide. A return ticket is included to allow you to ascend the cable car and walk on some of the trails from the upper station.

Teide National Park full day scenic tour – this full day tour departs from the south of Tenerife. It includes a drive through Teide National Park and mountain village of Vilaflor. You’ll also see other places on the island such as Icod los Vinos where you stop for lunch.

See also Garachico and Masca, returning past the Los Gigantes cliffs. This tour does not include the Teide cable car, but is ideal for those with limited time. You’ll see different parts of Tenerife, including Teide National park.

Mount Teide summit guided hiking tour – this full day tour is for those who want to hike through the Teide National Park. It includes a 3 hour guided hike on one of the trails, the cable car ticket and the special pass to hike the trail up to the summit of Mount Teide.

Teide National Park Stargazing experience – this evening tour allows you to experience Teide by night. The tour includes a meal at a traditional Canarian restaurant. You’ll also have a walk in Teide National Park to see the different planets and star formations and view the solar system through telescopes.

Teide National Park Tickets

It is free to visit the Teide National Park to walk, cycle or drive around and no tickets are required for this. There is no checkpoint to enter the park. You will only know you have reached the park because of the roadside signs for Teide National Park. Parking at the different viewpoints and parking areas within the park is also free.

However you may need to buy tickets for certain activities within the park

• Tickets for the cable car must be booked in advance. When you see websites talking about booking Mount Teide tickets, they generally mean tickets for the cable car.
• A permit for the trail to walk from the top cable car station (La Rambleta) to the crater and peak of Mount Teide (Pico del Teide) is free. Numbers are limited so you need to book this 2-3 months in advance.
• Other costs you may need to budget for include cost of public bus or hire car to get you to the park and the bus to get around the park. Plan for lunch at the cafes at the Parador or Cable Car if you did not bring a picnic and costs of any guided tours you choose to book.

Stay at Parador de Las Cañadas del Teide in Tenerife – the only hotel within Teide National Park

Teide National Park Cable Car – getting tickets

Ascend the volcanic crater of Mount Teide to get some fantastic views. Take the Teide cable car to the upper station (la Rambleta) just below the summit.

Because this is one of the most popular things to do in Mount Teide National Park, you should book the cable car in advance. This will give you a guaranteed timed slot.

Sometimes due to bad weather, wind, rain or snow, the cable car is forced to close. When this is the case, you will be notified by text on the day and can get a refund on your ticket.

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If you are not able to book a ticket in advance, you can try to arrive early in the day and hope that some are left. There are ticket machines at the cable star lower station. If you don’t have your own transport you can also book this tour that includes the cable car ticket.

Note: Phone signal is patchy or non existent within the park, although there is wifi at the cable car station. Ideally book the ticket online before you enter the park.

About the Cable Car ride

On arriving at the lower cable car station, I joined a short queue 20 minutes before my assigned time. I had my pre-booked ticket on my mobile (having taken a screenshot in case my phone signal failed). The ticket was checked and the queue moved pretty steadily.

Within 10-15 minutes I was boarding the cable car and enjoying the fantastic views. It rose above the slope of Mount Teide, overlooking the whole park. The cable car cabin was quite crowded, but I was still able to take some nice photos looking out from one side.

Useful cable car information

• The cable car starts from the base station at 2,356 metres above sea level and rises to 3,555 metres above sea level.
• You can’t take the cable car if you are pregnant and children must be aged 3 and above. No pushchairs are allowed in the cable car, so children must either be carried or walk.
• Those with mobility or serious health issues can’t take the cable car. This is because in an emergency or adverse weather conditions, the cable car would need to stop. Then, anyone at the top station would need to descend on one of the walking paths.
• Each of the two cabins (one going up, one going down) holds a maximum of 44 passengers. Usually, however, it’s limited to around 35 people.
• A cable car ride takes 8 minutes to travel from base station to top station, hence the cabins run around every 10 minutes.
• The cable car runs from 9am and last ascent ranges from 4pm (winter) to 5.30pm (summer) with last descent around 1 hour later.
• If you don’t have your own transport you can also book this tour that includes the cable car pass and pickup from your hotel.

Walking routes from the cable car top station

Once you arrive at the cable car top station (La Rambleta), there are a couple of different trails that lead in opposite directions. Officially you are allowed 1 hour at the top station. Each walk takes around 45 minutes at a leisurely pace to get to the viewpoint and return.

This means that unless you are a fast walker, you will probably need to choose just one of the walks. I decided to walk very fast and managed to see both trails. If you have to choose, my favourite was the Pico Viejo trail, which is slightly longer.

The 1 hour limit is to ensure that it does not get too crowded on the trails and that everyone can get down via the cable car at the end of the day. However, I don’t believe the time limit is rigidly enforced. There didn’t seem to be any way to check how long people had been at the top.

La Fortaleza Vantage Point – Route 11

Heading northwards from the top cable car station, the La Fortaleza path meanders through a landscape of volcanic sand and jagged rocks. These were thrown here during the mountain’s eruption. As the path nears the Mirador (viewpoint) it meets the trail that descends past the Refugio de Altavista to Montana Blanca.

You can book a place to stay at the refuge (currently closed due to Covid), in order to ascend Mount Teide at daybreak without a permit. However, you must come down from the crater by 9am.

From the viewpoint a spectacular view of the north side of Tenerife opens up. Look out towards Valle de La Orotava and the rugged Anaga Massif.

Below you is a sea of clouds, sitting at an altitude of between 1500 metres and 1800 metres. They are formed when the moisture laden trade winds hit the mountainous north face of the island, creating a cloak around Mount Teide.

Pico Viejo Vantage Point – Route 12

The Pico Viejo path takes you from the Cable car top station, towards a viewpoint that looks to the south of Tenerife. It’s a cobbled stone path, bordered by rugged lava rocks, with steep steps in places.

From the Pico Viejo viewpoint which takes around 15-20 minutes to reach, you can look over the whole caldera of Las Cañadas del Teide. View the sheer walls of rock that enclose the plateau of the park.

Below the viewpoint is the multi-coloured crater of Pico Viejo, which gives the path its name. It’s a smaller version of the Mount Teide crater behind you. From here, a walking trail leads down, taking you towards the rocky outcrops of Roques de García and Montagna Guajara.

Walk to the Crater of Mount Teide – Route 10 (Telesforo Bravo)

There is a third trail called Telesforo Bravo , which takes you to the very top of the Teide crater (Pico del Teide). You’ll need a special permit to take it, and to preserve the environment only 150 permits are issued for each day. When I last checked, you would need to book 2-3 months in advance. See below how to book the permit for the crater of Mount Teide.

This trail takes you from the top cable car station (La Rambleta) at 3555metres, to the crater of Mount Teide (Pico del Teide) at 3715 metres. The trail is around 650 metres in length, all uphill.

It takes around 45 minutes to reach the crater. From the top, on clear days, you can see across the whole national park and the islands nearby of La Gomera, El Hierro, La Palma and Gran Canaria.

If you have reserved to stay one night in the Refugio de Altavista, you also have permission to climb the Telesforo Bravo trail up to the Mount Teide crater in the early morning. Again, you must descend by 9am.

Teide National Park Cable Car – Facilities

Facilities at the cable car bottom station include

• A car park with space for 220 cars (see below our tips for parking)
• A cafe / waiting room with wifi
• A souvenir shop and information centre
• An interesting exhibition which you can see on your way out when you come down from the top station. If not taking the cable car up you can still ask to see the exhibition.

Facilities at the cable car top station include

• An area with vending machines for drinks and snacks

Teide National Park Cable Car – Parking

There is parking space for 220 cars just below the cable car base station. The national park authorities do not want to increase this, as it would encroach on the natural landscape. Instead, they want to encourage visitors to use group transport. At times, the cable car parking can be very busy and appear full. Our tips for parking are:

• Allow 20-30 minutes extra to park and walk up to the base station. You also need to arrive at the base station 20 mins before the time given on your ticket. So you may want to arrive at the car park 45-60 minutes before the time on your ticket.
• If there does not appear to be any parking, don’t panic! Drive slowly around the parking area, or drive up the road right to the top and then down again (there is a turning circle at the top). There is a steady turnover of people coming and going, so you will normally find other cars pulling out, releasing a parking space.
• If you see a car getting ready to leave, wait behind to take their space, otherwise someone else will nab it!
• Book cable car tickets earlier in the day, as the parking area and the park in general gets more busy from lunchtime onwards.
• If all else fails, consider parking at some of the smaller car parks on the road nearby. Or, park at the Parador , although this will involve a long walk.

How to book the permit for the crater of Mount Teide (Pico del Teide)

The permit is free and you can book it online on the National Parks website here .

On the Online Reservations Page, choose the option Teide . Then choose Access permit to Pico del Teide . After reading the description, information and conditions, click on the Reservas tab at the top of the page. Choose the option General Public and then Paso Siguente (next page).

On the next page you can select the date you are interested and book for a 2 hour time slot. If spaces are available on the day of your choice, click on the date and choose the number of places. Then click on Select to continue on your preferred time slot. Once the date, number and time slot is selected, click Paso Siguente .

On the next page you will give your contact details. Once you have secured the permit for the Telesforo Bravo path up to the crater, be sure to book your cable car ticket for the appropriate date and time, unless you plan to hike the whole way up Mount Teide.

When arriving at the checkpoint to start the trail, you will need to show not only your permit, put also a passport or other photo ID. The checkpoint to start the trail is at the end of the hut with toilets. It’s a short distance from where you get off the cable car top station, in the direction of the La Fortaleza route. When I last checked, permits were booked up for around 2-3 months in advance.

Book a guided tour

Another way that you can get a permit for the walk to the Mount Teide crater (Telesforo Bravo) is by booking a guided tour that specifically includes this. Tour companies are also able to book a certain number of permits and use these for clients on their tour. If all the free permits are already booked for the day you plan to visit, it’s worth checking this option.

You should also expect these tours to be booked up some time ahead, but perhaps 2-3 weeks rather than 2 months. Book this tour offered directly by the Teleferico de Teide that includes the permit to climb the trail to the crater of Mount Teide. You can also search online for other tour companies that may offer this option.

Tours we recommend

Mount Teide tour with cable car ticket – including pickup from your hotel and tickets for the cable car.

Mount Teide summit guided hiking tour – a full day tour, including a 3 hour guided hike on one of the trails, cable car ticket and the special pass to hike up to the summit of Mount Teide.

Teide National Park full day scenic tour – a full day tour departs from the south of Tenerife, including a drive through Teide National Park with other stops at Icod los Vinos, Garachico and Masca.

Teide National Park Stargazing experience – a night time tour, including dinner at a traditional Canarian restaurant, and stargazing in Teide National Park.

Roques de Garcia – Teide National Park

The Roques de Garcia are a group of striking rock formations within the Teide National Park. They are located 5 minutes walk from the Parador and there is parking along the access road that leads to them.

These rock formations were created when molten lava was forced up through gaps in the rock. It quickly solidified to make columns of rock that eroded over time.

There’s a high point overlooking the main rock formation. This is a fantastic viewpoint (see below) to climb up and get a great photo of the Roques de Garcia with Mount Teide behind them.

If you have time, follow the circular path that leads around the rock formation, away from all the crowds. Return back on the other side past a striking rock known as ‘The Cathedral’.

Hiking in Teide National Park

There are plenty of walking trails within Teide National Park. Once you arrive in the national park, you need to pick up a map which shows all the trails from one of the visitor centres, El Portillo or Canada Blanca . Or, find one at the information kiosk at Museo Etnografico Juan Evora.

I was not able to find a good map online, but the trail map from the leaflet is shown earlier in this article. At every stopping place and viewpoint, there are also information boards with maps, showing the trails that lead from that point. The trails are also well marked. Here are some of the more popular hiking trails, but there are many more marked on the map;

Easy Teide hikes

On Mount Teide leading from the top cable car station there are two short trails of under an hour. Pico Viejo (0.7km) and La Fortaleza (0.4km). If you have a permit you can also walk the trail up to the summit of Mount Teide, called Telesforo Bravo (0.6km).

From the Parador – walk on an easy trail Majua to the cable car (3.8km).

From Roques Garcia – there is a circular trail that takes you around these stunning rock formations (3.6km).

Longer hiking trails

Pico Viejo – From Rocques de Garcia take the circular route in the direction of the Pico Viejo peak. Continue on Los Regatones Negros path which takes you up the Pico Viejo volcanic cone (5.2km).

From the top of the Pico Viejo crater, you can continue up a further path leading to the Pico Viejo viewpoint. This is one of the two trails that lead to the top cable car station. You can then use the cable car to descend if you wish.

Montana Blanca – From the road close to the cable car lower station, the Montana Blanca trail ascends Mount Teide. On the upper slopes, you’ll pass the Refuge Altavista, before arriving at the La Fortaleza viewpoint (9.5km). From here you can take the La Fortaleza path back to the upper cable car station, and use the cable car to descend if you wish.

Parador de las Cañadas del Teide

The Parador de las Cañadas del Teide is the only hotel within the Teide National Park itself. However, there are plenty of accommodation options in the towns and resorts that surround the park. Paradors are a Spanish institution where old or historic buildings have been been converted into state owned hotels.

The Parador in Teide is a modern, comfortable mountain lodge hotel, with amazing views of Mount Teide. Its restaurant serves traditional Canarian dishes. There are 37 rooms and suites, and surprisingly an indoor swimming pool.

Most visitors coming for the day will stop by the Parador to check out the information centre and gift shop. Visitors will often dine at the cafeteria adjoining the hotel, where I had lunch.

At the self service counter there was a selection of sandwiches, salads, hot lunchtime dishes and other snacks which I thought were fairly priced. The decor is rather utilitarian but the outside terrace has a wonderful view of Mount Teide. There is a WC here which you have to pay to use if not eating in the cafe.

There’s a large public car parking area at the Parador and a second parking area just across the main road for the Roques de Garcia. The parking can be quite busy, so I’d grab whatever parking space you can find. Then walk between the Parador and the Roques de Garcia to see them both.

The clear skies and high altitude of Teide National Park, make it an ideal location for stargazing. Located on the northern edge of the park at Izana, the Teide observatory is made up of several buildings.

It is the largest solar observatory in the world. Within the different buildings spread over 50 hectares are solar telescopes that are owned by 19 different countries. All of these contribute to research on the solar system.

While you can park near the different buildings, the inside of the observatory buildings and telescopes can only be visited on a tour. You can pre book a tour here . There are several different tours available, from a 1.5 hour daytime visit, to a full day tour that also includes night-time stargazing.

Guided visits enable you to see the nocturnal, microwave and solar telescopes within the observatory. You can view the sun through two telescopes with different filters.

Within the science dome, you can hear a talk on the electromagnetic spectrum. View a time lapse video of the night time activity observed from the Teide observatory.

It’s also possible to do a night-time star-gazing tour in other parts of Teide National Park. Many star-gazing tours start either at the Parador or at the Cable Car station.

Stargazing in Teide National Park

We took a Mount Teide stargazing tour, to enjoy the Teide National Park at night. The altitude and clear skies make this one of the best places in Europe for stargazing. Unless you are already knowledgeable in astronomy, you’ll probably need a guide to make the most of the experience.

We started our stargazing tour with a meal at the Parador, with views of Mount Teide and Mount Guajara glowing red at sunset. Then we walked out to the area close to Roques de Garcia. Our guide pointed out the different star formations and let us have a look at them through the telescope.

There are other tour options that start at the cable car and let you see the stars from Mount Teide itself. Check out this Teide National Park Stargazing experience . This night time tour includes dinner at a traditional Canarian restaurant, and stargazing in Teide National Park.

Tip: It gets very cold in Teide National Park at night. Be sure to dress warmly with a fleece, warm jacket and warm trainers or boots – possibly also a hat and gloves.

Transport to Teide National park

It takes around an hour’s drive on winding roads, from most coastal resorts and towns, to reach the plateau of the Teide National Park. Here are some different transport options for getting to Teide National park.

You can rent a car to drive to the national park and around the different areas of the national park. This option will give you maximum flexibility to stop at all the places you want and stay for as long as you want. I did this and I was happy I could see so much in one day.

The road to the park and within the park is well maintained and easy to drive. However, driving up to the park involves quite a lot of hairpin bends as you climb in altitude. Once in the park there are numerous small and large car parks where you can stop at different viewpoints.

Take a tour

This is an excellent option if you don’t want the stress of driving yourself. Most tours will pick you up from a designated point, at or near your hotel, so long as you are staying in a major resort or town. There are many different types of tours, some that give you more or less time within the park.

Check carefully how long you’ll spend in the park and what’s included in each tour before booking. The downside of group tours, is that you have to stick to the prearranged stops that are part of the tour. However, there are options to book a private tour and agree what you’d like to see with your guide or driver.

Take the public bus

Buses, known in Tenerife as Guagas run daily. We advise checking timetables carefully as they can be subject to change. You can consult the timetables on the public bus company Titsa website . The two lines that run to Teide National Park are numbers 342 and 348.

Line 342 runs from Costa Adeje on the south coast, while line 348 runs from Puerto de la Cruz on the north coast. Both buses run once per day, leaving in the morning and stopping at various places in the park before returning in the afternoon. Line 341 makes trips between different points within in the park around 5 times during the day.

The bus is a good budget option but not very flexible. It can drop you at various points within the park, but distances between different points of interest are quite large. Once in the park, buses to get around are limited. This option is good if you mainly want to spend your time walking on the different trails within the park, and can work with the limited number of buses available.

How to get to Teide National Park

If you are wondering how to get to Teide National Park, there are 3 main routes, depending on where you are staying on Tenerife.

From the South

If coming from the south of Tenerife (Costa Adeje, Playa de las Americas, El Medano) you can take the TF- 51 which joins up with the TF – 21 through Vilaflor. This is the route that I took.

From the North-west

If coming from the north-west corner of Tenerife (Garachico, Santiago del Teide, Los Gigantes) you can take the TF-38 route into the park.

From the North

If coming from the north of Tenerife (Puerto de la Cruz, La Orotava, Santa Cruz de Tenerife) take the TF- 21 route into the park.

Driving tips

• The roads that take you into Teide National Park can be very winding, so allow more time than your mapping app tells you. Take care on the road, especially if you drive through cloud cover or any bad weather.
• On all three routes up to the park, there are interesting viewpoints and places you may want to stop, so again allow extra time for this.
• Keep to the main road, following the prominent road signs for Teide National Park, rather than taking the side roads that Google maps may suggest. Sometimes mapping apps will try to take you on a side road that looks like a short cut. But, these are often single lane roads used by locals, so best to stick to the main routes.

Teide National Park weather

Tenerife offers a mild and sunny climate year round and is a winter sun destination for visitors escaping the cold in other parts of Europe. Temperatures range from highs of 20 degrees C in January – February to highs of 28 degrees C in July – August.

Because of its higher altitude of around 2,400 metres, the Teide National Park weather tends to be quite a few degrees cooler than the rest of Tenerife. During the winter months, temperatures may drop to an average of 8 degrees C. In summer it’s more common to have warm, sunny days, with temperatures around 20-22 degrees C.

Discover why Lanzarote is a top winter sun destination in Europe

Bear in mind, however, that if you take the cable car, you will be ascending to around 3500 metres. Temperatures can drop even further, sometimes to near freezing in winter. If there is a snowfall or high winds, it’s likely that the cable car will close.

While you do need to be prepared for cold temperatures, Teide can also be surprisingly sunny. The altitude often places you above the cloud layer. Sometimes you will drive through a layer of cloud as you ascend from the coast and emerge to find blue skies and brilliant sunshine, which makes the air feel a lot warmer. For this reason, you need to protect your face and skin with suncream, since the sun can be strong despite lower air temperatures.

If you want to check the weather on Teide for today or the week ahead, there is always good information on the Teide Volcano website . It includes information on what is open or closed within the park

What to wear for Teide National Park

Because of the range in temperature within Teide National Park, it’s good to come prepared with layers of clothing. Don’t assume that just because you were in shorts and t-shirt at your coastal resort, this will be suitable for visiting the national park.

When I visited in April, I wore quick dry sports leggings and a sports t-shirt, with a jumper and light jacket that I put on when necessary. During the day, while hiking in the sunshine, a short sleeved t-shirt was fine. But, as soon as I stopped any activity, I needed a jumper as well.

On ascending the cable car to the hikes at the top of Mount Teide, I definitely needed a jumper and sometimes a jacket. If you are planning to do any star gazing, I recommend packing even more layers, as the night time temperatures can be around freezing.

Need a guidebook for Tenerife? We recommend the Mini Rough Guide to Tenerife

Packing list for Teide National Park

If you plan to be fairly active within the park, I’d recommend that you wear or pack;

• Short sleeve t-shirt
• Second long sleeve layer or light fleece
• Lightweight jacket in summer, a warmer padded jacket in winter, especially if you plan to ascend the cable car.
• Long, quick drying leggings or trousers. If you like to wear shorts, then you might consider hiking trousers with legs that unzip or pack some leggings to go over shorts in case you feel cold.
• When visiting at night time for stargazing be sure to be wear warm clothes and jacket.
• If ascending the cable car in winter, or for any night time stargazing, also pack a hat and gloves.
• Closed toe trainers or hiking shoes that have a good grip are ideal, as the terrain is rocky and sharp, with light gravel that could get into open toe sandals.
• A day sack, so that you can pack away surplus clothing, together with sunscreen, a water bottle and some snacks or picnic.

Plan your trip

For more information to plan your holiday in Tenerife, visit the Tenerife tourism website and Canary Islands tourism website .

The Volcano Teide website is the official website for the cable car in the park and has plenty of information about visiting the park, However, much of the emphasis is on booking tours and experiences.

If you need a guidebook for Tenerife, we recommend the Mini Rough Guide to Tenerife

Read about 12 Fun and unexpected things to do in Tenerife

Some of the experiences mentioned were on a press trip hosted* by Tenerife Tourism and British Guild of Travel Writers

* More info on my policies page

This article is originally published at Heatheronhertravels.com

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• Book the tour

Teide National Park Tour

Teide National Park is a unique place in Tenerife, Canary Islands. This is the highest peak in Spain ; its 3718-meter high turns it into the most-visited national park in the country and in Europe, with more than 4 million visitors every year .

Since 2007, it has also been declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO , not only for being the highest point but also for its unique biodiversity and its richness in terms of landscape and ecology.

At the end of the day, these are the reasons why this exceptional park is the major source of tourist income for Tenerife. On the other hand, the trip itself is quite nice and very useful to appreciate the tranquility of the landscape and its surroundings. At the same time, and as you go higher, you get more and more familiar with the landscape and climate; you can also better appreciate the views or rock formations of El Llano de Ucanca, such as Roques de García . However, it is not to forget that Teide is a park that can also be affected by sudden climate changes, all year round, and it is necessary to be particularly cautious during winter months. Nevertheless, this is an excursion which is ideal for families.

Volcano trip’s details:

We can reach Teide National Park from the southern slope of the island, after a walk across the Canary Islands pine forest and the village of Vilaflor , the highest town in Spain. Then, we get to Cañadas del Teide with its huge 17-km diameter caldera. It is home to wonderful and diverse landscapes with on one side, a moon-like scenery, on the other, rock formations included in the UNESCO World Heritage list, and, at the back, the summit of Mount Teide, the highest peak in Spain and third largest volcano in the world with its 3718-meter high . We then reach the base of the cable car; you can use it as an option to get to an altitude of 3500 meters. Be careful, at such high altitude, temperature can drop very low, so if you are planning to take a cable car ride, do not forget to bring warm clothes. After having admired the view over the whole Ucanca valley, we descend along the Southwestern slope, which boasts a very distinctive landscape and gives you a feeling of walking on the Moon …

The child rate is valid for 2 to 11 years. Free for babies.

Tour Reviews

I guess you don’t pick up in Santa Cruz?

There is pick up from the north: Puerto de la Cruz, Santa Ursula y Santa Cruz.

Los servicios de nuestra guía Míriam fueron excelentes. Muchas gracias

He viajado con esta compañía en una excursión al teide etc. Y me ha encantado el chofer muy profesional y muy amable de aquí le dejamos un saludo Sr.Manuel y también al señor Claus el guía turístico un encanto muchas gracias por todo y por el paseo magnífico. Bsss Aida y Andre .

No hay acceso desde el norte? Desde santa Cruz

Buenas tardes, hay posibilidad desde Puerto de la Cruz o desde el Sur. Tendreis que coger un bus para llegar a la zona de recogida. No duden en llamarnos para cualquier pregunta.

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• Canary Islands
• Day Trips & Excursions

Teide National Park Tour Including Transfers and Cable Car or Observatory Tickets

• 6-hour Teide National Park tour in Tenerife with an expert guide
• Visit the mountain village of Vilaflor and explore Los Roques de García within the park, if pickup from south Tenerife
• Travel through La Orotava Valley and tour the UNESCO-listed Teide National Park, if pickup from north Tenerife
• Drink in views of Las Cañadas Caldera and Tenerife during an optional cable car ride

Inclusions & Exclusions

• Pickup and drop-off at your hotel area
• Professional guide
• Transport by coach
• Cable car ticket (approx. 27 euros per person) or Ticket to Teide Observatory
• Food and drinks
• Gratuities (optional)

Departure & Return

Your Costa Adeje, Los Cristianos or Puerto de la Cruz hotel

Pickups start at 7:30am; please contact the local supplier to confirm your exact pickup time

Returns to original departure point

What To Expect

At your north or south Tenerife hotel, you'll board an air-conditioned coach destined for the UNESCO-listed Mt Teide National Park. Receive an introduction to the area from your guide and, depending on your pickup location, follow one of two itineraries detailed below.Departing from south Tenerife:Guests staying in hotels in Los Cristianos or Costa Adeje, stop first at Vilaflor "” a picturesque mountain village "” to refresh with drinks and snacks at your own expense. Continue inside the magnificent national park to Los Roques de García, home to the world-renowned red rock, Roque Cinchado, to capture photographs of the magnificent lunar landscapes.At your own expense, you'll revitalize with lunch at Parador de Cañadas del Teide "” a hotel, located in the Cañadas del Teide crater, that boasts impressive views of Mt Teide and the Pico Vieja crater.Sated, opt to explore the rugged sculptures of Los Cristianos or Costa Adeje at leisure, or take a cable car ride to Mt Teide's summit at your own expense.At a time prearranged with your guide, return to your coach and relax during the journey back to your south Tenerife hotel.Departing from north Tenerife:If your hotel is located on Tenerife's north side, travel through the La Orotava Valley (Valle de la Orotava), a lush region replete with dramatic gullies and cliffs. Gaze at the dramatic mound of Mt Teide as you explore the region's luscious landscapes with your guide.After marveling at enormous Canary Island pines, you'll venture to the heart of Mount Teide National Park for a comprehensive tour. Alternatively opt to ride a cable car to the volcano's summit at your own expense.After thorough exploration of the park, relax during the air-conditioned drive back to your north Tenerife hotel.

Hotel Pickup

Hotel pick-up is offered for this tour. Note: if you are booking within 24 hours of the tour or activity departure time, we cannot guarantee hotel pick-up. Once your purchase is complete, we will send you complete contact information (phone number, email address, etc.) for our local operator to organize pick-up arrangements

Additional Info

• Confirmation will be received at time of booking, unless booked within 1 day of travel. In this case confirmation will be received as soon as possible, subject to availability
• Please wear appropriate clothing and comfortable shoes

Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel At least 24 hours in advance of the start date of the experience.

Your Contact Details

Questions or requests.

Do you have questions or specific requests regarding this tour?

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