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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!

Ascen Aynat

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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.

5 Top Mount Teide Trips: How to Visit Teide Volcano

By Author Paulina

Posted on Published: March 30, 2019  - Last updated: January 25, 2024

Guide to the best way to visit Mount Teide and the top Mount Teide trips from around the island

Visiting Mount Teide is one of the favorite excursions to do when traveling to the island of Tenerife , and it’s definitely one of the top things to do in Tenerife .

Being the highest mountain in Spain , climbing Mount Teide is for many a question of pride and “collecting climbed peaks”.

However, there are several ways to visit, and depending on your preferences and adventure thirst, you can choose between several Mount Teide trips to explore this natural attraction.

No matter how you visit, seeing this spectacular Mountain in Tenerife will be a highlight of your visit to the island.

Indeed, this is one of the best hikes in Tenerife and no matter what type of traveler you are, there seems to be an adequate way to explore Tenerife’s most popular attraction.

Whether you just want to enjoy the volcano’s glory from far away, or you want the full program with spending a night close to the peak, there is a Mount Teide trip for every level and type of traveler.

There are many amazing outdoor activities in Tenerife – ranging from spectacular hikes to foodie experiences, climbing Mount Teide and experiencing its lunar land is unique in its kind.

But Mount Teide trips are without any doubt one of the top things to do in the Canary Islands.

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Table of Contents

The Best Mount Teide Tours

Some of my friends used to say that they felt they were in a “Star Wars” movie when driving through Teide National Park.

And who doesn’t want to experience that feeling at least once in a lifetime?

Mount Teide is one of the best things to do in South Tenerife , but you can easily visit Teide Mountain, Tenerife whether you’re based in the north or south of the island.

• Book here Mount Teide trips from Costa Adeje
• Book here Mount Teide trips from Playa de las Americas
• Book here Mount Teide trips from Santa Cruz
• Book here Mount Teide trips from Puerto de la Cruz
• Mount Teide trips from Los Gigantes

After living in Tenerife for half a year and working in the Spanish and Canarian tourism sector, I gathered this information on the best Mount Teide trips, depending on your travel profile.

Let me know if you enjoyed the climb!

Where to Stay in Tenerife

Tenerife is a small island, so you can easily access Mount Teide from anywhere on the island.

However, I recommend staying in South Tenerife to get the most time out of your Mount Teide climb.

One of the best places to stay in South Tenerife is Costa Adeje, and there are many great hotels in Costa Adeje .

Getting to Mount Teide from Costa Adeje is incredibly easy and climbing Mount Teide is one of the top things to do in Costa Adeje .

If Costa Adeje is not for you, read my full guide on where to stay in Tenerife to find the town that works best for your travel style.

What to wear on Mount Teide

It’s always a question of balance when working out what to wear up Mount Teide. Do you dress for the heat of hiking, or prepare for the colder air at the top?

Fortunately, there are some items that will be helpful however you choose to make your Mount Teide climb. These can be things like:

• Water bottle – you can read my full guide on water bottles for hiking
• Hiking jacket
• Hiking boots – read my full guide on the best hiking boots for women and men
• Hiking gloves
• Hiking pants
• Hiking socks
• Hiking backpack – read my full guides on the best backpacks made from recycled materials and vegan backpack brands
• Buff or another practical neck scarf
• Hiking/walking sticks (not technically a thing you wear per se but definitely handy for the trickier parts)

You can also read my full guides on sustainable travel gear to make sure you’re protecting this beautiful landscape.

• Amazing Vegan Clothing Brands
• Ethical & Sustainable Activewear Brands
• Cool Ethical & Sustainable Swimwear Brands (in case you want to go swimming to cool down afterward!)

Quick Mount Teide Facts

• One of the cool facts about Tenerife is that Mount Teide, with its 3.718 m, is the highest mountain in Spain and Western Europe, outside the Alps.
• If you would measure the full mountain’s height from the sea, Mount Teide would be 7.200 m high and thus the third tallest volcano in the world.
• Mount Teide is still active and its last eruption dates back to 1909.
• Mount Teide has been declared UNESCO World Heritage since 2007.
• Rich flora – Despite the first impression, the surroundings of Mount Teide are fertile, and home to over 168 plants species.
• Mount Teide is considered one of the most beautiful places in Spain .
• Tenerife boasts warm temperatures in winter. It is thus a great place for winter holidays in Spain .

The Mount Teide Shadow

Mount Teide has the tallest shadow in the world projected on the sea at sunset.

That’s why many visit Teide Natural Park at sunset. However, you get the best views when waking up before sunrise and climbing up the peak.

The views on the neighboring island La Gomera are simply breathtaking.

You should definitely take a day trip from Tenerife to La Gomera if you have the time as there are many incredible things to do on the island.

Temperatures on Mount Teide

Make sure to bring warm clothes when you visit Mount Teide. In January, the average temperature is 4°C and in August, 18°C. Nights are even colder, so bring a jacket, even in summer.

The Legend of Mount Teide

The guanches (Tenerife natives) used to say that a powerful creature is living inside the volcano and that it has the power over sun and fire.

If you want to learn more local expressions, read my full guide on how to speak Canarian Spanish .

Mount Teide Excursion for Lazy Travelers and Gourmets

I admit that sometimes, I am not in the mood for adventure.

But the good thing about visiting Mount Teide is that you don’t need to be a proficient climber to enjoy the beauty of this natural attraction.

If you only have limited time at your disposal and can’t, or don’t want to do too much physical effort you can cut the short trip with a car.

I recommend driving by car through the Teide Natural Park to the viewpoint Roques de García .

You can also book a taxi to Mount Teide. I found renting a car in Tenerife particularly cheap and I recommend checking Discover Cars for the best deals.

It is the most visited viewpoint as you get a spectacular view of the volcano and the distinctive rock formation Roque Cinchado .

This view was even printed on the Spanish peseta currency. It’s thus a must to take a picture here.

There is parking space for a few cars, but which can be occupied by buses too.

If you have a bit more time at your disposal and don’t want to leave Teide Natural Park right away.

I recommend lunch or dinner with a view of the emblematic Parador Las Cañadas . Their cuisine serves refined traditional Canarian food.

You can even spend the night in Parador de Las Cañadas del Teide *** and have the Natural Park all for yourself in the early and late hours of the day.

It is considered one of the best Paradores in Spain .

Book here your stay in Parador de Las Cañadas del Teide ***

Mount Teide Trips for Soft Adventurers

If you want to get the feeling to have climbed up Mount Teide without going up to the peak, I recommend taking a ride with the spectacular Mount Teide cable car.

It’s one of the most popular attractions in Tenerife, thus I highly recommend booking your tickets in advance .

It is definitely one of the best ways how to go to Teide, Tenerife, and you can also do a Mount Teide tour with cable car.

I have several friends who couldn’t visit because they didn’t purchase their tickets in advance.

I also recommend going as early as possible (the cable car opens at 9 am).

Book here your fast-track cable car tickets to Teide volcano

The lower cable car station is located at 2.356 m above sea level and already provides jaw-dropping views on the surrounding peaks.

There are parking spots to leave your car (open from 8 am – 6 pm).

The lower station also comes with a souvenir shop and a cafeteria where you can plan your route.

Be ready for the temperature change at the upper station! The ride takes you in 8 minutes up to 3.555 m.

The upper station offers spectacular views and is home to the highest public phone in Spain.

A Mount Teide tour with the cable car is definitely a great option for soft adventurers.

From here, you can decide whether you want to continue your adventure and hike one of the 3 trails:

• Route Nr.10 (40 min, strenuous) –  The route takes you to Spain’s highest peak, passing by La Fortaleza Vantage Point . The route is not easy due to the altitude and the strong sulfur smell. The view from the peak is glorious as you’ll be able to spot other Canarian Islands: La Palma, El Hierro, La Gomera, and with some luck even Fuerteventura and Lanzarote.
• Route Nr.11 (25 min, average) – The route takes you to La Fortaleza Vantage Point from which you’ll enjoy a spectacular view of the northern part of Tenerife and the lush Anaga mountains. The path is flat but due to the latitude, the hike can be very tiring. Don’t underestimate it!
• Route Nr.12 (30 min, average) – The trail takes you to the Pico Viejo Vantage Point from which you’ll be overlooking southern Tenerife. It’s thus the perfect spot to enjoy a view on La caldera , the Pico Viejo crater, and Mount Guajara . From here, you’ll spot La Gomera and La Palma.

Please note that you’ll need a permit to access the Mount Teide peak and crater which is not included in your cable car ticket. You need to apply for a free permit here .

If you want to go hassle-free, I recommend booking your guided hike up to Mount Teide peak from the cable car station (including the special Mount Teide permit).

Book here your hiking tour to Teide

You can also opt to spend the night at the Refugio de Altavista del Teide (very basic, but does the thing), get up early, and enjoy the sunrise at the Mount Teide peak.

You’ll be rewarded with a unique experience during which the enormous shadow falls into the ocean.

They say that it’s the most beautiful sunrise and sunset in Spain.

Book here your bunk bed in the Refugio de Altavista del Teide

How to Visit Mount Teide for Hikers and Adventurers

If you are a proficient hiker, an adventurous spirit, or simply enjoy traveling slow, I highly recommend climbing Mount Teide without using the cable car!

Even if it’s the most demanding way to explore Mount Teide, it will provide you with the impression of nature’s magnitude.

There are several routes to climb Mount Teide, but the most popular one is probably the one starting at Montaña Blanca .

The highly difficult route takes you from 1.367 m to 3.718 m and takes you to the Refugio de Altavista del Teide.

Here, you can spend the night, get up early and experience Spain’s best sunrise at Pico de Teide (the peak).

Please, always make sure to check the weather forecast and Mount Teide weather when preparing for your hike.

The trail will take you along places of geological interest and lava canals to get to the Mount Teide crater.

Wear suitable clothing and footwear and take food and cold drinks. I recommend taking warm layers to ward off the early morning cold.

You should consider that this is a risky outdoor activity, and I recommend getting travel insurance upfront with Safety Wing in case something goes wrong.

It is considered one of the best cheap travel insurance to Spain .

Calculate 6 h to hike up from Montaña Blanca to the Refugio de Altavista del Teide. You may want to descend by cable car.

Don’t forget to book your bunk bed in the Refugio de Altavista del Teide in advance.

Book here your stay at the Refugio de Altavista del Teide

Please, note that you’ll need a permit for Mount Teide to access the peak.

Apply here for a free permit

If you love to hike, don’t forget to hike your way through the Masca Valley hiking trail , which is one of the top things to do in North Tenerife .

Mount Teide Tenerife Trips for Couples

Did you know that visiting Mount Teide can be the ultimate romantic thing to do in Tenerife?

Yes, you heard right! Due to the unique stargazing conditions, you and your beloved one will want to spend hours watching the sky of Tenerife.

Indeed, Tenerife boasts very low light pollution (especially near Mount Teide!) and thus the star-sprinkled sky creates the perfect setting for a romantic excursion by night.

I particularly love visiting Tenerife in October for the stargazing as it’s even less polluted with the tourists gone and not too cold yet.

There are several ways to create this special experience.

Some include dinner and champagne, while others offer a romantic cable car ride at sunset. Mount Teide by night is definitely a very romantic activity.

Here is the selection of my favorite romantic Teide excursions:

• Mount Teide Sunset & Stars with Optional Transfer & Dinner
• Mount Teide Stargazing Experience – Telescope Observations
• Tenerife: Mount Teide Sunset Cable Car Ride
• Teide Night Experience with Dinner and Stargazing

Mount Teide by Night Excursions

If you want to know what is Tenerife famous for , Mount Teide is one of the answers.

Visit Teide National Park during the daytime and visiting Teide Natural Park at night are 2 completely different worlds.

One of my favorite ways to spend my time after work was driving with my work colleagues to Teide Natural Park and laying down on a blanket to observe the stars. Unforgettable memories!

Depending on your interest in astronomy, you can visit the National Observatory and learn more about the stellar constellations in Tenerife’s sky.

The island boasts some of the best stargazing conditions in the world due to its low light pollution and geographic location.

Did you know that the Teide Observatory is the world’s largest solar observatory?

These excursions include a visit to Teide Observatory:

• Mount Teide Observatory Guided Tour  
• Private Tenerife, Teide Tour and Observatory

If you just want to enjoy the experience, I recommend booking a Mount Teide by-night excursion so that you can visit without any hassle or stress.

• Mount Teide Romantic Sunset Stargazing
• Tenerife: Stargazing at Mt. Teide

Make sure to take (several) warm layers to your Mount Teide trips. The surroundings of Mount Teide get very cold at nightfall, even during the summer months!

Visiting Mount Teide by car

When they arrive on Tenerife, many visitors wonder how to get to Mount Teide. Fortunately, you can drive to Mount Teide from either airport on the island.

The main road to Mount Teide is the TF-21, which runs all the way from La Orotava in the north down to Granadillo de Abona in the south.

This will also take you to the Mount Teide cable car for a quicker ascent to the summit.

Trips to Mount Teide by car are short. No point of interest on Tenerife is more than 40 miles from Mount Teide!

Rent a car on Tenerife for a day trip to Mount Teide

Mount Teide trips from las Americas

There are so many activities to add to your El Teide hike.

From a delicious dinner to stargazing under a clear night sky, visiting national parks, or just exploring other parts of the island, you’ll be spoilt for choice.

Sometimes the best way to visit Mount Teide is to dive right into all Tenerife has to offer as well! Choose from such trips from las Americas as:

• Full-day Teide jeep safari
• Romantic sunset and stargazing tour with dinner
• Mount Teide tour with cable car
• Teide national park stargazing experience

Mount Teide trips from Puerto de la Cruz

One of the best things about this Tenerife mountain is that it is centrally located on the island.

That means that it is as easily accessible from the north coast as it is from the south coast.

Anyone staying in or near Puerto de la Cruz still has access to some high-quality tours to Mount Teide, such as:

• Teide and Northern Tenerife: Grand Tour
• Teide and Masca VIP Tour

Did you visit Mount Teide? Let me know how it went in the comment form!

Short FAQ About the Best Mount Teide Trips

Can you climb mount teide.

Yes, you can. Proficient climbers have a choice of several routes, with the most popular being the Montaña Bianca trail. However, it is also the most demanding way to climb Teide as it is entirely on foot.

For those who wish to have an easier time hiking Mount Teide, I recommend taking the cable car to the top.

Either way, be prepared for the increase in elevation and the cooler temperatures at the summit – you will be 3,715m above sea level!

What is the best time to visit Mount Teide?

This will depend on your preference, but in my opinion, the best time for a Mount Teide hike is when the weather is favorable and there are fewer people. This is normally in the May to September period.

Climbing Mount Teide in January will mean lower temperatures and more rainfall, so this would normally be attempted by experienced climbers.

April and October have the sunniest days of the year, as well as higher temperatures.

Can you drive to Mount Teide?

Once you get to the island, you can drive to Mount Teide. Tenerife has a road network that will lead you to Mount Teide from almost anywhere on the island.

Driving from the South Airport takes just over an hour, and driving from the North Airport takes slightly longer.

Those with Mount Teide cable car tickets can park at the cable car station. Parking is available for over 200 vehicles at the lower station and is open from 8am to 6pm. 

Before You Go: Top Tips for your Trip 

• You’ll snap tons of photos and I love to take my  GoPro  in order to shoot even in extreme situations. 
• Make sure to wear comfortable  walking shoes  and  hiking sandals   when traveling to warm countries. Consider trying some of these eco-friendly vegan hiking boots .
• Sunscreen is key! I always take with me my  eco-friendly sunscreen   by Thinksport.
• I always carry a  light rain jacket ,  just in case. Pack smart with these organic cotton clothing companies .
• Be environmentally friendly and get one of these awesome backpacks made from recycled materials .
• Get in the mindset with these amazing wilderness survival books .
• Travel insurance is essential! If you haven’t already obtained travel insurance for your trip, travel is protected against all odds with  HeyMondo .

Hola! I’m Paulina, a seasoned travelette who crossed the Atlantic Ocean by Boat HitchHiking. On my blog, find expert insights for an extraordinary holiday through outdoor and sustainable travel like hiking, cycling, and sailing. Let’s embark on unforgettable journeys together! 🌍🚀

A blog where you can discover everything you can do in Tenerife.

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Tickets for the Teide Cable Car: with audio guide or trails guide

Did you know that the tickets for the Teide cable car have two complementary options for you to enjoy the volcano to the full?

That’s right!

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Take a self-guided tour with our audio guide

Gear up with a full-colour paper guide, can i buy both the audio guide and the paper guide, how can i purchase the audio guide or the trails guide, if you want to go one step further, take a look at all our activities on mount teide.

If you plan to bring your explorer’s suit when you come to visit the highest mountain in Spain, don’t miss the details of these two alternatives because we can’t think of anything better to soak up everything that surrounds this National Park, which has been declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO.

Remember that they are alternative and complementary. In other words:

• You don’t have to buy them, although it’s recommended if you want to delve a little deeper into what this National Park is all about.
• IIf you want the trails guide but not the audio guide, you can acquire it at the cable car base station.

The first way we recommend for you to turn your tickets for the Teide cable car into premium tickets is through the audio guide.

This is a series of tracks, available in several languages, with information on the most important and iconic points of the volcano.

The first stop on this self-guided route is at the base station, at an altitude of 2,356 metres, where the audio guide will provide you with information about the National Parks in general and Mount Teide in particular, preparing you for the cable car journey.

Once you reach La Rambleta, at 3,555 metres, you have three options . The audio guide will tell you all the details, but we’ll give you a preview:

• The trail to Pico Viejo , which takes you to a beautiful crater distinguished by contrasting colours.
• The La Fortaleza trail , with slopes and winding paths.
• The Telesforo Bravo trail , the only one that reaches the peak of Mount Teide (please note, you will need a special permit to access ; read the complete guite to reaching Mount Teide´s summit ).

D ownload the new version of the audio guide app, updated for January 2023, to your   Android   or   Apple   device.  Easier to navigate, and a much more enjoyable experience!

It includes detailed and essential information about these three emblematic trails that leave from Teide Cable Car top station and follow different routes across the volcano’s slopes.

You just need to use the booking code from your cable car + audio guide ticket to quickly and easily download the app and enjoy an enhanced contactless experience.

Want to know how the audioguide app works? We explain in this video. Follow the instructions to get the most from your visit to Mount Teide.

Why choose the audio guide with your tickets for the Teide cable car?

Because there are things that, unless you’re told, you may not even be aware of.

As you’re making the trip to Tenerife and dare to climb the volcano, isn’t it worth having detailed explanations to better understand where you are?

Here, you can find a sample of one of the tracks . There are more than 30, counting those relating to the stations and each particular trail!

From the moment you receive the audio guide at the base station, you can press the numbers corresponding to the points of interest as you find them on your way.

In other words, you choose what to listen to .

And we’re not the only ones saying this: Did you know that in August 2019 alone, 22% of all the people who bought their tickets for the Teide cable car used the audio guide? Giving it, in addition, a rating of 4.2 out of 5.

This guide, which is clear and rich in graphics, includes useful information on the most interesting points of the three routes that start at La Rambleta . It is available in Spanish, English, German, French, Russian, Italian, Polish and Dutch.

Puedes adquirirla en la estación base del teleférico.

You can acquire it at the cable car base station.

Pico Viejo Viewpoint trail

We talk to you about points as incredible as the top of the Caldera de Las Cañadas with its layers of magma from different eruptions, the tie of Mount Teide, different lava stretches, one of the most impressive balconies on the island (from which you will see in the background the islands of La Gomera, El Hierro and La Palma) and, finally, Mirador de Pico Viejo viewpoint.

What is there to say about this crater?

We don’t want to give you a spoiler, but we are going to give you a preview of what our guide contains regarding the path to this viewpoint:

La Fortaleza Viewpoint trail

This trail, which we also take a closer look at in the guide, has the viewpoint that bears the same name as its ending point. It is reached after discovering volcanic rocks of different shapes, sizes and colours, as well as the panorama of the predominant Anaga.

You will cross lava paths, you will see them with large rocks belonging to dry lava tongues and you will experience the smell of sulphur from the fumaroles, the escape routes from the lungs of Mount Teide, before reaching the beautiful Mirador de la Fortaleza viewpoint.

Be sure to make the most of both trails with the guide, which you can take as an unforgettable souvenir of your passage through the volcano.

Telesforo Bravo trail to the Peak of Mount Teide

The third one out is actually the only one that takes you to the highest point of the volcano. Remember that in order to access it you need a special permit and that we, as a company that collaborates with the official guides of the National Park, have access to some of those permits. Access them with our Ascent to the Peak by Cable Car experience, which you can find more about on the Teide cable car official website.

And the trail... What is there to say? It runs through the inside and sides of a flow of lava, zigzagging. You will experience in first person how the volcano breathes, and you will see beautiful landscapes with yellow tones as a result of that constant release of sulphur.

But the best is saved until last. Do you know that this is the only possible way to reach the crater of Mount Teide, the highest point in Spain? Please don’t forget your mobile phone, as you don’t see panoramas every day and, as we’ve already mentioned, accessing this trail is not easy because of the issue regarding permits.

Of course! You can do it however you want: with the audio guide and trails guide or with the trails guide alone. 

These are your options:

• If you want to buy the audio guide, you can book it with your tickets for the Teide cable car.
• If you want the trails guide, you can acquire it at the cable car base station.

Walking with the trails guide will let you know where to stop to better appreciate the surroundings. And if you add to that the audio guide, we will also show you the points at which you should make a stop, dial the code, press play and listen.

It’s very simple.

You can book the audio guide directly when you buy your tickets for the Teide cable car from this page, on the Teide cable car official website.

If you only want the trails guide, you can acquire it at the cable car base station.

If you want the audio guide, follow the same process but adding this option, and when you arrive at the base station, before climbing to La Rambleta, we will give you the audio guide.

Enjoy one of the most spectacular natural attractions in the world thanks to our audio guide!

If you want to make even more of your visit to the volcano, we have a number of additional activities that might interest you. 

There are quite a few; here’s our weekly schedule:

Ready to explore and make the most of Europe’s most incredible volcano?

Tags : Teide Cable Car

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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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Book Teide Volcano Tours

Headout is an authorized and trusted partner of the venue, offering curated experiences to enjoy this attraction. This is not the venue's website.

Mount Teide Sunset & Stars Observation Tour

• You can cancel these tickets up to 48 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
• A stunning visual treat awaits you in the peaks of Mount Teide: one that all astronomy lovers simply cannot miss.
• Under the starry canvas, you'll be surrounded by mountain ranges, craters, and other lunar wonders!
• Your tour takes care of all your basic needs: hotel transfers, accompaniment of an expert tour guide, starlight guides, use of professional telescopes, etc.
• You'll be taken to the Teide cable cars from your hotel, where you'll board the cable car and soar 3,555 meters above the ground.
• Take in views of the trail to Pico Viejo viewpoint, Mount Teide's shadow over Gran Canaria, and other surrounding islands, like La Gomera, El Hierro, and La Palma.
• After the sun sets, and you've had a bite to eat, watch the stars slowly fill up the empty sky until you can recognize about 83 of the 88 constellations!
• Gaze up into the night sky and observe the stars, with the unaided eye or with a professional telescope in the company of your starlight guide.
• Pick up on intriguing elements of Greek Mythology hidden behind the constellations and go home having learned something new about astronomy.
• Expert tour guide (Spanish/English)
• Mount Teide stargazing
• Use of long-range telescopes with assistance from starlight guides
• Round-trip hotel transfers
• Cable car ride tickets
• A drink to toast with
• Visit of the Teide Observatory

This ticket has the following variants that you can choose from:

• Pick Up in the North
• Pick Up in the South
• Children aged 6-13yrs and EU citizens enjoy reduced ticket pricing (carry a valid photo ID).

Top things to do in Tenerife

Experience Mount Teide Volcano Tours | Book Mount Teide Tours 

The Island of Tenerife is home to sparkling beaches, scenery, flora-fauna, and a pleasant climate. Thousands of tourists visit this place for the relaxing and leisurely experience it offers. While planning a visit to the island of Tenerife, no visit is complete without taking a trip to Mount Teide . Mount Teide is known for being the highest mountain in Spain and also the 4th highest volcano in the world. An amazing natural wonder, it is famous as one of the most popular hikes in Tenerife, and the summit point offers panoramic views. 

Keep reading if you need a guide to Mount Teide tours to make your visit hassle-free, as you read on information about the tickets, timings, highlights and more.

Why Go On Mount Teide Volcano Tours?

• Buckle up to enjoy climbing up to the highest peak of Spain - the top of Mount Teide. Admire the most picturesque and mesmerizing views from the top of Mount Teide.
• Mount Teide is set in Teide National Park, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
• Sit back and enjoy the beautiful views from the highest peak of Spain, which is at an altitude of 11,660 feet. 
• Feel the thrill as you climb the highest point of Mount Teide Volcano in a cable car with comfort and speed.
• If you are a nature lover, it's a must-visit site for you. Pre-book your Teide Volcano tickets to not miss this once in a lifetime opportunity!

Your Mount Teide Volcano Tour Tickets Explained

Cable Car Ticket with Audio Guide

• Feel like you are on top of the world as you go for a trip to the most visited natural wonder of Spain, Mount Teide in a cable car which makes sure you don’t miss any of the scenic views sprawling below the ride!
• With your cable car ticket with audio guide, you can ascend to the highest peak in all of Spain, sitting in a comfortable cable car, as you listen to an informative and insightful audio guide available in eight languages, English, Dutch, French, Spanish, Russian, Italian, Polish and German.
• Enjoy the breathtaking landscape of the Teide National Park, as you relish the heavenly views of Ucanca Valley, the Canary islands and the surrounding sea.
• At a height of 3500m above sea level, you can get a bird’s eye view of Mount Teide, the active volcano of Spain.

Sights Covered On Mount Teide Tours:

Peak of Mt Teide

Mount Teide is known to be the highest peak in Spain, which is set in the famous World Heritage Site, Teide National Park. Mount Teide tours offer you the thrill of reaching the summit point in a cable car. Enjoy the spectacular views of the island from the peak of Mount Teide.

Teide National Park

Teide National Park is one of Spain’s oldest national parks and was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2007. The park is one of the major attractions in the Canary Islands. The park is heaven for Geologists and is filled with rocky mountains, unique landscapes, volcanoes, and rivers of petrified lava.

Ucanca Valley

Set in the Teide National Park, Ucanca Valley is a unique trail filled with panoramic views. Take a walk through the valley to enjoy the dramatic scenery of the Teide National Park. Watch the spectacular sunset from any point and capture the best moments. 

Canary Islands

Offering an array of things to do and enjoy, the Canary Islands is a must-visit place. See the wild sub-tropical forest, shiny beaches, flora-fauna, and much more. The island offers to enjoy a hike, surfing, diving, and other thrilling activities. The nice weather throughout the year is one more reason to visit Canary Island.

Tenerife is loaded with diverse and rocky landscapes, which makes it a paradise for hikers and nature lovers. Go on a tour to watch marine species including whales and dolphins. Amaze yourself with the spectacular views with stargazing. The sandy beach and warm crystal clear water will surely make you fall in love with it. 

Known as the Peak, Pico Viejo is the second-highest mountain in Tenerife. The trail offers stunning views of the various sights from viewpoints. Pass through the La Rambleta to reach a 3,555-meter height. Admire the sunset amidst the three islands from 3,555 meters above.

Plan Your Visit To Mount Teide Tours

Mount Teide cable car tours offer you to climb the highest peak in Spain. Hop into the comfortable cable car and enjoy the ride to 555 meters above sea level.

The Mount Teide cable car guided tour starts on 7 November and lasts until 31 December except on 25th December. The timings of Mount Teide cable car tours are from 09:00 AM to 01:30 PM in every 10 minutes daily. 

The cable car Teide Volcano tickets include round-trip tickets with an audio guide available in 8 languages.

You will be going to enjoy an adventurous cable car ride to the top of Mount Teide. Feel the adrenaline rush as you slowly reach the top of Spain while admiring the panoramic views.

Visitor Tips

• The audio guide can be downloaded on your phone. 
• Visitors with heart problems, pregnant women, and children under 5 years old are not advised to take the Mount Teide Volcano cable car ride. 
• Visitors are advised to follow the dress according to the weather. Wear comfortable shoes. 
• Carry a water bottle, sunglasses, and sunscreen. 
• People with any physical disabilities are not advised to take Mount Teide cable car tours. 
• Visitors are advised to take permission to ascend to the peak of Mount Teide before the tour. 
• Visit several other viewpoints, seven Canary islands, and the Ucanca Valley to get the best out of your tour. 
• The Mount Teide tours remain closed on 25th December.

All Your Questions About Mount Teide Volcano Tours Answered

A. You can book Mount Teide tour tickets online.

A. Yes, you can book Mount Teide tickets online.

A. The cost of Mount Teide cable car tours is €39.50.

A. Yes, a Mount Teide cable car tour includes an audio guide available in 8 languages.

A. Yes, you can book your Mount Teide tickets online to avail the discount.

A. The Mount Teide Volcano tours offer you to climb or take a ride to the highest peak of Spain. You can book a cable car ride to Mount Teide to enjoy a leisurely experience. 

A. The Mount Teide tours cover the peak of Mount Teide and offer panoramic views of Tenerife island.

A. The Mount Teide tour timings are from 09.00 am to  01.30 pm every day from 7 November until 31 December. The cable cars are available in 10 minutes.

A. No, Mount Teide tours are not wheelchair accessible. Disabled people and pregnant women are not advised to take this tour.

A. Yes, you can capture the best moments of your Mount Teide Volcano tour.

A. Yes, taking a Mount Teide tour is worth it as it offers unbeatable views from the top of Spain’s highest peak. Taking a cable car ride to Mount Teide is once in a lifetime experience.

• Teide Cable Car
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• Visit Mount Teide even if the Cable Car is closed

Mount Teide Cable Car - Discover Tenerife Volcano

On Tenerife, one of the Canary Islands, is Teide National Park . Here you will find the Teide Cable Car which is the best excursion to Spain’s highest volcano.

Live the experience of flying over a geological treasure where volcanoes, craters and lava flows form an impressive array of colours and shapes that are unique in the world.

Teide Cable Car Base Station

The Mount Teide Cable Car’s lower station is easy to reach by road and stands at 2,356 m above sea level. These modern facilities are equipped with two cabins that can hold a maximum of 44 passengers and take you up Mount Teide by cable car in under 8 minutes. The lower station offers spectacular views of the peaks surrounding Mt Teide.

The Base Station of the Teide Cable Car offers visitors a relaxation area, café and buffet restaurant with impressive views over Teide National Park as well as a souvenir shop and toilets. It is the perfect place to find out about the different routes and trails you can do after taking the cable car up Mount Teide .

Teide Cable Car Upper Station

Mount Teide Cable Car’s upper station has a small foyer that leads directly outside after the cable car ride up Mount Teide . It is equipped with Wi-Fi, toilets and Spain's highest public telephone. There is no coffee shop, and you are recommended to come prepared for changes in temperature. Located at 3,555 m altitude, the upper station is the starting point for three marvellous routes :

• Route No. 10 (Telesforo Bravo) to the Crater of Mt Teide, which takes you to Spain’s highest peak, from where you can enjoy one of the world’s most magnificent landscapes. On clear days, you can glimpse the nearby islands of La Gomera, El Hierro, La Palma and Gran Canaria. For environmental reasons, access to the peak is controlled, requiring a permit issued by the national park offices. You can apply for it online free of charge at www.reservasparquesnacionales.es  months in advance.

• Route No. 11, La Fortaleza Vantage Point , an incredible spot from where, after having gone up Mount Teide by cable car, you can take in the spectacular view of the north side of Tenerife, including Valle de La Orotava in the centre and the long ridge of Monte La Esperanza that melds with the rugged Anaga Massif.
• Route No. 12, Pico Viejo Vantage Point , an awe-inspiring viewpoint overlooking south Tenerife and a perfect place from where to admire the great caldera of Las Cañadas del Teide, its enclosure of sheer walls of rock and the aftermath of the last volcanic eruptions. You can also survey the multi-coloured crater of Pico Viejo, the rocky outcrops of Roques de García and Mt Guajara. This route is one of the most appreciated by those who ascend Mount Teide by cable car.

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