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How to Visit Mount Teide, Tenerife [by Car, Cable Car, Hike]

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One of the most common questions people have when taking a trip to Tenerife is how to visit Mount Teide . This famous volcano is the tallest peak in the Canary Islands and all of Spain, reaching nearly 12,190 feet above sea level. It’s in Teide National Park, the best national park in Spain and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Visiting it is considered one of the best things to do in Tenerife .

So, if you’re traveling to the Canary Islands, specifically Tenerife, you should definitely hike up Mount Teide, a must-do activity in Spain . I know that this excursion can be intimidating, so in this guide, I’ll explain everything you should know and share the best ways to visit Mount Teide .

The first thing you should know is that you can climb Mount Teide on your own, or you can book one of the tours in Tenerife that goes to this mountain. In this article, I’ll tell you all the options so you can choose the one that suits your fitness level, budget, and preferences.

How to visit Mount Teide

During our trip to Tenerife , we decided to walk up Mount Teide on Trail 7, or the Montaña Blanca route, and spend the night in the Altavista Refuge. It was the most incredible experience, especially since we could watch the sunrise from the summit. I only recommend this if you have one week in Tenerife or more. Otherwise, there are other more suitable ways to visit Mount Teide.

You can hike up Teide mountain on your own, or you can drive or take the cable car, so there are options for all travelers.

Go up Mount Teide by cable car

Taking the cable car up Mount Teide is the most comfortable way, and it’s the option that most visitors choose.

The cable car station is located 7,730 feet above sea level and connects to La Rambleta, which is at an altitude of 11,660 feet. If you want to reach the top of Teide volcano, you’ll have to complete the remaining 530 feet or so on foot.

Moreover, the cable car goes over an area of the mountain where the terrain is very uneven, which is why it’s one of the most popular ways to climb Mount Teide . The trip lasts a little less than 10 minutes, so you can sit back and enjoy the beautiful view of Teide mountain and its surroundings.

If you want to go up the volcano by cable car, I recommend booking your ticket in advance here .

In case you also want to hike to Mount Teide’s summit, you must get a permit , which you’re responsible for obtaining.

Climb Mount Teide on your own

If you’re in good physical shape and enjoy hiking, you can walk up Mount Teide .

There are several hiking routes that you can take to visit Mount Teide . We did Trail 7 , or Montaña Blanca trail, which is one of the most popular hikes in Tenerife. It starts at the base of the White Mountain, quite close to the cable car station. From here, you have to hike about 5 miles to reach La Rambleta, which is 11,660 feet above sea level.

It’s a challenging route, with about a mile of elevation gain, so it’s not recommended for people in poor physical condition, or who aren’t used to hiking in the mountains.

Once at La Rambleta, you’ll find several more paths, such as Trail 10 or Telesforo Bravo , which leads to Mount Teide ’s peak. It’s a short trail, just 1,970 feet long, but it’s quite difficult due to the 656-foot elevation gain. To take this trail, you’ll need to request a permit in advance since only 200 people can enter this area each day.

There are also other trails I recommend in the area: Trail 11 , which leads to the Mirador de la Fortaleza, and Trail 12 to the Mirador del Pico Viejo. From the Mirador de la Fortaleza, you’ll get incredible views of the southern part of the island, while you can see the northern region from the Mirador del Pico Viejo. These two trails are perfect if you want to climb Teide without a permit .

If you prefer to climb Teide mountain with a guide, I recommend this full-day hiking tour , which includes the permit. Remember, you’ll need to get the permit to climb Teide if you’re going to hike on your own.

Visit Mount Teide by car

If you’re looking for another option, you can drive up Mount Teide by car. While you won’t be able to reach the peak by driving, you can go to the foot of the volcano, where the cable car station is located. The parking lot in this area is free, so be sure to park there to avoid any violations or related problems.

If you have your heart set on going to the summit of Mount Teide in Tenerife , you must hike or take the cable car. However, if you choose this way, you won’t be able to reach the peak.

Visit Mount Teide by car –  Efrén Yanes

There are several roads that you can use to drive up Mount Teide , so no matter which part of the island you’re in, you can get there without any issues. The best options from the south are Vilaflor Road (TF-21) and Chío Road (TF-38), which is ideal for people who get carsick on curvy roads. If you’re going to visit Mount Teide, Tenerife from the north, take La Esperanza Road (TF-24) or La Orotava Road (TF-21).

Even if you don’t go to the summit, the surroundings of the Teide volcano , also called Las Cañadas del Teide, is one place you can’t miss, and you can easily get there by car. This area was created after several volcanic eruptions, so it’s a unique mix of a desert landscape and peculiar rock formations, like the Roques de García. Also, during the spring, you can see the tajinaste rojo , or tower of jewels, a plant that only grows under specific conditions. Best of all, from here you can appreciate how high Mount Teide is !

Permit to climb Mount Teide in Tenerife

You’ll need a permit to climb Mount Teide’s Peak  unless you book a tour that already includes it.

To access the summit, you must take Trail 10 (Telesforo Bravo), which connects La Rambleta with the mountain peak. You can only complete this journey on foot, and you must have a special permit to be granted access. Be aware that, to protect this natural place, there is a daily limit of 200 hikers who can reach the summit.

The good news is that the permit is free and you can request it through this link , where you’ll have to select a day, time slot, and the number of people in your group. I strongly recommend applying for the permit in advance since, during high season, they sold out three months in advance.

Once you’re at Mount Teide, Tenerife, you must present your permit receipt, or you’ll be denied access to the peak.

How to Climb Teide without a permit

If you want to climb Mount Teide, Tenerife without a permit, be aware that you’ll only be able to get to La Rambleta. In other words, you won’t have access to Trail 10, so you won’t be able to reach the peak. Of course, the views from La Rambleta are gorgeous, and you’ll still have access to Trail 11 and Trail 12, where you can enjoy impressive panoramas from La Fortaleza and Pico Viejo viewpoints.

Climbing to the peak of Mount Teide without permission –  Efrén Yanes

Also, if the permits to climb Mount Teide are unavailable, another option is to book a tour to Teide that includes the permit or to spend the night in the Altavista Refuge.

If you’re going to stay at this refuge, you’ll be able to access the summit at dawn to see the sunrise. However, since you’ll be without a permit, you’ll have to leave the peak before 9:00 am. This is actually how we were able to do our Mount Teide climb without a permit.

What do you need to climb to the peak of Mount Teide?

Now that you know the different ways to access and request the permit to climb Teide , I’ll share some other important tips.

Check if you can climb Teide mountain today

Before you climb Teide, Tenerife , check this website to see if the volcano is accessible on the day of your visit.

This website will show you if the facilities are open, including the cable car, parking lot, and observatory. You’ll also be able to see the current status of the trails and roads.

While it’s not common, there are times when the weather conditions or a fire risk forces the Mount Teide facilities or trails to close. That’s why I recommend checking on the day of your hike or drive to see if it’s possible to make the trip.

Best clothes to visit Mount Teide

Without a doubt, it’s best to wear warm clothing when climbing Mount Teide in Tenerife . Most visitors to the island bring spring/summer clothes since the temperatures here are higher for most of the year. However, when you’re over 12,000 feet above sea level, the temperature is very different! Also, make sure to wear comfortable hiking shoes or boots, especially if you’re going to hike Mount Teide .

When is the best time to climb to the peak of Teide mountain?

The optimal time to hike on Mount Teide is during the spring and autumn months. In winter, the temperatures are much colder at the peak, and snowfall can make it impossible to access. Summer isn’t a terrible time to go, but it will be much warmer, which can make the walk a bit tedious.

As for the best time to climb the Teide volcano , many travelers say that the hours between 12 pm and 4 pm are best because there are fewer tourists. Yet, for us, the best time is before dawn so we can watch the sunrise from the summit.

El Teide Refuge, a magical place to sleep on Teide mountain

Spending the night in the Teide refuge is an incredible experience. We were lucky, although we had to book in advance, to stay overnight here, and we had a wonderful time.

The Altavista Refuge has a capacity for up to 54 people and reservations are limited to one night per guest. The accommodation provides bedding, and there is a small kitchen, but you’ll want to bring water and food since there isn’t a restaurant, just some vending machines. Also, the refuge has toilets, but no showers, so it’s mostly just a place to spend the night.

If you stay at Altavista, you’ll be able to see the spectacular starry sky and one of the most striking sunrises on the island. Moreover, if you get to the peak of Mount Teide before 9:00 am, you can access the area without applying for a permit. Just be sure to leave the summit before 9:00 am.

You can reserve a night at Altavista here . Of course, if you don’t want to stay there, you can go to the Parador de Las Cañadas del Teide , which is right next to the Teide volcano and is one of the best places to stay in Tenerife .

Best tours to hike Mount Teide

For those who don’t want to explore Mount Teide by car , or who haven’t been able to get a permit to the peak, there are several great climbing tours available. These excursions are also what I recommend if you’re not sure how to climb Mount Teide and want a guide. While there are many options, these are the best tours:

• OPTION 1 : Tour with cable car ride + access to the summit
• OPTION 2 : Tour with cable car ride from the north (also from the south )
• OPTION 3 : Tour of the Cañadas del Teide from the north (also from the south )
• OPTION 4 : Hiking tour to climb Mount Teide following the Montaña Blanca trail

As you can see, the tours depart from both northern and southern Tenerife, and there are options with or without the cable car ride, depending on how much you want to hike. If you want to know more about the best excursions on Mount Teide , you can take a look at our guide.

That’s everything from me! Now you have all the information you need to visit Mount Teide and reach the highest peak in the Canary Islands. Have a safe trip and enjoy your ascent to Teide!

Ascen Aynat

14 replies on “ How to Visit Mount Teide, Tenerife [by Car, Cable Car, Hike] ”

How long is the hike from the end of the cable car to the summit?

Thank you for all your useful information.

Hi Karen, After you get off the cable car, you can hike to Mount Teide ‘s summit on foot. It’s a short hike (530 ft/162 m). Ascen

Hi, Just like to know that can we walk up to the upper cable car station from the lower cable car station? If so, how long does it take each way?

Hi Eva, You can do the hike instead of riding the cable car. However, it’s not an easy hike (about 5 miles to reach La Rambleta).

A follow up if I may to my already answered question and thank you for that…

“Maybe an obvious question but can you hike up to the crater (with a permit of course) then down to upper cable car station and use the cable car to get down. Reducing the hike to 6 miles or so I believe. I never see anyone mention this option.”

so Ascen, you said you did this but we’d like to do it in one day. Meaning not staying overnight at the refuge. Is this doable?

Hi, Yes, you can, but it depends on your timing since the Teide cable car usually closes in the early evening. That’s why we opted to stay overnight; we could rest and then see a spectacular sunrise the next morning. 🙂 If you want to do it in one day, make sure you get an early start!

Hello, Maybe an obvious question but can you hike up to the crater (with a permit of course) then down to upper cable car station and use the cable car to get down. Reducing the hike to 6 miles or so I believe. I never see anyone mention this option.

Of course, you can do that, and that is what we did last time. Hiking up, staying at the refuge, seeing the sunrise from the peak, and getting down by cable car. I think that is the best way to visit Mount Teide.

Hello, we are two people who want to climb mount Teide and stargaze, but not spend the entire night. Which is the best posible way to get down the mountain after sunset? Thank you!

We did the same plan a few years ago and the best option is to spend the night at Refugio Altavista, which is very close to the summit.

You can find more information here .

can i buy tickets to the cable car on site, or do i need to book in advance, for august? also, is it possible to take the cable car up, and then hike down Tiede? thanks.

If you’re traveling in August (high season) I recommend booking the ticket for the cable car in advance. And yes, you can hike down Teide. It will take you around 4 hours or so.

Let me know if you have any other questions, Ascen

Hello, We are in 2 people and we would like to climb El Teide with a guide. Is it possible with you guys? Thank you

We don’t run this tour ourselves, but can recommend you the best tour companies to climb El Teide. If you want to hike the whole volcano, then this tour is the best option; if you prefer to use the cablecar and hike the last section, then take this one .

Let me know if you have any questions! Ascen

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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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