Things to do in Parque Nacional del Teide

Teide national park is like a giant playground for nature lovers with its amazing volcanic landscapes and expansive views. Hiking and biking are the most popular activities in the this area. There are various Teide- themed excursions being offered, however they are run by activity providers based in other main cities (most offer transfers). You can either join them from their pick up point(s) or agree with on an alternative place and time to meet.

Mount Teide Cable Car

Needless to say, the easiest way to ascend El Teide is by the cable car which zips up 1200m to the summit in just eight minutes. Here, the views are absolutely stunning- on clear days you can see beyond the volcanic expanse below to the neighbouring islands of La Gomera, La Palma and El Hierro. Keep in mind, the experience can be quite literally breathtaking due to low oxygen levels found at such high altitudes, so those with heart or lung problems should be wary. The funicular runs from 09:00-16:00 and costs a hefty- but justified- €22 for adults and €12 for children under 14.

Telephone: +34 922 69 40 38.

Climbing Pico del Teide

For those that are up to it, you can climb the 200 metres to the summit from the cable car drop-off point, but will need to apply for a permit beforehand. Applicable to up to ten people and valid for a specific date of use, you need to apply in advance to the national park office in Santa Cruz. Requests are accepted via email, fax, post or in person- if you choose the latter, make sure to bring a photocopy of your passport or driving license. All permits are free.

Address: Oficina administrativa del Parque Nacional del Teide, C/ Emilio Calzadilla, nº 5 - 4ª planta, 38002 Santa Cruz de Tenerife.
Telephone: +34 922 922 371
Fax: +34 922 244 788
Online booking:

http://www.reservasparquesnacionales.es/real/ParquesNac/usu/html/Previo-inicio-reserva-oapn.aspx?ii=6ENG&cen=2&act=%201

Pico Viejo

The last of the island’s volcanoes to have erupted in 1798, it is also the second highest peak in the Canaries, after Teide, standing at just over 3000 metres above sea level. Its eruption caused a large 800 metre crater into which lava was tumultuously thrown, leaving the bald slopes which still contain not a trace of fauna to this day.

Roques de Garcia (and Trail)

Lying adjacent to the parador, the twisted lava pinnacles of Roques de Garcia are sure to leave you mesmerised. Of all the craggy rock formations, make sure to check out the Roque Cinchado- a towering rock with its plinth gradually being eroded away, it looks set to fall at just the slightest gust of wind, yet miraculously still stands proud at 150m. The trail (number 3) takes approximately 90 minutes to circumnavigate and also crosses the arid Mars-esque Llano de Ucanca plains below.

Other Notable Trails

In total, there are 21 walks ranging in distance from 600m to 18km- most of which are signposted and graded in terms of difficulty, ranging from ‘low’ to ‘extreme.’

Siete Las Cañadas Trail

Beginning at the Portillo de la Villa visitor centre, this 15km trek along the base of the Pared del Circo de Las Cañadas is the traditional route that the Guanches used centuries before (look out for remains of aboriginal refuges along the way). Amongst the flora found here is the native Tajinaste Rojo, which clings onto the sprawling escarpments.

Filo Trail

Those that decide to undertake this nine-hour trek, which borders the south face of Las Cañadas amphitheatre, will be rewarded by stunning panoramas of the entire park whilst encountering a vast variety of indigenous flora. Make sure to set off early!

Guided Walk

If you don’t feel confident enough to tackle some of the tougher trails alone, you can book a guided walk led by one of the park’s experienced rangers. The walks are conducted at a comfortable pace with frequent breaks in which you can learn more information about the park, given in both Spanish and English. Departing from the El Portillo visitor centre (two daily at 09:15 and 13:30) and the Cañada Blanca Visitor Centre (09:30 and 13:00), walks tend to last approximately two hours and are free. Like nearly everything associated with the park, there is a continuous yearly demand, so make sure to phone ahead and book a group. You can do this by calling the National park Office (see number above).

Teide Astronomic Observatory

Located just off the TF-24 motorway which runs between La Laguna and the El Portillo visitor centre, this centre has been catering to stargazers and eminent astronomers from across the world since 1990. Aside from being home to Europe’s finest solar telescopes with jaw-dropping views of the sun due to the clarity of the sky within its vicinity, the observatory’s facilities also include dormitories, a kitchen, dining room and games room for those planning to make a night of it. Due to significant demands, appointments need to be booked in advance.

Where: The Observatory is located in the zone of Izaña (at an altitude of 2390m), accessible via autopista TF-24 if driving from the north. If driving from the south, of the island, take TF-21 which runs from Vilaflor, followed by TF-24.

Head Office: Observatorio del Teide, Instituto de Astrofísica de Canarias, C/ Vía Láctea, s/n, 38200 La Laguna, Tenerife.
Tel: +34 922 329 110
Website: www.iac.es

Sleeping and eating

Parador de Las Cañadas del Teide

The obvious attraction of this parador (up-market hotel) is its location rather than its interior, although the rooms are tastefully furbished. A bed for a night costs in the region of €125. For non-guests, there is also a cafeteria which remains popular with parched hikers despite its rather lofty prices.

Address: Las Cañadas del Teide, 38300 La Orotava, Tenerife.
Telephone: +34 922 374 841
Website: http://www.parador.es/es/tratarFichaParadorCabecera.do?parador=023

Altavista Refuge

Equipped with three dormitories, shower facilities and a kitchen, this refuge, situated at 3270 metres, can hold up to 60 guests. Whilst guests are permitted to stay for one night only, beds cost a very reasonable €20. Bookings need to be made through the Cableway Company Office, Santa Cruz:

Reservation office: Cableway Company Office, C/ San Francisco, 5-4º, 38002, Santa Cruz de Tenerife
Telephone: +34 922 010 440