Complete guide on how to get up Mount Teide peak

 

 

Climbing to the top of Mount Teide is an adventure that everyone must experience at least once in their life. Unfortunately, there are many ways to reach the Teide summit and so the best way in terms of means of transport, permits, activities, points of interest, excursions to the top of Mount Teide, etc. is not always clear.

There are two options for ascending Mount Teide: First, by cable car, travelling from the base station at an altitude of 2,356 m to the top station, known as La Rambleta, at 3,555 m. The second option is to hike to the peak via Montaña Blanca; the trail is around 9 km long and takes between 6 and 7 hours.

Since we receive dozens of calls every day from tourists who have doubts about how to get up Mount Teide, we have decided to write this complete guide with everything you need to know about how to get up Mount Teide and how to fully experience one of the world’s most impressive volcanoes.

But first, here are some spots and places of interest in the National Park. Their names will come up more than once, so if you get lost or are unsure of what we are talking about, you can always go back to this map:

• Cable car base station, at an altitude of 2,356 metres, where you will find the Cable Car Visitors’ Centre, which offers a café-restaurant, the official shop, and the “Teide Legend” exhibition.
• Cable car upper station, at 3,555 metres, also known as La Rambleta.
• Teide Peak, at 3,718 metres.
• Trail No. 10, Telesforo Bravo, to the Peak of Mount Teide.
• Trail No. 11 to the La Fortaleza viewpoint from where you can see the northern side of the island.
• Trail No. 12 to the Pico Viejo viewpoint from where you can see the southern side of the island.
• Trail No. 7 from Montaña Blanca (2,348 metres) to La Rambleta; the trail that leads to the Refuge.
• The Altavista Refuge, at 3,260 metres. (Currently closed to the public)

How to get up Mount Teide with a permit to climb to the top

Let’s start with the most important part: permits to climb to the Mount Teide summit.

Reaching Mount Teide’s highest point is not easy, but only because you need a permit for it.

To hike to the top of Mount Teide you need to take trail No. 10, Telesforo Bravo, which starts at La Rambleta and ends at the highest point in Spain. But: the entrance to the trail is not open. You need a permit, which the National Park guards will ask for at the entrance of the trail.

So, how to get up Mount Teide with this permit? Here are your two options:

Obtain a permit to climb to the Mount Teide peak on your own

For this option, you only need to carry out one step: visit the National Parks reservations website with sufficient time in advance.

How much is sufficient?

That depends on the season, sometimes you need more than three months. This is because only 200 permits are allocated per day and demand is very high. If you have tried and were unlucky, don’t worry, there are other options.

Climb to the top of Mount Teide with one of the activities offered by Volcano Teide

The second option is to join one of our activities that take you to the Teide summit. You won’t have to book in advance or carry out any boring paperwork to request a permit, freeing up precious time to plan for your trip. Another important point is that you will be helping the planet if you travel to the Teide National Park by shared transport. 

We won’t go into more detail here, but if you need more information on how to get up Mount Teide with this option, you can find it in this post which we have prepared for you about how to get the Mount Teide permit.

And if you’d like to book the activity with us, you can do it here.

How to get up Mount Teide

Let’s move on from the ‘legal’ side of hiking up Mount Teide to talking about how to get up Mount Teide as comfortably as possible.

There are two ways to climb Mount Teide, and by ‘climbing’ Mount Teide we mean reaching the very peak, the highest point in Spain.

You have two options again:

The most comfortable way to climb the Teide is by cable car

The cable car links the base station with La Rambleta in a fascinating 8-minute air journey. Not only is it comfortable and fast, it is also an easy and fantastic way to visit the volcano and discover this natural treasure.

There are two ways of climbing the volcano by cable car. The first option is to go it alone; you will need a lot of planning ahead: you have to apply for a permit, and once it has been approved, you have to purchase the cable car tickets and book a time that is compatible with that permit.

But the second option is much more convenient: book our excursion to the top of Mount Teide. We will process the permit for you, include cable car tickets for just the right time and as an added bonus, the tour includes an official guide from the National Park who will be able to help you discover all the wonders of this natural paradise that you might otherwise miss.

After your ascent to the peak of Mount Teide, you can round off your excursion with a visit to the “Science and Legend” exhibition, included in your ticket for your cable car ride, and narrated by characters from the legend of Guayota. The gods and the Guanches will tell you their version of the volcanological events that resulted in the great eruption of Mount Teide a thousand years ago. You will also hear the scientific explanation of the different phases of the eruption that, once more, changed the island’s landscape.

You will find the exhibition in the Cable Car Visitors’ Centre at the base station. Put the final touch to your visit by enjoying a snack while you admire the fabulous views from the café’s large windows. Remember that the Visitors’ Centre is also home to the official souvenir shop.

For more information, simply click on this post in which we present detailed information on how to get up Mount Teide by cable car.

   

The physical way: hiking up Mount Teide

If you are looking for a challenge, congratulations! You have found one of the best.

Hiking up Mount Teide is not for everyone. It is quite steep in some sections, the atmospheric conditions harden the further up you go and the wild volcano vegetation can seem torrid, although the scenic value given by a climb to the peak makes the hike well worth the effort.

The route that allows you to climb to the Mount Teide summit by foot starts at the foot of Montaña Blanca—pun intended—and ends at the peak, but the path itself has several stages. If you want to discover them all, take a look at our post that we prepared specifically for it:

Once you have arrived at the summit, if you would prefer not to walk back down the mountain, you can book a cable car ticket just for the descent. You will need to do this in advance; the cable car leaves from the upper station, and takes you to the Cable Car Visitors’ Centre at the base station—where the “Science and Legend” exhibition awaits you, along with the café-restaurant where you can treat yourself to a meal prepared using local ingredients.

Would you like to take away a lasting souvenir of your visit? Make the official souvenir shop your last stop before the end of this unique adventure.

 

 

Our star excursion to the Teide Peak: Ascent to the peak by cable car

Let’s take a quick break.

We have already talked about how to get the permit and how to get up Mount Teide. We also provided you with links which include very specific information for your visit.

Now it’s time to tell you about our best excursion to the Mount Teide peak. The one most sought after, even by the island’s residents. And it is simply amazing…

We are referring to the Ascent to the Teide Peak by Cable Car excursion, which includes transport from your accommodation.

The excursion to the Teide peak, generally speaking, allows you to:

• Reach the top of Mount Teide: And it includes the permit!
• Enjoy the company of an official guide from the National Park who will show you all the secret corners on the volcano and teach you about the natural heritage of the highest volcano in Spain.
• Climb from the base station to La Rambleta by cable car, comfortably, on an 8-minute trip over a geological treasure that will offer you postcard views.
• Hike the very popular Telesforo Bravo trail that will take you to the Mount Teide crater.
• Visit the “Science and Legend” exhibition, included in your trip, which will add to your knowledge of Mount Teide’s last eruption, told from the perspective of the Guanche legend of Guayota, as well as from the scientific perspective.
• Take advantage of all that the Cable Car Visitors’ Centre offers, including the café-restaurant with culinary options including local Canary Island cuisine, and access to the official souvenir shop.

 

  
And if you are looking for excellence and exclusivity, the VIP ascent to the Teide peak excursion includes the same activities, but with no-one else in the group: The guide is completely dedicated to you. They’ll be there with you whenever you need them, something you’ll appreciate when you set off on the amazing Telesforo Bravo trail, which reaches the peak.

 

No permit? No problem. The Teide is much more

Climbing Mount Teide is sooooo much more than simply reaching the peak. The volcano offers a wide range of interesting things, it would be a crime to limit yourself to simply climbing it.

Mount Teide Tour with Cable Car Tickets + the Teide Legend audio guide

One of the best options for visiting the Teide National Park is the Teide Tour excursion with the cable car ride, which includes sustainable shared transport to the Park, ascent and descent by cable car, an official guide in several languages, and admission to the “Science and Legend” exhibition.

Discover the audio-guided tour that will accompany you from your point of departure, along the main access roads to the Teide National Park. Along the way, you can explore some of the most iconic viewing points, and learn facts about volcanology, the geology of the island, and its flora and fauna.

The Teide Legend audio guide is the most comprehensive way to visit the Teide National Park independently. It offers you the opportunity to hear the “Science and Legend” exhibition in several languages, and provides information about 2 footpaths in Las Cañadas del Teide and 3 at the cable car upper station, along with information about places of interest, as well as the history and culture of Tenerife.

Hiking trails in the Teide National Park that do not involve climbing up to the peak

For example, trail No. 11 will take you to the Mirador de La Fortaleza viewpoint. This trail crosses an, apparently chaotic, sea of lava that is testament to the tremendous forces that created it. It is the perfect trail if you want to enjoy the beautiful views of the northern slope of Tenerife or behold the spectacular sea of clouds.

Trail No. 12 to the Mirador de Pico Viejo viewpoint is also highly recommended. It is a volcanic path that will guide you across ancient lava rivers. You will pass fumaroles that will add a wild side to your excursion, and the smell of sulphur will remind you at all times that the Teide is an active volcano, even though it is dormant.

Would you like to make your visit as complete as possible? If so, set off with the Teide Legend audio-guided tour, which offers information on this and five other trails from the cable car base station and from Las Cañadas del Teide, in addition to guiding you from your point of departure. Discover the most iconic viewing points on the way to the Teide National Park, and learn more about the history, geology and volcanology of this amazing destination.

Go it alone with the cable car ticket if you want, but we recommend that you don’t miss a single thing and trust our guide to accompany you during this fascinating tour.

Cable car + guided tour to the Pico Viejo viewpoint

Our guided tour also starts at La Rambleta, and at the end of the trail you will reach a viewpoint overlooking a 800-metre crater covered with every colour in the rainbow! Literally. So don’t miss it. If you are eager to make the most of an unforgettable adventure such as this, we recommend you obtain tickets for the cable car and for the guided tour to the Pico Viejo viewpoint—an option available during the cable car ticket booking process. This is a premium option that will provide a guide to accompany you during your tour, making your visit a truly unique experience.

This option includes admission to the “Science and Legend” exhibition at the Cable Car Visitors’ Centre. All you have to do is check it out.

 

Cable car at sunset

But wait, there’s another option for hiking up to the top of Mount Teide: the same guided tour we mentioned before is also available at dusk. You won’t ever forget this stunning sunset!

 

 

The Teide Legend Tour: live the legend with the audio-guided tour that takes you to the Teide National Park

What if you haven’t been able to obtain a permit to go up to the peak of Mount Teide? Discover another way to visit the National Park, with the audio-guided tour that takes you from your holiday accommodation. Visit the main viewing points and points of interest to be found along the way, narrated until you arrive at the Cable Car Visitors’ Centre, where the “Science and Legend” exhibition awaits you: this is part of the Teide Legend Tour experience.

Throughout the tour, you will be guided by the Teide Legend characters of Tassat and Guayota, inspired by the Guanches and their gods, figures from Canary Island culture. Without a doubt, driver and passengers alike will enjoy the Teide Legend Tour, with the purchase of one ticket per vehicle.

Explore the Teide National Park’s most impressive trails and points of interest with the audio-guided tour.

Your visit continues with the “Science and Legend” exhibition, admission to which is included in your Teide Legend Tour booking. Explore the story behind the volcano’s last eruption from both the mythological and scientific perspectives. Join Tassat, a young Guanche girl who will act as your guide on an experience for the whole family.

Also at the Visitors’ Centre, you will find the café-restaurant, where you can enjoy a snack or try typical Canary Island dishes. Don’t forget to enjoy the views of this spectacular setting through the café-restaurant’s large windows.

And before you leave, you can buy gifts for those you love in the official souvenir shop. So what are you waiting for? Book now!

If you want more information on any of these options on how to get up Mount Teide, or if you were not able to get the permit or book a trip to the Mount Teide summit, here is the relevant post:

Frequently asked questions about ascending to the peak of Mount Teide

Below you’ll find helpful answers to the most frequently asked questions that we receive about ascending to the peak of Mount Teide:

How long does it take to ascend to the peak of Mount Teide?

It depends how you do it. Hiking up from Montaña Blanca to the peak takes around 5 to 6 hours. If you ascend by cable car to La Rambleta and walk up from there, it will take roughly 40 to 50 minutes. Please bear in mind that these times are for guidance purposes only and the duration significantly depends on your level of physical fitness.

How much does it cost to ascend Mount Teide?

There are several differently priced options for getting up Mount Teide because the available activities may include transport, a guided tour, an audio guide, etc. Activities also take place during the day, at sunset, or at night to observe the stars.

Here’s a link where you’ll find up-to-date information and prices.

Which is the best road for going up Mount Teide?

Fortunately, distances in Tenerife are always short. In fact, the distance to Teide from the main points of the island ranges between 45 and 64 km, which means that to visit Mount Teide you can go up using one road whose main access is near the area where you are staying, and to go back you can use another road, allowing you to enjoy completely different landscapes, and return to the starting point on the same day.

Have you any queries about the route you need to take to drive from your accommodation to the Teide National Park? Discover the Teide Legend Tour: the audio-guided tour for mobile devices that guides you from your hotel to the Cable Car Visitors’ Centre, along the main access roads.

How do you get a permit to ascend Mount Teide?

The best way to get an answer to this question is by reading a post in which we describe in detail all you need to know about the Mount Teide permit.

How long does it take to go up Mount Teide by car?

As we explained above, distances in Tenerife are always short and this is a big advantage. Below are details about the approximate distance between the most popular points on the island and the route to Mount Teide up to the cable car base station:

• Santa Cruz: 64 km.
• La Laguna: 55 km.
• Puerto de la Cruz: 45 km.
• Los Gigantes: 52 km.
• Los Cristianos: 47 km.
• El Médano: 52 km.

Mount Teide awaits you

The highest mountain in Spain receives every traveller with open arms. The third highest volcano in the world measuring from the bottom of the ocean and a National Park that extends the length and breadth of its slopes is a treasure worth discovering and an ideal place for those who love visiting the unknown.

It is an essential visit on your holidays to Tenerife; its exceptional state of conservation and surprising range of opportunities mean you won’t regret a second.

This is where we say goodbye. If you would like to review all the activities on offer by Volcano Teide, including an excursion to the top of Mount Teide, here is a weekly calendar. It will help you decide how to get up Mount Teide and plan your climb up to the peak.