VIP Astronomic Tour

The start time of the exclusive Astronomic Tour on Teide activity varies depending on the time of year, since it is adjusted to the sunset time. As a general rule, it starts between three and a half hours and four hours before the sunset. Once we confirm your reservation, we will assign to you a pick-up time for the activity.

• The Astronomic Tour is not recommended for people with poor general physical health (anaemia, heart disease, respiratory problems, and so on), nor for individuals with reduced mobility as the tour requires the use of paths and stairs.
• Children under 8 are not allowed to participate in early evening and nighttime activities.
• If you are not sure if you can participate in the activity, consult your doctor before planning your visit.
• Please bear in mind that you must have a sufficient knowledge of the language in which the visit is held in order to be able to correctly follow the explanations of the guide.
• Pets are not allowed.
• Anyone wearing open footwear (sandals), shorts or short sleeves will not be allowed to join the excursion. It is essential to be suitably attired, as the activity will be undertaken in low temperatures. For further information, please see the section entitled “Prepare for your visit”.

It is necessary to produce the booking confirmation, either printed or displayed on a mobile device.

The activity is subject to the availability of our guides.

A minimum reservation for 4 people or an equivalent fee is required.

Anyone wearing open footwear (sandals), shorts or short sleeves will not be allowed to join the excursion. It is essential to be suitably attired, as the activity will be undertaken in low temperatures. For further information, please see the section entitled “Prepare for your visit”.

Remember that you should be prepared for extremes in weather, both heat as well as cold, depending on the time of year in which you find yourselves enjoying our VIP Astronomic Tour.

To make the most of your Astronomic Tour of Teide, please follow our recommendations:

• Wear warm clothing and proper footwear. 
• Protect yourselves from sunstroke. 
• Due to the elevated luminosity, wear sunglasses. 
• Take plenty of water on hikes. 

Our facilities are located within a protected national park and therefore we must follow a series of basic rules of civic behaviour and respect of the natural environment, such as not littering or taking rocks, plants or animals. Please remember that it is prohibited to make fire, loud noises or to camp.

Teide Observatory

Purchase of this service to visit the Teide Observatory implies that you have read and accepted all the points described in the following section:

RECOMMENDATIONS AND WARNINGS FOR VISITORS

We appreciate your interest in visiting the Teide Observatory (OT) and we hope that you enjoy your visit.

The Teide Observatory is not responsible for the difficulties or discomfort caused by not following these recommendations.

The arranged visits will only be carried out when the weather and the operating status of the telescopes permit. Due to adverse weather conditions, especially during winter, which may affect the safety of the roads leading to the Observatory (snow, ice, falling rocks) visits may be unexpectedly cancelled.

Before visiting us

Health and altitude

The Teide Observatory (TO) is located at an altitude of approximately 2,400 meters above sea level, an altitude at which oxygen diminishes. Groups will move about within the TO on gravel paths. For this reason, the visit is not recommended for people with general health problems (anaemia, breathing or heart problems, etc.). If you are not sure if you should visit, consult your doctor first.

The TO is not responsible for any health problems that can be caused by the altitude or by not following these recommendations and warnings.

The TO does not have medical assistance within its facilities.

Bear in mind that the closest hospital is approximately one and a half hours away by car.

If you show symptoms of dizziness, nausea, shortness of breath, ringing in your ears, plugged ears or headache during your visit, please, immediately inform your guide.

Recommended equipment

• Protect yourself from the sun. It’s recommended that you use hats, sunglasses and sunscreen.
• Due to the low levels of humidity that are common in the TO, come prepared with sufficient liquid (water or juices) to prevent dehydration.
• Bring comfortable clothes and adequate footwear (avoid sandals).
• Bring some warm clothes in case the weather changes abruptly and to enter the interior of the telescopes.  

During the visit

What should I do when I arrive?

When you arrive at the TO, centre personnel will be waiting for you at the access gate to let you know what to do with the car or bus. Please always follow the instructions you receive.

Please do not forget to bring identification (ID card or passport) and a copy of your reservation to confirm access. If you are unable to produce identification and/or the booking confirmation, the TO/IAC does not guarantee your visit.

Warnings during the visit

For security reasons, proper operation and care of the environment, the TO asks you to closely follow the following rules during your visit:

• Due to time limits and visit schedule constraints, the time to use the toilet is before the visit starts. Please leave the toilet as clean as you found it!
• Please be respectful of the surroundings as the TO is located in a National Park. It is prohibited to:

-       Smoke and eat

-       Throw away rubbish except where indicated

-       Leave the established paths.

• For your own safety, please remain with your assigned group at all times and follow the instructions given by the guide at all times.
• In case you are given suits or safety equipment in the facilities area, they should be properly used and cared for.

It is absolutely prohibited to leave the safety area or touch anything inside the buildings.