🏞️ Teide – The Pride of Tenerife and All of Spain

Mount Teide (3,715 m above sea level) is not only the highest peak in Spain but also the third-largest volcano in the world (measured from the ocean floor). Located in the heart of Teide National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it is one of the most frequently visited places in Europe.

For many tourists, climbing Mount Teide is a dream and a personal challenge. But to reach the summit safely and legally, proper preparation is essential. In this article, I explain everything step by step—with practical tips and detailed guidance.

---

🗺️ Three Ways to Reach the Summit of Teide

1. 🚠 Cable Car + Short Walk (Easiest Option)
   Start: Lower cable car station – Teleférico del Teide (2,356 m a.s.l.)
   Ascent: Cable car ride – approx. 8 minutes
   Upper station: La Rambleta (3,555 m a.s.l.)
   Final stretch to the summit: Last 160 meters – Permit required!

2. 🥾 Trekking from the Lower Cable Car Station (Trail No. 7)
   Distance: ~8.3 km one way
   Elevation gain: ~1,400 m
   Ascent time: 5–6 hours (depending on fitness level)

3. 🌌 Night Hike with Overnight Stay at Refugio Altavista
   (Currently CLOSED until further notice – call ahead to check)
   Start: Trail from Montaña Blanca
   Overnight: Previously possible at Refugio Altavista (3,260 m a.s.l.)
   Morning ascent to the summit before the cable car opens – NO permit needed

---

📝 Do You Need a Permit?

👉 Yes – if you want to reach the very summit of Teide (Pico del Teide), the final 160 meters.
This is a specially protected section of Trail No. 10 (Telesforo Bravo).

Where to get the permit?
Book it at: www.reservasparquesnacionales.es

• Cost: Free

• Availability: Only 200 people per day

• Recommendation: Reserve up to 2 months in advance

---

🧭 Most Popular Routes to Teide’s Summit

🥾 Montaña Blanca – Altavista – La Rambleta – Pico del Teide (classic route)

• Distance: ~9 km

• Ascent time: 5–6 hours

• Difficulty: Moderate to hard (due to altitude)

• Start: Montaña Blanca parking (2,350 m)

Details:

• Gentle at first, then steep ascent

• Option to descend by cable car (when operational)

---

🧑‍🏫 Step-by-Step Preparation Guide

1. 🩺 Check Your Fitness and Health

• 3,700 m is no joke – altitude sickness is a real risk

• If you have heart problems, asthma, or high blood pressure – consult your doctor

• Beginners: consider taking the cable car and walking only from La Rambleta

2. 🎒 What to Bring
   Essential gear:

• Water (min. 2 liters per person)

• Energy food (bananas, nuts, bars)

• Sun protection (hat and sunscreen – strong UV!)

• Warm clothing (can drop below 0°C, even in July)

• Windproof jacket

• Good trekking shoes

• Headlamp (for night hikes)

• ID (for permit check)

3. 📅 Best Time to Go

• Best months: May–October

• Winter: Possible snow and trail closures

• Avoid: Very windy days – the cable car may be closed!

Check the weather at: www.volcanoteide.com

---

🛑 Emergency Tips & Safety

• If you feel unwell – DESCEND immediately

• Always tell someone your planned route

• Fully charged phone is essential

• In case of emergency – call 112

---

📷 What Will You See Along the Way?

• Montaña Blanca – a pale volcanic hill made of tuff

• Huevos del Teide – massive black lava „eggs”

• Altavista – scenic viewpoint and former shelter

• La Rambleta – panoramic views of the island and neighboring isles

• Pico del Teide – the summit with steaming fumaroles (sulfur!)

---

🚗 How to Reach the Starting Point

• By car: Best option – parking available at Montaña Blanca and the cable car station

• By bus: Limited service – TITSA lines 342 (south) and 348 (north)

• Private transfer: Convenient, especially early in the morning or at night – check offers at teneryfatransfery.com

---

🌌 Bonus: Sunrise & Stargazing from Teide

Climbing at night and watching the sunrise from the summit is one of the most magical experiences you can have.
Tenerife is also one of the best places in the world for stargazing – guided night astronomy tours are available.

---

✅ Summary – How to Prepare for a Teide Climb

Step	What to Do
🔸 Route choice	Cable car, trekking, or night ascent
🔸 Permit reservation	Up to 2 months in advance at reservasparquesnacionales.es
🔸 Physical prep	Fitness, health, altitude readiness
🔸 Packing checklist	Water, clothes, food, documents, headlamp
🔸 Weather & planning	Check forecast – wind, snow, closures
🔸 Getting there	Car, bus, or private transfer

---

🌋 Mount Teide is not just the highest point in Spain, but also an unforgettable adventure.
Climb it wisely, safely, and well-prepared – and you’ll find yourself closer to the sky than ever before.