A teide hike is wild and adventurous: The ‘Pico del Teide’ volcano in the national park on Tenerife is the highest mountain in Spain and a popular destination for hikers and mountaineers. At 3,718 metres, it is the third highest island volcano in the world. A hike to the summit of the ‘Pico del Teide’ is an unforgettable experience and offers breathtaking views of the impressive landscape of Tenerife. Hiking on the Teide was simply magnificent - Chapeau!
Content
1. Journey
2. Route
3. Accommodation
4. Weather and best time to travel
5. Further information
6. Recommended stages
7. Packing list
8. GPX and map information
9. Conclusion
Teide hike
Hiking on Mount Teide is a wonderful and special experience that takes you through the impressive landscape of the Teide National Park. The Pico del Teide rises majestically from the Las Cañadas caldera, a 17-kilometre-wide crater that shapes the bizarre volcanic landscape. A traverse is particularly worthwhile, allowing you to discover the diversity of the surrounding area. An overnight stay at the Refugio Altavista allows you to experience the sunrise at the summit - a magical moment that makes the Teide a real highlight.
As always, I recommend my video of the tour:
Hiking on the Teide: Getting there
Flight: It is best to book a flight to one of the two airports on Tenerife - either to the airport in the north (Tenerife North) or in the south (Tenerife South). Both airports are roughly the same distance from Teide National Park.
Car: One of the easiest and most convenient ways to reach the Pico del Teide National Park is to hire a car. There are plenty of parking spaces available both at the hotel and near the valley station of the ‘Teleférico del Teide’ cable car, from where you can start your ascent to the summit.
Bus: If you don't want to hire a car, you can also use public transport. There are regular bus connections from various towns to the national park.
Guide: Another option is to book an organised tour. There are numerous providers who offer guided hikes or jeep safaris to the summit of the volcano. These tours usually include transport, an expert guide and possible entrance fees.
‘Only where you have been on foot have you really been.’ Quote from Johann Wolfgang von Goethe
Teide hike Routes
In total, you have to cover around 30 km and around 2000 metres in altitude.
I took two days for the tour as I wanted to experience both the sunset and the sunrise at the summit. However, you can also complete the tour in one day, although this is very sporty. However, I would recommend 2 days for the connoisseur.
Please note: The Teide National Park has decided to regulate visits to this symbolic peak in order to protect the sensitive area. Further information can be found on the ministry's website at the following link:
Tide hike stages
Stage 1: Parkplatz Parador de Las Canadas del Teide - Refugio Altavista approx. 15 km
Stage 2: Refugio Altavista - car park Parador de Las Canadas del Teide approx. 16km
On the trail you will cross the following peaks:
Montaña Majúa peak
Montaña Blanca (2.748 m) peak
Altavista hut
Pico del Teide (3.715 m) peak
Félix Méndez peak
Steinerner Baum (2.100 m) peak
Tide hike guide
Day 1: The hike to the summit of the volcano begins near the Teleférico del Teide car park. This is a cable car that takes visitors up to an altitude of 3,555 metres. From there, the path continues to the summit of Teide. The ascent usually takes around six hours and is considered moderately difficult. The main route, the so-called ‘Camino de la Nariz del Teide’ (King's Path), is well marked. There are numerous viewpoints along the way with benches and tables where you can rest. The path is also marked with information boards that provide interesting insights into the geology and history of Teide National Park.
As there is little shade and you are exposed to the movement of the air all day, I would like to recommend my beloved Piz Buin Mountain sunscreen, specially developed for mountaineers, as well as my ultra-light sun cap and wind blocker!
"The sun also shines behind the clouds." Quote from Karl Friedrich Wilhelm Wander
I would also like to recommend my beloved Salewa trekking shoes because of the challenging mountain trails:
"Only where you have been on foot have you really been". Quote Johann Wolfgang von Goethe
Tip: The sunset and sunrise at the summit of Pico del Teide were an incredible sensation - simply goosebumps!
Tip: Also enjoy the Teide at night. There is a wonderful starry sky there for astronomical observations.
Day 2: In order to see the sunrise at the summit in time, I got up very early and set off from the mountain hut. To make it stress-free, plan at least 1.5 hours. Bear in mind that it is very dark and you will definitely need a head torch. At the summit, I found it particularly exciting to see the volcanic gases escaping. I hope you have similar wonderful experiences on your hike! But be careful: sulphur gases are poisonous and can cause damage to your health.
After the magnificent sunrise, you walk down a beautiful mountain path with marvellous views to the second volcanic crater, Pico Viejo. Finally, continue along the hiking trail to the car park. Just before the car park, I would recommend a walk through the ‘Sendero Roques de Garcia’. I was very impressed by the bizarre rock formations and old lava fields. I arrived at the car park around midday and extended my hike to the nearby ‘Alto de Guajara’ viewpoint, the ‘Roque de la Grieta’ mountain peak and the Paisaje Lunar (lunar landscape).
Don't forget to take an emergency bivouac with you. It consists of an emergency blanket that is cold-resistant, a whistle and a mini compass. It should be in your rucksack on every hike anyway.
As the old Scottish saying goes: "There's no such thing as bad weather, only bad clothes!"
Teide hike hut
Hotel: At the car park at the starting point of the hike, you will find accommodation with the evocative name ‘Parador de Cañadas del Teide’. In my time, the accommodation was reasonably priced, at least for a 3-star hotel.
Hut: You can only stay overnight at the volcano in the Refugio Altavista del Teide. This rustic mountain hut is located at an altitude of 3,260 metres and offers a unique opportunity to experience Mount Teide at sunrise. The mountain hut is well equipped and offers sleeping facilities for hikers who want to reach the summit. You can find more information and make a reservation via the following link: https://www.volcanoteide.com/es/refugio_de_altavista
You can buy food and drinks at the mountain hut.
Wild camping: Is not permitted anywhere in the national park. However, there was a shelter with beds where some hikers rested.
For optimal preparation for your hikes, I recommend the workouts on my YouTube channel:
Teide hike: Weather and best time to travel
The best time to climb Mount Teide is from April to November. In the winter months from December to March, it can get very cold and snow often falls. There is then snow and ice on the volcano itself. Whether an ascent is possible under these conditions can vary depending on the weather. However, I have found an article on this topic that I would like to share with you:
Suitable equipment and preparation: It is also important to emphasise that the weather conditions on Pico del Teide can often be extreme. Whether due to cold and strong winds or intense sunshine - the weather can change quickly. I therefore recommend that you prepare yourself well in terms of clothing. Suitable footwear and sun cream are essential, no matter what time of year you want to climb the summit.
Wind chill: Also note that you can expect temperatures of around 0 degrees Celsius at the summit in the early hours of the morning. It is also usually very windy on the Teide. Wind chill describes the feeling of cold that is intensified by the wind. The higher the wind speed and the lower the air temperature, the stronger the feeling of cold. It could then feel like -15 degrees Celsius to you.
Other important information
Altitude sickness: Altitude sickness can occur at an altitude of almost 4000 metres, especially if you drive directly from sea level to the car park and start hiking straight away. I therefore recommend that you take the ascent slowly and give yourself enough time to acclimatise to the altitude.
Dangers: The last eruption of Mount Teide was in 1909, but the volcano is still active and is categorised as ‘potentially dangerous’. Geologists continuously monitor Mount Teide in order to recognise possible signs of an imminent eruption at an early stage. If there is a risk of volcanic activity, it can be assumed that the park administration will react immediately and close the park. However, it is advisable to inform yourself thoroughly online about the current situation before your tour.
Teide hiking permit
There are two types of permits: One for access to the summit area and one for access to the cable car. The summit permit allows you to visit the summit of Teide. The cable car permit allows you to visit the viewpoint at 3,555 metres.
A sunset permit is included with a reservation at Refugio Altavista.
In the early hours of the morning, there were no park rangers far and wide.
Authorisation: To enter the summit area of the Teide volcano, you need a special permit from the park administration. You can apply for this online via the official Teide National Park website. As only a limited number of permits are available each day, you should book your permit well in advance.
Water: You cannot fill up with water on the volcano. So take enough with you. Alternatively, you can buy water at the refugio. So bring a few euros with you!
Mount Teide difficulty
Hiking Mount Teide is physically demanding due to its high altitude and steep, rocky paths. The ascent requires good fitness, especially as oxygen levels decrease above 3,000 meters. The biggest challenge is the rapid altitude gain, which can lead to altitude sickness if you don’t acclimatize properly. Start early to avoid heat, bring plenty of water, and wear sturdy hiking boots. If you’re not used to high-altitude trekking, consider taking the cable car for part of the journey. The trail conditions are excellent, with well-maintained and clearly marked paths.
Climbing teide in december
Climbing Teide in December is possible, but you should be well-prepared. In winter, snow and ice can cover the trails, making the ascent more challenging. Temperatures drop significantly, especially at the summit, so warm clothing and proper gear are essential. Strong winds and sudden weather changes are common. Before starting your hike, check the weather forecast and trail conditions. The cable car may be closed due to bad weather. Always ensure you have the necessary permit for the summit and plan accordingly.
Can you walk up mount teide
Yes, you can walk up Mount Teide, but it’s a challenging hike due to the high altitude and steep ascent. The main trail starts at Montaña Blanca and leads to the summit. A permit is required for the final section, unless you hike early or stay at Refugio Altavista.
Teide hiking time
The hiking time to Mount Teide’s summit depends on your starting point. From Montaña Blanca, it takes around 5–6 hours to reach the top. If you take the cable car to La Rambleta, the final ascent takes about 40–60 minutes. Proper acclimatization and breaks are essential due to the altitude.
How high is teide
Mount Teide stands at 3,715 meters (12,188 feet) above sea level, making it the highest peak in Spain and the third-highest volcanic structure in the world when measured from the ocean floor. Its impressive height offers breathtaking views, but the altitude can also make hiking more challenging due to thinner air.
Packing list
Here I recommend the most important hiking equipment that I own, have tested myself and have also bought myself. I pay a lot of attention to the weight and quality of my equipment. The equipment should simply feel good on longer tours and also be light. I can recommend the equipment for women because my wife uses it and it is basically the same as the equipment for men.
Note: Please keep in mind that the packing list is general and you will have to adapt it depending on the season and your needs!
Advertising note: These product links are affiliate links. If you buy something through one of these links, I will receive a small commission without you having to pay more. This is for the maintenance of my blog and you support me with my project, for which I am very grateful. Thank you very much!
Clothes
Hiking boots
Hiking shorts
Long hiking pants
Functional shirt
Hybridjacket
Fleece-jacket
Rain jacket
Functional underwear
Hiking socks
Other hiking equipment:
• Sun cap
• Bivouac
Hiking backback (approx. 60 litres or as required)
by EXPED - unfortunately not available on Amazon.
• Backback - Ospray (was my old one and is also good)
Technology and orientation:
• Compass
• Headlamp
• GPS device or GPS watch if necessary
• Binoculars if necessary
Catering:
• Sweets to keep up morale :)
Health & first Aid:
• First Aid (small and light)
• Tape
• Bivouac
• Toilet paper
Other:
• Passport/Insurance certificate
• cash
• Gas cartridge
Film equipment:
• Camera
• Drone
• Tripod
• Clip
Teide hike GPX and map information
The GPX files are available for download from the following providers.
Outdooractive: https://out.ac/3ukEbB
Here is the route on the map:
Long-distance hiking trails in Europe: 90 routes, all countries
Safety advice
Teide hike conclusion
The hike to the top of Mount Teide is a fantastic adventure that offers an incredible amount. It shows a cross-section of the beautiful landscape of the national park. I particularly enjoyed the sunrise and the sunset. I really enjoyed the tour! Have a great time and good luck ;)
As always, I would be very happy about a feedback via one of my channels.
You are also welcome to leave me a comment.
Hello, I am Christian, the chief globetrotter of this Site and an enthusiastic adventurer, hiker and filmmaker. I love to explore new paths and inspire people with them, and I love to share my hiking knowledge with you! You can also find my videos on YouTube! On my blog you can find tips for beginners and professionals on the greatest and most beautiful hiking tours there are. I want to encourage people to explore the world as a hiker, whether in the countryside, through the forest or in the mountains. True to the motto: If you haven't hiked, you haven't seen the world,
On my blog, I also write about hiking gear, the right summit training and nature conservation, as well as tips and information about hiking.
I did the tour in September 23 and it was wonderful. The sunset was a dream.
Thank you
Ive