Teide National Park tour

Teide National Park Tour: A Journey to the Heart of Tenerife

Teide National Park is undoubtedly one of the most spectacular and most visited attractions in Tenerife, and indeed, in all of Spain. Encompassing Mount Teide, Spain's highest peak (3718 m / 12,198 ft above sea level), and its surrounding lunar landscape, the park was declared a UNESCO World Heritage site in 2007. A trip to Teide National Park isn't just about admiring the majestic volcano, but also about discovering unique rock formations, endemic flora and fauna, and incredible views that stretch to the horizon.

What the Attraction Entails:

Tours to Teide National Park can take various forms:

1. Organized Bus Tour: This is the most popular option. Numerous tour operators offer full-day or half-day guided excursions. They usually include hotel pickup, a drive through the park with stops at key viewpoints (e.g., Roques de García), and often a ticket for the cable car (Teleférico del Teide). Some tours conclude with watching the sunset above the clouds.
2. Self-Guided Tour (by car): This offers the most flexibility. You can rent a car and explore the park independently, stopping wherever you like. The roads are well-maintained, and viewpoints are clearly marked.
3. Teide Cable Car (Teleférico del Teide) Ride: The cable car takes visitors from the base station (2356 m / 7,730 ft) to the upper station, La Rambleta (3555 m / 11,663 ft), in just 8 minutes. From the upper station, three hiking trails are accessible, including the one leading to the very summit of Teide.
4. Hiking: The park offers many trails of varying difficulty, allowing for close contact with the lunar landscape. The most ambitious is the ascent to Teide's summit.

Prices

Prices for tours and tickets to Teide National Park vary depending on the chosen option:

• Organized Bus Tours:

  • Half-day: From €30 to €50 per person (usually without a cable car ticket).
  • Full-day: From €45 to €80 per person (often includes a cable car ticket or the option to purchase one).
  • Sunset and Stars: From €50 to €100 per person (often includes a meal and telescopes for stargazing).
  • Children's prices are usually lower (approx. 50-70% of adult price).

• Teide Cable Car (Teleférico del Teide) Ticket:

  • Adults (return): approx. €40-€45
  • Children (return): approx. €20-€25
  • One-way ticket: approx. €20-€25 (e.g., if you plan to walk down).
  • Important: Cable car tickets must be booked online well in advance, especially during peak season and for a specific time slot, to avoid long queues or unavailability.

• Permit to Access Teide Summit (beyond the upper cable car station): Free, but requires a reservation.

Additional Costs: Fuel (if driving your own car), parking (often free but limited), food and drinks (prices can be higher in the upper parts of the park).

Conditions for Obtaining a Summit Permit

Accessing the very summit of Teide (the final 200 meters from the upper cable car station La Rambleta to the crater) is limited and requires a free permit obtained in advance. This is to protect the ecosystem and ensure visitor safety.

• Where to get the permit: Permits must be obtained online from the Parques Nacionales de España website(www.reservasparquesnacionales.es).
• When to book: Permits are highly popular and get booked up very quickly. It is recommended to book them 1 to 3 months in advance, especially during high season (summer, holidays). Occasionally, single slots might become available with less notice, but this is rare.
• Required information: Full name and identification document number (passport or ID card) for each person in the group. You must bring this ID with you, as it will be checked at the trail entrance.
• Time slots: Permits are issued for specific time slots (e.g., 9:00-11:00 AM, 11:00 AM-1:00 PM). You must arrive at the designated spot within your allocated time.
• What if I don't have a permit? Without a permit, you will not be allowed onto the final section of the trail to the summit. An alternative is to stay overnight at the Altavista Refuge (currently closed until further notice) and ascend to the summit before 9:00 AM, when rangers do not check permits. However, always check for the latest information on the refuge's status.

Advantages

• Incredible Landscapes: The lunar, volcanic terrain is absolutely unique and breathtaking.
• Majesty of Teide: The sight of Spain's highest peak is impressive, and reaching it is an unforgettable achievement for many.
• Cable Car: A quick and convenient way to reach the higher parts of the volcano and admire panoramic views.
• Excellent Stargazing Conditions: The dark skies and high altitude make Teide National Park one of the best places in the world for astrotourism.
• Variety of Options: The possibility to explore independently, with a guide, on foot, or by cable car, catering to different preferences.
• Educational Opportunities: Visitor centers and information boards provide knowledge about the park's geology, flora, and fauna.

Disadvantages

• Altitude and Altitude Sickness: At high altitudes (above 2000-3000 m / 6,500-9,800 ft), some people may experience symptoms of altitude sickness (headaches, nausea, dizziness). It's important to drink plenty of water and not overexert yourself.
• Permit Requirement for Summit: The difficulty in obtaining a permit to access the very summit can be frustrating for many tourists.
• Cable Car Queues: Even with online bookings, long queues for the cable car can form during peak season.
• Variable Weather: Mountain weather can change very quickly. Even in summer, it can be cool and windy, and snow and ice can occur in winter.
• Crowds: The park is very popular, so some areas (especially near the cable car and Roques de García) can get very crowded.
• Long Drives: Reaching the park from some parts of the island (e.g., the north) can take a significant amount of time.
• No Guarantee of Views: Clouds can obscure the views, especially in the lower parts of the park.

Customer Reviews

Reviews for tours to Teide National Park are overwhelmingly very positive and enthusiastic.

Typical Positive Reviews:

• "The views are absolutely breathtaking! Like being on another planet."
• "The cable car ride was an amazing experience, and the view from the top is unforgettable."
• "This is a must-do for any visit to Tenerife. The landscapes are simply unique."
• "The guided tour was great, we learned so much about the volcano and the park."
• "Watching the sunset above the clouds and stargazing was something I'll never forget. Magical!"
• "For nature and geology lovers, this is paradise."

Typical Negative Reviews (Less Common):

• "We were disappointed that we couldn't get a permit for the Teide summit. This should be communicated more clearly."
• "I had a headache from the altitude, so I couldn't fully enjoy the views."
• "It was very windy and cold at the top; definitely bring warm clothes."
• "The queues for the cable car were massive, even with online reservations."
• "Clouds obscured the views, which was a bit disappointing after such a long journey."

Tips for Travelers:

• Book your permit and cable car tickets WELL IN ADVANCE! This is an absolute priority.
• Dress warmly and in layers: Even in summer, it's cool and windy at altitude.
• Bring water and snacks: There are limited dining options within the park.
• Remember sun protection: UV radiation is much stronger at high altitudes.
• For those sensitive to altitude: Allow time for acclimatization, drink plenty of water, and avoid alcohol and heavy meals.
• Consider a guided tour: If you want to learn about the park's history and interesting facts.
• Check the weather forecast: Always check the current weather conditions at the summit before heading up Teide.