TEIDE NATIONAL PARK

Don't miss this national park, a natural wonder that nature has given us and that millions of people visit every year. Enjoy wonderful volcanic landscapes, endemic vegetation and varied fauna.

Please, remember that traveling through and visiting Teide National Park must involve the utmost respect for the peace and conservation of this environment.

GENERAL INFORMATION

Teide National Park, declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 2007 as a Natural Property and a national park since 1954, stands out for its volcanic and biological uniqueness.

Located in the heart of Tenerife, it is home to the Teide-Pico Viejo volcanic complex, 3,715 meters high above sea level, and a caldera considered one of the best examples of world volcanism.

With almost 19,000 hectares, it is the largest and oldest national park in the Canary Islands, surrounded by the Corona Forestal Natural Park (46,612.9 hectares). Its scenic richness includes cones, lava flows, and a unique biodiversity with numerous Canarian endemic species.

In addition, it holds the European Diploma of Protected Areas from the Council of Europe and is part of the Natura 2000 Network.

ACCESSES

The Park has four access routes:

• North: TF-21, from La Orotava to Las Cañadas (Portillo de la Villa) (31 km).
• East: TF-24, from La Laguna to Portillo de la Villa (30 km).
• South: TF-21, from Granadilla, passing through Vilaflor to Las Cañadas (Boca de Tauce) (km 57.5).
• West: TF-38, from Chío to Las Cañadas (Boca de Tauce) (km 8.3).

Public bus lines:

• TITSA – Line 348 from Puerto de la Cruz to Parador del Teide.
• TITSA – Line 342 from Costa Adeje station to Portillo.

In case of possible changes, please check the TITSA website.

POINTS OF INTEREST

LANDSCAPE, FLORA AND FAUNA

An other-worldly volcanic landscape
DomDominate a landscape sculpted by millions of years of volcanic activity. The Las Cañadas caldera, solidified lava flows, and formations like the Roques de García create a lunar setting that fascinates geologists and visitors. This volcanic landscape, with contrasts between arid slopes and secondary cones, is ideal for hiking and photography.

Unique flora adapted to extremes
The flora of Teide is a testament to nature's resilience. Endemic species like the Teide violet, a delicate flower that grows at high altitudes, and the red bugloss, with its spectacular spikes, color the landscape in spring. These plants, adapted to volcanic soils and extreme conditions, are exclusive to Tenerife.

Fauna that defies altitude
The fauna of the Teide National Park is equally fascinating. The Gallot's lizard, agile and common on volcanic rocks, lives alongside birds such as the kestrel and the long-eared bat, adapted to the altitude. Endemic insects, such as unique beetles, complete this singular ecosystem.

WHAT TO DO IN TEIDE

Discover the Teide National Park, a natural treasure in Tenerife with unique experiences.

Travel along the TF-21, a road dotted with viewpoints that reveal the beauty of the park. Visit the El Portillo Visitors Center, with its botanical garden, and the Cañada Blanca Center to explore the geology, flora, and fauna. Stroll through Roques de García, where the pahoehoe lavas and vegetation captivate. Want more? We recommend visiting the Juan Évora Ethnographic Museum and the “Telesforo Bravo” Teide National Park Interpretation Center.

• • El Portillo Visitors Center: open to the public from 9:00 AM to 4:15 PM.
  • Cañada Blanca Visitors Center: open Monday to Sunday from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM. Closed: December 25th, January 1st and 6th.
  • Telesforo Bravo visitor center: Morning and afternoon hours, from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. and from 3:30 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. It is open from Tuesday to Sunday.
  • Juan Évora Ethnographic Museum: Open to the public from 9:00 AM to 3:45 PM, every day of the week.

For the adventurous, choose hiking routes such as Arenas Negras, La Fortaleza, or Siete Cañadas, with panoramic views and varying difficulty levels. Ascend the Teide peak via the cable car or an demanding walking route with a special permit, enjoying unparalleled views.

Of course, visit the Teide Observatory or watch the sunset from one of the numerous viewpoints. At night, experience the magic of stargazing in one of the best skies in the world.

Network of existing viewpoints in the Teide National Park:

• La Tarta
• La Tarta II
• El Corral del Niño
• El Roque de Caramujo
• El Alto de Guamaso
• Las Minas de San José
• Tabonal Negro
• La Rambleta
• La Fortaleza
• Mirador de Pico Viejo
• La Ruleta o mirador de los Roques de García
• Mirador de los Azulejos
• Llano de Ucanca
• Zapatilla de la Reina
• Boca de Tauce
• Las Narices del Teide o Chahorra
• Mirador de Sámara

TRAIL NETWORK

A wide network of 41 trails runs throughout the park, giving you the opportunity to get to know it in depth.

There are more than 183 kilometers of trails and only one, No. 10 Telesforo Bravo, with a length of 670 m, has restricted access (a permit is required to access the Pico del Teide).

Trail listing:

Below is the list of trails in the Teide National Park. Before choosing your route, please take into account the meaning of these three key indicators:

Distance: Indicated in kilometers.
In Linear trails, the figure corresponds only to the one-way distance; remember that you must calculate double if you plan to return by the same path. In Circular trails, the figure indicates the complete distance from start to finish.

Difficulty: Reflects the physical and technical effort required.
Low: Walks suitable for almost everyone, with little elevation change.
Medium: Requires moderate physical fitness and appropriate footwear.
High/Extreme: Steep slopes on irregular high mountain terrain; only recommended for experienced hikers

Type:
Linear: The trail starts at one point and ends at a different one.
Circular: The trail starts and ends at the same place, completing a closed loop.

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• La Fortaleza: Distance: 5.3 km | Difficulty: Low | Type: Linear
• Arenas Negras: Distance: 7.6 km | Difficulty: Low | Type: Circular
• Roques de García: Distance: 3.5 km | Difficulty: Medium | Type: Circular
• Siete Cañadas: Distance: 16.6 km | Difficulty: Low | Type: Linear
• Degollada de Guajara: Distance: 1.4 km | Difficulty: High | Type: Linear
• Montaña de los Tomillos: Distance: 6.0 km | Difficulty: Medium | Type: Linear
• Montaña Blanca – La Rambleta: Distance: 8.3 km | Difficulty: High | Type: Linear
• El Filo: Distance: 14.3 km | Difficulty: Medium | Type: Linear
• Teide – Pico Viejo – TF-38: Distance: 9.3 km | Difficulty: Extreme | Type: Linear
• Telesforo Bravo (Summit): Distance: 0.7 km | Difficulty: High | Type: Linear (Permit Required)
• Mirador de la Fortaleza: Distance: 0.5 km | Difficulty: Low | Type: Linear
• Mirador de Pico Viejo: Distance: 0.7 km | Difficulty: Low | Type: Linear
• Samara: Distance: 5.1 km | Difficulty: Medium | Type: Circular
• Alto de Guamaso: Distance: 2.9 km | Difficulty: Low | Type: Circular
• Alto de Guajara: Distance: 2.0 km | Difficulty: High | Type: Linear
• Sanatorio: Distance: 4.6 km | Difficulty: Low | Type: Linear
• Igueque: Distance: 2.4 km | Difficulty: Medium | Type: Linear
• Chavao: Distance: 3.6 km | Difficulty: Low | Type: Linear
• Majúa: Distance: 3.8 km | Difficulty: Low | Type: Linear
• Volcán de Fasnia: Distance: 7.2 km | Difficulty: Low | Type: Linear
• Corral del Niño a la Mareta: Distance: 5.5 km | Difficulty: Low | Type: Linear
• Lomo de las Chozas: Distance: 0.7 km | Difficulty: Low | Type: Linear
• Los Regatones: Distance: 8.0 km | Difficulty: High | Type: Linear
• Portillo Alto: Distance: 3.1 km | Difficulty: Low | Type: Linear
• Santuario de las Nieves: Distance: 1.1 km | Difficulty: Low | Type: Linear
• Montaña Majúa: Distance: 0.9 km | Difficulty: Low | Type: Linear
• Montaña Rajada: Distance: 2.1 km | Difficulty: Medium | Type: Linear
• Chajofe: Distance: 0.4 km | Difficulty: Low | Type: Linear
• Degollada del Cedro: Distance: 0.5 km | Difficulty: Medium | Type: Linear
• Los Valles: Distance: 4.1 km | Difficulty: Medium | Type: Linear
• Cumbres de Ucanca: Distance: 3.0 km | Difficulty: High | Type: Linear
• Abeque: Distance: 4.2 km | Difficulty: Medium | Type: Linear
• Montaña Negra: Distance: 4.2 km | Difficulty: Medium | Type: Circular
• Montaña Limón: Distance: 1.2 km | Difficulty: Medium | Type: Linear
• La Boquita: Distance: 1.5 km | Difficulty: Medium | Type: Linear
• Alto de la Fortaleza: Distance: 0.1 km | Difficulty: High | Type: Linear
• Cerrillar – Carnicería: Distance: 6.3 km | Difficulty: Medium | Type: Circular
• Cuevas Negras: Distance: 4.2 km | Difficulty: Medium | Type: Linear
• El Tejar: Distance: 1.5 km | Difficulty: Low | Type: Circular
• Llano de Ucanca: Distance: 1.5 km | Difficulty: Low | Type: Linear
• Barranco de Erques: Distance: 1.0 km | Difficulty: Low | Type: Linear

Trails Map

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Since November 30, 2024, the Cabildo de Tenerife has been implementing access controls to the Teide trails, a pioneering measure in Spain to guarantee the safety and conservation of the Teide National Park.

Permits are processed on the website:TENERIFE ON and at National Parks Reservations.

Teide: Visiting rules and recommendations

The following actions are prohibited:

1. The collection of stones, plants, animals and any of their parts and remains.
2. The extraction or alteration of any archaeological object.
3. Drive with vehicles off the roads and tracks open to the public.
4. The dumping of garbage or debris.
5. Paint the rocks or write names by using them.
6. Make or cause fires.
7. Circulate in reserve areas and on trails for which authorization is required without being provided with it.
8. Free camping.
9. The establishment of any point of sale.
10. The installation of all types of posters or advertisements.
11. The use of any weapon other than for hunting, and when authorized.
12. The release of exotic animals in the Park grounds.
13. The introduction and release of chemical or biologically active substances into the environment.
14. Carrying out professional commercial cinematography and video activities without authorization from the Park Administration.
15. The use of radios or instruments at high volume.

Keep the following in mind:

When you visit the Teide National Park you must keep in mind that you will be in a high mountain environment, at more than 2000 meters above sea level.

To avoid problems, remember these details:

• Wear appropriate clothing (warm clothing even in summer) and footwear.
• Always carry water.
• Protect yourself against sunstroke by wearing sunglasses and a cap or hat, and protective sun creams are also essential.
• Ascending Pico del Teide is not recommended for people with poor health or advanced age, especially for those with heart-lung conditions.
• It is easy to get lost in the National Park, avoid deviating from marked trails.
• In the coldest time of year, there can be ice and snow, which can be dangerous.

Teide Cable Car: We recommend buying tickets in advance online, as they often sell out. Please note that it may close without prior notice due to strong winds.

CLIMATE AND WEATHER IN TEIDE

Tiempo en el Teide hoy

The Teide National Park has a subalpine continental climate with little rainfall, brief but persistent snowfall due to low temperatures, and strong winds that can reach 200 km/h, which creates extreme conditions.
Temperatures range between 34o C in summer and -16o C in winter, with large daily variations (up to 12o C) and up to 100 days of frost per year influenced by intense irradiation in a clear atmosphere.
The phenomenon of «chiseled», ice crystals on plants, and an inhospitable environment that defies life, marked by altitude and strong sunshine, stands out.

MAPS AND RESOURCES ON YOUR VISIT TO TEIDE

Guide to the Teide National Park

Guide to viewpoints of the Teide National Park

Teide National Park brochure

Map of the Teide National Park

External services to the Teide National Park

Accommodations and hospitality

• Parador de Las Cañadas del Teide: It has a dining room, cafeteria, bar, gym, indoor pool with jacuzzi, saunas, and two lounges, the main one and one for games; private dining rooms are also available.
  Telephone Number: 922 38 64 15

Tourist information

• Tenerife tourist information offices

Crafts and Local Products: Guide to shops and points of sale

In the two Visitors Centers (El Portillo and Cañada Blanca) there are shops offering publications and small samples of local crafts, among other items.

Emergencies

Telephone Number: 112