Taking the cable car to the top of Mount Teide, the world’s third-highest volcano from its base, is one of the most popular pastimes in Teide National Park, with views spanning the surrounding islands. Visitors can choose from half-day, full-day, or evening tours of the park, which typically cover points of interest such as Pico Viejo volcano, Los Roques de Garcia rock formations, and Llano de Ucanca. Visits to the park can also be combined with tours of the Masca Valley or Puerto de la Cruz.
Teide National Park is a must-see for adventure travelers and photographers.
Summiting Mount Teide requires a permit; apply in advance to avoid disappointment.
Tickets for the cable car tend to sell out quickly, so be sure to book ahead of time.
Don’t forget to bring sun protection and plenty of water; the climate here is hot and dry throughout the year.
Dress in layers, as temperatures at the peak are often much cooler than at the base.
Wear comfortable shoes suitable for walking over uneven surfaces.
The nearest airport to Teide National Park is Tenerife Sur, just over an hour’s drive from the bottom cable car station. Once-a-day buses run from Costa Adeje and Puerto de la Cruz, but most travelers find it more convenient to drive or join a guided tour.
Most Teide National Park visitors come in the morning. If you want to avoid the crowds, plan to visit a couple of hours before sunset, when most day-trippers have left. Year-round sunshine means there’s no bad time to visit.
Hikers will find some 30 well-marked trails to choose from within this Canary Islands park. A 2-hour loop takes visitors around the bizarre Los Roques de Garcia rock formations, while shorter hikes lead to the La Fortaleza and Pico Viejo vantage points.