The Teide Cable Car | VIP Crater is a private, guided high-altitude programme whose purpose is not merely to reach the cable car's upper station, but to visit the actual summit and crater of Mount Teide. The required named permit, the return cable car ticket and a hiking guide dedicated exclusively to your party are all included in the programme.
The cable car travels from the lower station, located at 2,356 metres (7,730 feet), to the upper station at 3,555 metres (11,663 feet) in approximately 8 minutes. This allows you to cover an elevation gain of 1,199 metres (3,934 feet) without walking, so there is no need to complete the full, multi-hour mountain ascent starting from Montaña Blanca.
From the upper station, route number 10, the Telesforo Bravo trail, leads to the 3,715-metre (12,188-foot) summit of Mount Teide. The ascent takes an average of 40-50 minutes, while the complete round-trip hike takes approximately 2 hours. The distance is not particularly long, but the steep, rocky terrain and thinner air above 3,500 metres (11,483 feet) give the programme a high difficulty level.
Approximately 15 minutes can usually be spent at the summit. In clear weather, in addition to Tenerife's high-altitude volcanic landscape, the outlines of La Gomera, El Hierro, La Palma and Gran Canaria may also be visible, although this depends on cloud cover, visibility and other weather conditions.
The provider arranges the summit permit, but the booking only becomes final once the entry permit has been successfully issued in the name of every participant. The hiking guide accompanies only the booked party, allowing the pace and explanations to be better adapted to the group. However, the VIP nature of the programme does not mean a private cable car cabin or a hiking route closed to other visitors.
The programme can be booked with or without a transfer. The transfer option includes pickup from and return to the accommodation, while with the ticket without transfer, participants must make their own way to the cable car's lower station. Both options include the visitor centre's „Science and Legend” exhibition; meals and purchases from the café are not included in the price.
It is designed for those who do not want to stop at Mount Teide's upper station, but genuinely want to reach the summit and value guidance adapted to their own party. This experience removes the burden of coordinating the summit permit, cable car ticket and hiking guide, while the physical demands of the high-altitude environment, uncertain weather conditions and the fact that reaching the summit cannot be guaranteed must all be taken into account.
WHERE AND WHEN?
Teide National Park
Every day of the week
Expected arrival time at the cable car: approx. 11:30 (11:30 AM)
The optional bus transfer is available from two areas:
Southern Tenerife (Los Cristianos - La Caleta)
Northern Tenerife (Puerto de la Cruz)
Pickup from the accommodation is expected to take place between 8:00 (8 AM) and 10:00 (10 AM). The exact time will be provided after the booking has been confirmed; the bus collects passengers from the entrance of the accommodation.
The programme can be started on the exact date and at the exact time stated in the booking.
PICKUP POINT
(if you choose the transfer)
The transfer collects passengers from the entrance of the accommodation.
PARKING
(if you arrive at the programme by car)
PARKING (Google Maps) (the cable car car park, free of charge)
⚠️ do not leave valuables in the car
LOCATION (on foot)
(if you arrive at the programme by car)
MEETING POINT (Google Maps)
PROGRAMME TYPE
Outdoor
PREGNANCY
Pregnant women cannot participate in the programme.
ACCESSIBLE
/wheelchair or pushchair/
No
PETS
Pets are not permitted to participate in the programme.
ARRIVAL ORDER
The order of arrival is not important.
TOILETS
Available at both the lower and upper stations.
IMPORTANT! In accordance with local regulations, toilet paper must be placed in the bins provided in the toilets.
SMOKING
Smoking is prohibited throughout Teide National Park.
HOW DOES THE PROGRAMME WORK?
10:00 (10 AM): pick-up at the accommodation (if you selected the transfer)
11:10 (11:10 AM): arrival at the lower cable car station (by transfer or your own car)
11:10 (11:10 AM): toilet facilities and preparation
11:25 (11:25 AM): meeting the hiking guide, entry and safety briefing
11:40 (11:40 AM): departure uphill by cable car
11:48 (11:48 AM): arrival at the upper station located at 3,555 metres (11,660 feet)
12:00 (12 noon): permit and identification document check, start of the Telesforo Bravo hiking trail
12:50 (12:50 PM): arrival at the summit of Teide (approx. 15 minutes at the summit)
13:05 (1:05 PM): start of the descent on foot
13:55 (1:55 PM): return to the upper cable car station
14:05 (2:05 PM): departure downhill by cable car
14:13 (2:13 PM): arrival at the lower station
14:15 (2:15 PM): “Science and Legend” exhibition, toilet facilities and café
14:35 (2:35 PM): departure back to the accommodation (by transfer or your own car)
15:45 (3:45 PM): expected return to the accommodation
HOW SHOULD YOU PREPARE?
• layered, comfortable clothing
• closed, stable, comfortable and non-slip footwear with flat soles (you will not be allowed up wearing platform-soled, high-heeled or open footwear)
• headwear (beanie or hat - that the wind cannot blow off your head)
• backpack (small)
• high-quality polarised sunglasses
• sunscreen (due to the strong UV radiation)
• mineral water (min. 2 litres (approx. 68 US fl oz) per person) (also available for purchase on site)
• a moderate amount of food or an energy-rich snack (also available for purchase on site)
• identity card or passport whose number was provided when booking (all participants)
OPTIONAL
• hiking shoes or hiking boots
• trekking pole
IN WINTER
+ fleece top and windproof jacket
+ long trousers
+ warm headwear, scarf and gloves
IN WINTER (in snowy or icy conditions)
+technical clothing, ice axe and crampons (also available for purchase at the lower cable car station)
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
• children aged 0-5 cannot participate in the programme
• children aged 6-17 can only participate in the programme when accompanied by an adult
• arrival 30 minutes before the start of the programme is recommended
• the booking is only considered fully confirmed once the personalised summit permits have been issued
• an original identity card or passport must be presented at the entry point of the route leading to the crater
• the number of the identity card or passport used for the booking must match the document presented on the day of the programme. If the original document has since expired, been lost, been replaced or a new document has been issued due to a change of name, a high-quality scanned or photographed copy of the original document provided when booking must also be shown on a phone in addition to the new valid document. Participation in the programme is not possible without this
• the complete programme lasts approximately 5 and a half hours, but it may be shorter or longer depending on the pick-up route, traffic, weather and walking pace
• the private transfer is optional; it is also possible to join the programme directly with your own car
• when using the private transfer, pick-up takes place in front of the accommodation specified when booking
• at the end of the programme, participants are returned to the same pick-up point
• large bags and suitcases cannot be taken on the cable car
• from the upper station onwards, it is advisable to move at a slow pace, as the thinner air can cause faster fatigue even on level ground
• the VIP designation means a private guide and a private group, while the cable car cabin and the hiking route are not exclusive
• for safety reasons, the guide may stop or terminate a participant's participation if their physical condition is unsuitable
• approximately 15 minutes can be expected to be spent at the summit
• the two side viewpoints accessed from the upper cable car station cannot be visited on this programme
• leaving the designated trails during the programme is prohibited
• collecting stones, taking them with you or keeping them as souvenirs within Teide National Park is strictly prohibited and may result in a fine
• taking photos and videos during the programme is permitted
• souvenirs can also be purchased on site
• operation of the cable car depends on high-altitude winds, ice, snow, temperature and technical conditions
• operation of the cable car does not automatically mean that all upper trails are open
• high-altitude trails may be closed separately due to snow, ice, strong winds or other safety reasons
• if the cable car is not operating, the national park excursion and alternative hike may still take place, and only the specified portion of the cable car ticket price will be refunded
• if the cable car is operating but the route to the summit is closed, the programme continues with a cable car ride and an alternative high-altitude hike
• in extreme weather conditions, the programme may be modified or cancelled (important details: "Cancellation Policy")
• in the event of an extraordinary technical or operational problem, the descent may have to be completed on foot along the designated route
HEALTH INFORMATION
• participation in the programme is not permitted in the case of cardiovascular or respiratory problems (e.g. asthma, COPD)
• participation in the programme is not permitted in the case of rheumatic or musculoskeletal conditions
• due to the high altitude (2,356 - 3,715 m (7,730 - 12,190 feet) above sea level), headaches, dizziness, shortness of breath or feeling unwell may occur in very rare cases; if this happens, the guide must be informed immediately, and you must descend to a lower altitude if necessary
DIFFICULTY LEVEL
High - good physical condition and adequate stamina are required
AVAILABLE LANGUAGES
Guided tour language: Spanish, English
Staff: Spanish, English
Participation requires basic language skills.
TICKET TYPES
SELF-DRIVE: make your own way to the Teide cable car's lower station
TRANSFER | SOUTH: bus pickup and return transfer in southern Tenerife
TRANSFER | NORTH: bus pickup and return transfer in northern Tenerife
The programme can be booked at the minimum rate for 2 people; the price is the same for 1 or 2 participants.
Tickets are accepted in both digital and printed form.
INFORMATION REQUIRED FOR BOOKING
From the person making the booking:
• name as shown on identification documents
• email address
• telephone number
• billing address
• name or address of the accommodation
• preferred language
From every participant:
• name as shown on identification documents
• identity card or passport number
BOOKING DEADLINE
15 days in advance
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
• children aged 0-5 cannot participate in the programme
• children aged 6-17 can only participate in the programme when accompanied by an adult
• participation in the programme is only possible on the exact date and at the exact time specified in the booking
• arrival 30 minutes before the start of the programme is recommended
• the booking is only considered fully confirmed once the personalised summit permits have been issued
• an original identity card or passport must be presented at the entry point of the route leading to the crater
• the number of the identity card or passport used for the booking must match the document presented on the day of the programme. If the original document has since expired, been lost, been replaced or a new document has been issued due to a change of name, a high-quality scanned or photographed copy of the original document provided when booking must also be shown on a phone in addition to the new valid document. Participation in the programme is not possible without this
• the complete programme lasts approximately 5 and a half hours, but it may be shorter or longer depending on the pick-up route, traffic, weather and walking pace
• the private transfer is optional; it is also possible to join the programme directly with your own car
• when using the private transfer, pick-up takes place in front of the accommodation specified when booking
• at the end of the programme, participants are returned to the same pick-up point
• participation requires basic language skills
• large bags and suitcases cannot be taken on the cable car
• from the upper station onwards, it is advisable to move at a slow pace, as the thinner air can cause faster fatigue even on level ground
• the VIP designation means a private guide and a private group, while the cable car cabin and the hiking route are not exclusive
• for safety reasons, the guide may stop or terminate a participant's participation if their physical condition is unsuitable
• approximately 15 minutes can be expected to be spent at the summit
• the two side viewpoints accessed from the upper cable car station cannot be visited on this programme
• leaving the designated trails during the programme is prohibited
• collecting stones, taking them with you or keeping them as souvenirs within Teide National Park is strictly prohibited and may result in a fine
• smoking is prohibited throughout Teide National Park
• taking photos and videos during the programme is permitted
• souvenirs can also be purchased on site
• in accordance with local regulations, toilet paper must be placed in the waste bins provided in the toilets
• operation of the cable car depends on high-altitude winds, ice, snow, temperature and technical conditions
• operation of the cable car does not automatically mean that all upper trails are open
• high-altitude trails may be closed separately due to snow, ice, strong winds or other safety reasons
• if the cable car is not operating, the national park excursion and alternative hike may still take place, and only the specified portion of the cable car ticket price will be refunded
• if the cable car is operating but the route to the summit is closed, the programme continues with a cable car ride and an alternative high-altitude hike
• in extreme weather conditions, the programme may be modified or cancelled (important details: "Cancellation Policy")
• in the event of an extraordinary technical or operational problem, the descent may have to be completed on foot along the designated route
HEALTH INFORMATION
• difficulty level: high - good physical fitness and adequate stamina are required
• the programme is not wheelchair accessible
• pregnant women cannot participate in the programme
• participation in the programme is not permitted in the case of cardiovascular or respiratory problems (e.g. asthma, COPD)
• participation in the programme is not permitted in the case of rheumatic or musculoskeletal conditions
• due to the high altitude (2,356 - 3,715 m (7,730 - 12,190 feet) above sea level), headaches, dizziness, shortness of breath or feeling unwell may occur in very rare cases; if this happens, the guide must be informed immediately, and you must descend to a lower altitude if necessary
HOW SHOULD YOU PREPARE?
• layered, comfortable clothing
• closed, stable, comfortable and non-slip footwear with flat soles (you will not be allowed up wearing platform-soled, high-heeled or open footwear)
• headwear (beanie or hat - that the wind cannot blow off your head)
• backpack (small)
• high-quality polarised sunglasses
• sunscreen (due to the strong UV radiation)
• mineral water (min. 2 litres (approx. 68 US fl oz) per person) (also available for purchase on site)
• a moderate amount of food or an energy-rich snack (also available for purchase on site)
• identity card or passport whose number was provided when booking (all participants)
OPTIONAL
• hiking shoes or hiking boots
• trekking pole
IN WINTER
+ fleece top and windproof jacket
+ long trousers
+ warm headwear, scarf and gloves
IN WINTER (in snowy or icy conditions)
+technical clothing, ice axe and crampons (also available for purchase at the lower cable car station)
FINESTPASS™ PRO tip
• for a better view from the cable car, it is worth positioning yourself on the downhill-facing side
• on the Telesforo Bravo trail, look out for the rare, purple-flowered Teide violet, one of the remarkable plants adapted to the Teide's extreme high-altitude environment
• you may also see fumaroles along the route: warm, sulphurous gases and water vapour seep up through small openings and cracks in the ground
en 
Teide National Park
5.5 hours
4.8 (10.5 K)
