The Teide hiking tour | crater VIP is for those who do not want to take the cable car for most of the ascent, but instead wish to complete the historic route under their own power all the way to the highest point in Spain. This experience offers the challenge of completing the entire ascent on foot, while the operator provides the necessary permits, a private guide and the cable car ride down.
The hike starts in the Montaña Blanca area, at an elevation of approximately 2,320 metres (7,612 feet). The continuously ascending route is nearly 9 km (5.6 mi) long and involves an elevation gain of approximately 1,400 metres (4,593 feet). The ground is covered with light-coloured pumice, solidified lava and high-altitude vegetation; the landscape and vegetation gradually change as the altitude increases.
The first section, lasting approximately one and a half hours, rises more gently, but the path later becomes narrower and considerably steeper. The thinner air can make the same pace far more strenuous than at lower altitudes, so the hike requires good stamina, regular exercise and suitable high-altitude hiking equipment.
The route passes through the area around Altavista Refuge, located at 3,260 metres (10,696 feet). A rest and meal break can be taken here, which also helps with gradual acclimatisation to the high-altitude environment. The route then continues over solidified lava terrain to La Rambleta, the cable car’s upper station at 3,555 metres (11,663 feet).
From La Rambleta, the Telesforo Bravo trail, which requires a named permit, continues to the crater rim. This section is only approximately 650 metres (2,133 feet) long, but the altitude and steep ascent make it one of the most difficult parts of the hike. In clear weather, much of Tenerife and the surrounding Canary Islands can be seen from the summit, but the panorama cannot be guaranteed due to cloud, wind or calima.
The group is accompanied throughout by an English- or Spanish-speaking guide dedicated exclusively to your own party. The private format allows the pace to be adapted to the participants within certain limits, although the required entry time slots and safety regulations must be observed. If the guide decides that someone does not have the level of fitness required to continue, they may end that participant’s hike for safety reasons.
From the crater rim, the group walks back to the cable car’s upper station and then descends to the base station by cable car. The private programme does not include a private cable car cabin. The ticket also includes admission to the „Science and Legend” exhibition at the Visitors’ Centre, but visiting it depends on the return time and opening hours. If the cable car cannot be used, a longer descent on foot or a shorter alternative route without reaching the crater should be expected.
WHERE AND WHEN?
Teide National Park
Every day of the week
Expected arrival time at the summit of Teide: approx. 15:00 (3 PM)-16:00 (4 PM).
The optional transfer is available from two areas:
Southern Tenerife (Los Cristianos - La Caleta)
Northern Tenerife (Puerto de la Cruz)
Pick-up at the accommodation is expected to take place at around 7:00 (7 AM). The exact time will be provided after the booking is confirmed; the transfer vehicle picks up passengers at the entrance to the accommodation.
The programme can only be started on the exact date and at the exact time specified in the booking.
PICK-UP POINT
(if you select the transfer)
The transfer vehicle picks up passengers at the entrance to the accommodation.
PARKING
(if you arrive at the programme by car)
PARKING (Google Maps) (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
Outdoors
PREGNANCY
Pregnant women cannot participate in the programme.
ACCESSIBILITY
/wheelchair or pushchair/
No
PETS
Pets are not permitted to participate in the programme.
ORDER OF ARRIVAL
The order of arrival is not important.
TOILET FACILITIES
During the first section of the hike (9:15 (9:15 AM) - 12:45 (12:45 PM)), the only toilet option is in nature; facilities are available later at the Altavista Refuge (12:45 (12:45 PM)), as well as at the upper (14:30 (2:30 PM) and 15:45 (3:45 PM)) and lower cable car stations (16:30 (4:30 PM)).
IMPORTANT! In accordance with local regulations, toilet paper must be placed in the waste bins provided in the toilets.
SMOKING
Smoking is prohibited throughout Teide National Park.
HOW DOES THE PROGRAMME WORK?
7:00 (7 AM): pick-up at the entrance to the accommodation if the booking includes a transfer
8:45 (8:45 AM): meeting at the Montaña Blanca car park, identification document and equipment check, safety briefing
9:15 (9:15 AM): start of the hike from an altitude of approximately 2,320 metres (7,610 feet)
10:45 (10:45 AM): end of the gentler first section covered with pumice and lava
12:45 (12:45 PM): arrival in the area of the Altavista refuge, rest stop, toilet facilities, meal and acclimatisation to the altitude
14:25 (2:25 PM): arrival at La Rambleta, the upper cable car station located at 3,555 metres (11,660 feet), toilet facilities
14:35 (2:35 PM): permit and identification document check, followed by the ascent along the Telesforo Bravo trail
15:15 (3:15 PM): arrival at the crater rim at 3,715 metres (12,190 feet), short stay according to the weather and access conditions
16:15 (4:15 PM): descent back to the upper cable car station, toilet facilities
16:30 (4:30 PM): descent by cable car, with a journey time of less than 8 minutes
16:45 (4:45 PM): arrival at the lower station, toilet facilities, rest and, depending on the time available, a visit to the “Science and Legend” exhibition
after the programme: return to the accommodation or the Montaña Blanca car park
HOW SHOULD YOU PREPARE?
• layered, comfortable, warm clothing
• fleece top and windproof jacket
• long trousers
• closed, stable, comfortable and non-slip hiking shoes or hiking boots with flat soles (you will not be allowed up wearing open footwear)
• headwear (sun hat - that the wind cannot blow off your head)
• backpack (lightweight and comfortable)
• high-quality polarised sunglasses
• headlamp or torch with spare batteries or a spare rechargeable battery
• emergency thermal blanket
• sunscreen (due to the strong UV radiation)
• mineral water (min. 3 litres (approx. 101 US fl oz) per person) (also available for purchase at the mountain refuge and the upper station)
• a larger amount of food and an energy-rich snack
• identity card or passport whose number was provided when booking (all participants)
OPTIONAL
• trekking pole
IN WINTER
+ layered, comfortable winter clothing
+ warm headwear, scarf and gloves
+ technical clothing, ice axe and crampons (in snowy or icy conditions) (also available for purchase on site)
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
• children aged 0-13 cannot participate in the programme
• children aged 14-17 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 9 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
• 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
• it is advisable to move at a slow pace during the hike, 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 Pico Viejo viewpoint 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 (lower station)
• operation of the cable car depends on high-altitude winds, ice, snow, temperature and technical conditions
• high-altitude trails may be closed separately due to snow, ice, strong winds or other safety reasons
• 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 with the cable car, the descent may also 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 fitness and adequate stamina are required
AVAILABLE LANGUAGES
Language of the guided tour: Spanish, English
Staff: Spanish, English
Participation requires basic language skills.
TICKET TYPES
OWN CAR: individual arrival at the Montaña Blanca hiking trail car park
TRANSFER | SOUTH: bus pick-up and return transfer in southern Tenerife
TRANSFER | NORTH: bus pick-up and return transfer in northern Tenerife
The programme can be booked by paying the fee for a minimum of 2 participants; 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 official documents
• email address
• telephone number
• billing address
• name or address of the accommodation
• preferred language
From every participant:
• name as shown on official documents
• identity card or passport number
LATEST BOOKING
15 days in advance
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
• children aged 0-13 cannot participate in the programme
• children aged 14-17 may participate in the programme only when accompanied by an adult
• the programme may only be attended on the date and at the exact time stated in the booking
• arrival 30 minutes before the start of the programme is recommended
• the booking is considered definitively confirmed only after the named summit permits have been issued
• the original identity card or passport must be presented at the entry point to 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 or replaced, or a new document has been issued due to a name change, the new valid document must be presented together with a high-quality scanned or photographed copy of the original document provided at the time of booking, shown on a phone. Participation in the programme is not possible without these
• the complete programme lasts approximately 9 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
• participants are returned to the same pick-up point at the end of the programme
• participation requires basic language skills
• large bags and suitcases cannot be taken onto the cable car
• during the hike, it is advisable to walk at a slow pace because the thinner air can cause faster fatigue even on level terrain
• the VIP designation means a private hiking guide and your own group; the cable car cabin and hiking route are not exclusive
• for safety reasons, the hiking guide may suspend or terminate a person's participation if their physical condition is unsuitable
• approximately 15 minutes can be spent at the summit
• the Pico Viejo viewpoint, whose trail starts from the cable car's upper station, cannot be visited during this programme
• leaving the designated trails during the programme is prohibited
• collecting rocks, taking them away or keeping them as souvenirs is strictly prohibited throughout Teide National Park 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 (lower station)
• in accordance with local regulations, toilet paper must be placed in the bins provided in the toilets
• operation of the cable car depends on high-altitude winds, ice, snow, temperature and technical conditions
• the high-altitude trails may also be closed separately due to snow, ice, strong winds or other safety reasons
• if the cable car is operating but the route to the summit is closed, the programme continues with a cable car journey 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 exceptional technical or operational problem with the cable car, the return descent may also take place on foot along the designated route
HEALTH INFORMATION
• difficulty level: extreme - excellent physical condition and endurance required
• the activity is not accessible
• pregnant women cannot participate in the activity
• people with cardiovascular or respiratory conditions (e.g. asthma or COPD) cannot participate in the activity
• people with rheumatic or musculoskeletal conditions cannot participate in the activity
• due to the high altitude (2,356 - 3,715 metres (7,730 - 12,188 feet)), headaches, dizziness, shortness of breath or feeling unwell may occur in very rare cases; if this happens, you must inform the guide immediately and descend to a lower altitude if necessary
HOW SHOULD YOU PREPARE?
• layered, comfortable, warm clothing
• fleece top and windproof jacket
• long trousers
• closed, sturdy, flat-soled, comfortable and slip-resistant hiking shoes or hiking boots (you will not be permitted to ascend in open footwear)
• headwear (sun hat - one that will not blow off your head)
• backpack (lightweight and comfortable)
• high-quality polarised sunglasses
• head torch or torch with spare batteries or a spare rechargeable battery
• emergency thermal blanket
• sunscreen (due to the intense UV radiation)
• mineral water (min. 3 litres (approx. 101 US fl oz)/person) (also available for purchase at the mountain refuge and the upper station)
• a substantial amount of food and high-energy snacks
• the identity card or passport whose number was provided at the time of booking (for every participant)
OPTIONAL
• trekking poles
IN WINTER
+ layered, comfortable winter clothing
+ warm headwear, scarf and gloves
+ technical clothing, ice axe and crampons (in snowy or icy conditions) (also available for purchase on site)
FINESTPASS™ PRO tip
• for a better view, it is worth standing on the side of the cable car facing downhill
• along the Telesforo Bravo trail, look out for the rare purple-flowered Teide violet, one of the distinctive plants of Teide's extreme high-altitude environment
• you can also see fumaroles along the route: warm sulphurous gases and water vapour seep out through small openings and cracks in the ground
HIKING ROUTE | approx. 9.2 km (5.7 mi) (1,341 metres (4,400 feet) of elevation gain)
PARKING | Montaña Blanca trail car park (free) (2,320 metres (7,612 feet))
MEETING POINT | entrance to the Montaña Blanca trail (2,320 metres (7,612 feet))
REST STOP | Altavista Refuge, toilets available (3,260 metres (10,696 feet))
VIEWPOINT | La Fortaleza (3,535 metres (11,598 feet))
UPPER STATION | toilets available (3,555 metres (11,663 feet))
TEIDE CRATER | (3,715 metres (12,188 feet))
UPPER STATION | (3,555 metres (11,663 feet))
LOWER STATION | toilets available (2,356 metres (7,730 feet))
en 
Teide National Park
9 hours
4.8 (10.5 K)
