So visit Teide is not just an excursion: it is an experience that marks your trip to Tenerife. The majestic Teide National Park, declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, is home to Spain's highest peak at an altitude of 3,715 metres.

The landscape here looks like something from another planet: lava flows, impossible rock formations and a sky that, on clear days, seems endless. If you're wondering how to climb Mount Teide, this guide tells you all about it, whether you can go up by car and what permission you need to get to the top, so you can enjoy the experience with peace of mind and excitement. If you are staying in one of our holiday homes, this is one of the activities we recommend you to do! 

Teide Climbing Options

There are several ways to climb Teide: by car, by bus (guagua) or on foot. Each option offers a different perspective of the volcano and is suitable for different levels of adventure.

Most trails in Tenerife, including those in Teide National Park and Anaga, are free, although certain iconic trails require advance booking. From 2026, trails PNT 07 (Montaña Blanca) and PNT 10 (Telesforo Bravo) charge fees from €3-10 for non-residents.

Climbing Mount Teide by Car

Best Route to access the Teide

One of the most comfortable ways to get to Teide is by car. You can visit Teide by car from different points of the island:

• From the south (Costa Adeje or Los Cristianos) on the TF-21 road.
• Drive up to Teide by car from Puerto de la Cruz on the TF-21 through La Orotava.
• From the east along the TF-24 (La Esperanza), a particularly scenic route.

If you are wondering how far you can drive up Teide, you should know that you can reach the base station of the cable car (at 2,356 metres). It is not possible to climb the peak of Teide by car.

Driving Difficulties and Tips

The road to Teide is winding and curvy, but it is well signposted and asphalted. We recommend:

• Check the fuel level before leaving.
• Drive with caution in winter, as there may be ice or snow.
• Leave early to avoid crowds.

Climbing Teide by cable car

Cable Car Timetables and Prices

Climbing Teide by cable car is the most popular option. It takes just 8 minutes to ascend from the base to an altitude of 3,555 metres.

It is advisable to book online in advance, especially in high season. Timetables may vary depending on the time of year and weather conditions.

See link for the day's information: Volcanoid  

Cable Car Travel Experience

The experience is breathtaking: as you ascend, the volcanic landscape opens up beneath your feet and, on clear days, you can make out other islands in the archipelago.

From the upper station you can follow several authorised trails. To climb to the peak of Teide (last 200 metres to the crater), you will need special permission. 

Climbing Mount Teide on foot

Hiking Routes

Climbing Teide on foot is a unique experience for experienced hikers. The best known route is the Montaña Blanca trail (Route 7), which starts at the base and climbs up to the Altavista refuge and the summit.

On the opposite side of the mountain to the cable car if you want to walk up, there is a small refuge in the middle of the mountain, which is currently closed, but there is no estimate of when it will reopen.

Difficulty and Preparations

The difficulty of climbing Teide on foot is high due to the altitude and the difference in altitude. It is important:

• Be in good physical shape.
• Wear appropriate footwear.
• Protect yourself from the sun and cold (temperatures change abruptly).

Teide Climbing Permits

Is a permit necessary to climb Pico del Teide?

Yes, to access the Telesforo Bravo trail and reach the crater you need a Teide climbing permit issued by the national park. The Teide peak permit is free but compulsory.

How to obtain the Teide Climbing Permit

The permit to climb the peak of Teide can be requested online through the park's official reservation website, which you can access here.  https://www.tenerifeon.es/reservas.

You must select a date and time. It is recommended to do so several weeks in advance. It is essential to bear in mind that availability is subject to weather conditions. It is therefore advisable to check in advance the dates on which you wish to climb Teide in order to know the possibilities of carrying out the activity.

When booking, you will be shown the days available. Please note that there will be days when all permits and spaces are sold out.

If you want to see a very complete guide of the different trails we recommend you to visit this link of the Teide National Park, it is very useful! 

https://www.parquenacionalteide.com/senderos/

Process and Requirements

• Identity card or passport.
• Select number of visitors.
• Respect the assigned timetable.

Exceptions and Alternatives

If you do not have a Teide permit, you can still enjoy the nearby viewpoints and trails without a permit. Another option is to hire guided excursions that include the Teide Tenerife permit.

Preparations Before Visiting Teide

What to Bring to Climb Teide

• Warm clothes (even in summer).
• Sufficient water.
• Sunscreen and sunglasses.
• Mountain footwear.

How to Visit Teide on your own

Visiting Teide on your own is entirely possible. You just need to plan your route well, check the weather and arrange in advance the permission to climb Teide if you want to reach the crater.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to climb Teide?

It depends on the option chosen:

• By cable car: 8 minutes ascent.
• Walking: between 5 and 7 hours depending on the pace.
• By car to the base: 1 to 2 hours depending on your location.

Is it possible to climb Mount Teide by car?

It is possible to drive up to the base station of the cable car, but not to the summit.

General tips for promotion

• Always check the weather forecast.
• Avoid exertion if you have breathing or heart problems.
• Book in advance in high season.
• Respect the park rules to protect this unique environment.

Conclusion

Climbing Mount Teide is one of the most popular experiences on the island. Whether by car, cable car or on foot, the ascent to the most emblematic volcano in the Canary Islands offers unforgettable landscapes and a unique sensation of touching the sky.

And to live this adventure in peace and quiet, there's nothing better than staying in one of Tenerife Living's holiday homes. After a day among volcanoes and trails, returning to your own comfortable and cosy space will make your experience on the island even more special. Tenerife awaits you... and so does Mount Teide.