Peak of Teide – 3718 m.n.p.m. - is the highest mountain in Spain, the highest peak on the islands of the Atlantic Ocean, and also the third largest volcano on Earth (about 7000 meters high from the base to the bottom of the ocean). It is still an active volcano, the last eruption took place in 1909 year. W 2007 year, Teide National Park was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List.
The volcano is located in the Teide National Park, which includes the cone itself with two peaks - Pico del Teide and Pico Viejo (Old Peak), and the plains of Cañadas situated at an altitude of approx 2000 m.n.p.m., which make up a huge crater with a diameter 14 km.
There are hiking trails in the Park, in such a way that visitors can easily see the most interesting places (also the tops). To the top of Teide, to a height of approx 3555 you can go up by cable car, but to get to the top you need a permit.
Drive
Teide National Park can be reached by public road from La Esperanza in the northeast, from La Orotava in the north, and also from the side of Boca del Tauce in the south.
Despite, that these roads are not long, one should remember, that it may take a long time to overcome them. We have to overcome in the near future 2000 meters of level difference, the roads are winding and steep. The entrance from the south takes approx 1,5 hours.
Only two buses - a line - travel to the Park once a day 348 from Puerto de la Cruz and line 342 z Beach of the Americas. Both buses to the Park leave Fr. 9.15, and from the Park on the way back Fr. 15.40 (from the funicular, the line 342) i 16.00 (z El Portillo, both lines). Please check the timetable at www.titsa.com/.
Cable car - Teleférico del Teide
Up to approx 3555 you can take the Teleférico del Teide cable car. In eight minutes she overcomes it 1200 meters high and reaches La Rambleta. The wagons run every 10 minutes, in each one is located 35 people. In order to avoid waiting in long lines, it is worth coming to the place in the morning, before the bus tours arrive. The queue is open from 9.00 do 16.00. The last descent takes place at Fr. 17.00. A return ticket for an adult costs € 24.
Entrance to Pico del Teide.
The first stage of climbing Teide is getting to La Rambleta. You can go up there by cable car or go up one of the two routes.
The first is trail number 7, starting by the road, over a kilometer from the valley station towards El Portillo. This trail goes around Mount Montaña Blanca, behind which there is a viewpoint. On the way, you also pass the Teide eggs - big black ones, round boulders ejected from a volcano during an eruption in 1706 year. When the ascent of the Teide cone begins, the ascent becomes steeper. At a height of approx 3200 meters is the Altavista hostel.
The second trail leading to La Rambleta is trail number 9. It starts in the parking lot by the road in the western part of the Park. Leads through Pico Viejo, it is long and tiring, largely unmarked. Ascending Teide on this trail can only be recommended to experienced hikers with good acclimatization. More information about this route can be found in the "Ascent to Pico Viejo" section..
Behind the top station of the La Rambleta cable car is the beginning of the trail, for which you must have a permit. A guard is standing there controlling the entrance and those entering. The climb is quite steep, but easy enough. Most of them are stairs made of stones.
You should be especially careful under the summit due to the fumeroles escaping there. Inhalation of poisonous vapors and high altitude may cause malaise. At the very top, the air is fresh, and the views are magnificent !
Other routes
The most popular trail is trail number 4 connecting two tourist centers in the Park. The tour takes approx 4-5 hours and offers the opportunity to admire the lava forms and the local flora.