The tip: Arrive before 9am, clouds rise from the coast from 11am onwards and block the view. The TF-21 road from Vilaflor (south) is the most spectacular for climbing: Canarian pine forest, then lunar landscape in 30 minutes. In winter, snow sometimes covers the summit, the road may close, but the spectacle seen from the north of the island is breathtaking.
The Las Cañadas caldera forms a cirque 15 km in diameter. Inside: solidified lava flows, cones, rock formations with colors changing according to light. The Roques de García, lava needles sculpted by erosion, are the park's most famous photo spot. Pico Viejo (3,135 m), the Canaries' second volcano, stands just beside it with its 800 m diameter crater.
The Guanches called Teide Echeyde, the gate of hell: a volcanic mythology long before science. The last eruptions date back to 1798 (Narices del Teide, on Pico Viejo's flank) and 1909 (Chinyero, at the park's edge). The volcano is classified as "dormant", not extinct, sulfurous fumes remain visible near the crater.
The Teleférico del Teide departs from the base station at 2,356 m and reaches La Rambleta at 3,555 m in 8 minutes. Non-resident price: €42 round trip adult, €21 child (3-13 years), book online at volcanoteide.com, slots sell out quickly. Hours: 9am to 4pm-5pm depending on season (last ascent 1 hour before closing). Closed in strong wind or bad weather, check the day of.
From La Rambleta, two free-access trails offer panoramas: the Mirador de La Fortaleza (north) and Mirador de Pico Viejo (south, view of La Gomera, El Hierro, La Palma). To reach the crater at 3,718 m, you need the Sendero Telesforo Bravo permit, paid for non-Canary residents (€15 without guide / €10 with guide) from 19/01/2026, free for Tenerife residents and under 14s, to book on tenerifeon.es, often full several weeks in advance. The Montaña Blanca-Rambleta trail is also subject to a fee for non-residents from the same date (variable rates depending on day, check on tenerifeon.es); the park itself remains free.
Above 3,555 m, altitude sickness is real: headaches, shortness of breath, nausea. Climb slowly, stay hydrated, and descend if symptoms persist. Access forbidden to pregnant women, people with heart conditions and children under 3 years old.