The Island Council of Tenerife has introduced new rules for climbing Mount Teide, aimed at minimising accidents, overcrowding, and environmental damage. The new regulations will come into effect on Friday, 1 December, and include limits on the number of daily hikers, mandatory registration, and strict equipment requirements. Non-compliance could result in fines and responsibility for the cost of rescue operations, which can range from €2,000 to €12,000.
Key Regulations for climbing Mount Teide
The rules will limit access to 300 climbers per day, divided into three time slots:
- 09:00–16:00
- 16:00–00:00
- 00:00–09:00
Hikers must register for their climb through the Tenerife ON app. The routes included in the regulations are:
- Trail 7 (Montaña Blanca–Pico del Teide)
- Trail 11 (Mirador de la Fortaleza)
- Trail 23 (Regatones Negros)
- Trail 9 (Teide–Pico Viejo)
The climb will be monitored by National Park staff 24/7 throughout the year to ensure compliance with the regulations.
Requirements for Hikers
Participants are required to:
- Wear appropriate high-mountain equipment, including sturdy boots, warm clothing, a thermal blanket, water, and a charged mobile phone with a headlamp.
- Pass through checkpoints along the ascent, where documentation and equipment will be verified.
In case of pre-alert conditions, access will be restricted to the general public between 16:00 and 09:00, avoiding the risks of climbing at night. If a higher alert is declared, access to the trails will be completely prohibited for safety reasons. Adverse weather conditions, such as ice, snow, strong winds, or frost, may also lead to temporary closures of the trails.
Special Provisions for Specific Groups
Federated mountaineers and active tourism companies will receive differentiated treatment, with access to 20% of the total daily permits. They must justify their expertise, demonstrate adequate equipment, and apply for special permits when ice or snow covers the trails. Additionally, to ascend from the Rambleta cable car station to the peak, climbers must obtain an extra permit through the Volcano Teide website.
Future Developments
Although climbing is currently free, the Cabildo plans to introduce an eco-tax in the future, similar to the system in the Masca ravine. Revenues from this tax will go toward park conservation. Residents of Tenerife will be exempt, and other Canary Islanders will receive a discount.
The President of the Cabildo, Rosa Dávila, stated that these changes aim to:
- Minimise reckless behaviour and accidents requiring costly rescues.
- Avoid overcrowding and its negative environmental impact.
- Offer visitors a safer and more enjoyable experience.
The regulation also addresses concerns about unauthorised guides, often referred to as “pirate” operators, by curbing illegal activities in the active tourism sector.
Park Improvements
To support the implementation of these new measures, the Cabildo has allocated over €1 million to improve park signage. More than 2,000 new signs will be installed, featuring modern designs in multiple languages to accommodate the park’s primarily international visitors.
Administrative Oversight
While the Plan Rector de Uso y Gestión del Parque Nacional has yet to be finalised, Dávila assured the public that the Cabildo has the authority to regulate and monitor access to the park. These powers will be officially transferred starting 1 January, further strengthening the governance of Teide National Park.
This regulatory effort aims to balance the park’s preservation with the safety and satisfaction of its visitors, ensuring that Mount Teide remains a protected and enjoyable destination for years to come.
