Key details
Why this one and not another Teide trip
Teide is 3,715 metres, the highest peak in Spain and in the Atlantic, and its National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. But the number that actually matters for your trip is different: you go from the low twenties to zero in two hours of driving. People turn up in shorts and spend the day cold. Bring a jacket even if you are sweating at sea level, and sunglasses: at that altitude the glare off the lava fields is punishing.
The difference from most Teide excursions is that here you get off the coach and walk: an hour and a half or two hours around the Roques de García, 175 metres of ascent on a marked path. It is not demanding — anyone in comfortable shoes can do it — but it completely changes the feeling of having been there.
It's a circular route of about 3.5 km at 2,100 m. There's no technical difficulty, but the altitude tells: you walk slower than you expect and the sun burns more than at sea level. Closed shoes, water and a warm layer and you're fine; flip-flops, no.
Included
- Coach transport with pick-up and drop-off at your accommodation
- A guide throughout the day
- A tour of Teide National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site
- A guided walk of 1.5 to 2 hours around the Roques de García
- Stops at the park's viewpoints
Not included
- Food and drinks
- Tips
Frequently asked questions
Is it for me if I am not a hiker?
Yes, and it is precisely for those who are not: a 3.5 km loop with 175 metres of elevation gain, an hour and a half to two hours, on a marked trail. What catches people out is the altitude: at 2,100 metres you puff more than you expect. If you do not feel like walking at all, then this is not your excursion, and we will tell you which one is.
Do I need warm clothing?
Yes, and it is the most repeated mistake on the whole island. You can have 25 degrees down below and 5 up top, or less if the wind blows. Take a jacket even if you leave the hotel in a t-shirt, and sunglasses: at that altitude the glare off the lava fields tires your eyes in twenty minutes.
Is it worth it with children?
It depends on their age. It is suitable for all ages and children up to 11 pay €29.50, but the walk is a real two hours at 2,100 metres: with children who already walk an hour without complaining it works very well; with a pushchair or under-4s or 5s, someone ends up carrying and the day gets long.
Which day is it and how do I fit it into my week?
It runs on Thursdays and takes the whole day, with morning pickup at your accommodation and return in the afternoon. Do not plan anything else that day. If you also want to take the cable car, that is a separate activity and best on another day: cramming it all together is the surest way to end up seeing Teide in a hurry.
Does this excursion go up the cable car?
No, and it is worth saying clearly because many people assume it does: this excursion does not include the cable car and does not pass its base station. It is a walk in the park, at the level of the Roques de García. If what you want is to go up to 3,555 m, that is another activity and another day; and setting foot on the crater, at 3,715 m, also requires a free National Park permit that sells out weeks in advance.
Do you pick me up if I am staying in the north?
No: pickup and return cover the whole south of Tenerife, at your accommodation. From Puerto de la Cruz or La Laguna you would have to get down to the south on your own to be picked up, and that turns a long day into a very long one. Tell us where you are staying and we will tell you frankly whether it is worth it.
Which language does the guide explain in?
Spanish, English or French, whichever you ask for when booking. If you travel in German, let us know: there is no German-speaking guide on this excursion, and we would rather tell you now than leave you two hours without understanding anything.
When is the best time to visit Teide?
All year round, but it changes quite a bit. In winter there may be snow and the park becomes unrecognisable, in a good way. In summer the early departure pays off: by midday clouds form below — which is beautiful — but the sun on the walk is tiring. Spring is the best season if you can choose.
Do we eat anywhere?
Lunch is not included and do not count on buying it up there: bring water and something to eat from the hotel. It is not a restaurant plan; it is a day in the park, and whoever brings a sandwich eats looking at the Roques, which is not a bad dining room.
What if it snows or is windy and the park closes?
It happens a few times a year, especially in winter. If the National Park closes access, the date is changed or an equivalent alternative is offered. For any other reason, free cancellation up to 48 hours before; we confirm places with the provider before closing the booking.
How is the booking confirmed?
Naventia Trips checks availability, provider conditions and the traveller's level before confirming the experience.
Can you tell me what else to do on those days?
Yes, and it is what we get asked most. Tell us which days you have free and where you are staying, and we will say what pairs well with this excursion and what should not go on the same day.