For the first time, entry fees are being charged at the Mount Teide National Park on Tenerife. The new rates came into force on 19 January. The new eco-tax applies during specific time slots. To begin with, two popular hiking trails will be subject to an entry fee.
Initially, this affects the two walking trails, PNT 10 Telesforo Bravo and PNT 07 Montaña Blanca, leading to La Rambleta. Bookings are made via the Tenerife ON platform. This means the national park is now subject to a new access system based on the day of the week, time of day and user profile.
The Tenerife Island Council has announced that the measure is intended to strengthen the protection of this sensitive natural environment whilst enabling the orderly management of visitor numbers. The aim is not only to generate revenue but also to relieve pressure on sensitive areas of the nature reserve. We explain what this means for visitors:
Eco-tax: Tenerife introduces an entry fee for Mount Teide
According to Tenerife’s Island President, Rosa Dávila, this is a „clear contribution to the conservation of the national park“. The measure is intended to ensure that residents of the Canary Islands can continue to access the affected trails free of charge.
Dávila describes the Ecotasa as a „fair and balanced“ scheme, as residents of the other Canary Islands pay only a symbolic amount, whilst visitors from outside the islands are required to contribute more towards funding the conservation measures. This is intended not only to ensure sustainability, but also to better manage the high volume of visitors.
Tenerife levies the eco-tax on these Mount Teide hiking trails
The PNT 10 Telesforo Bravo is the ascent from the cable car’s mountain station to the crater of Mount Teide. The new charges apply there daily between 9 am and 5 pm. Access remains free for residents of Tenerife and children under 14. Visitors from other Canary Islands pay a six-euro entry fee. Tourists must pay 15 euros.
The hiking trail PNT 07, which is around 8.3 kilometres long, runs from Montaña Blanca to La Rambleta. It ends at the Mirador de La Fortaleza. The trail is one of the most popular in Mount Teide National Park.
In future, an admission charge will apply there between 9 am and 3 pm; only residents of Tenerife will be able to visit free of charge. Residents of the other Canary Islands pay three euros on weekdays and five euros at weekends. Other visitors must pay six euros on weekdays and ten euros at weekends.
Blanca Pérez, Tenerife’s Minister for the Environment, Sustainability, Safety and Emergencies, said that the combined system of compulsory booking and entry fees would better align the use of particularly sensitive trails with the area’s actual capacity. The proceeds from the entry fees are to be used to improve nature conservation and safety. In addition, this will gradually foster a more responsible approach to Mount Teide.
How to book your entry to Mount Teide
A credit or debit card is required to purchase tickets. Personal details of all participants must also be provided. Once the booking has been confirmed, it cannot be changed or cancelled. No refunds will be given.
Exceptions apply in the event of weather-related closures, other exceptional circumstances, or if the Mount Teide Cable Car ceases operations. No refund will be given if access is denied due to a lack of the mandatory minimum equipment.
This equipment is compulsory for hikes on Mount Teide
If the minimum equipment requirements are not met, access may be refused. You should carry the following items of equipment:
- Long trousers (worn or carried in a rucksack).
- Functional shirt (thermal or water-repellent).
- Fleece jacket or equivalent warm clothing (even in summer).
- Windbreaker (prevents heat loss)
- Hat and gloves (especially in winter)
- Hat, cap, bandana or neckerchief (especially in summer)
- Hiking boots
- Drinks and other provisions
- Mobile phone with sufficient battery life
- Torch
- Emergency blanket
- Sunglasses and sun cream
- Hiking poles without metal tips
Until further notice, bookings can only be made via the official website. The app does not currently support bookings. A new week’s availability is released every Monday at 7 am. The booking period is 28 days.
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