Teide Cable Car

Teleférico del Teide is a cable car that offers a unique opportunity to climb to the top of the Teide volcano, the highest point in Spain and one of the most famous volcanoes in the world. Located on the island of Tenerife, one of the Canary Islands, Teide is not only an active volcano but also the centrepiece of the Teide National Park, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The cable car begins its journey from the base station, which is located approximately 2,356 metres above sea level. From here, visitors ascend to the top station, La Rambleta, located at an altitude of 3,555 metres. The ride lasts about 8 minutes, during which time there are panoramic views of lava flows, craters and landscapes coloured in various shades from black to red and white.

The cable car has modern cabins, each of which can accommodate up to 44 passengers. These cabins provide a comfortable and safe ride and are equipped with ventilation and heating systems, which is especially important considering that the temperature at the top can be much lower than at the foot of the volcano.

Several hiking trails open up from the top station, leading to various vantage points and locations with spectacular views. One popular destination is Mirador Pico Viejo, from where you can see the crater of the Pico Viejo volcano and, in good weather, even La Caldera de Taburiente National Park on the island of La Palma.

Teleférico del Teide is not only a tourist attraction, but also an important means of access for scientific research and maintenance of the technical installations located on top of the volcano. In addition, it plays a key role in monitoring volcanic activity and ensuring the safety of visitors and the local population in the event of an eruption.

History

The Teleférico del Teide cable car has a rich history, from the idea of its creation to its current status as one of the key tourist attractions in Tenerife. The story of this amazing engineering structure dates back to the 1950s, when the idea was born to make it easier for tourists and explorers to access the summit of the Teide volcano.

Origin of the idea and construction

The idea to build the cable car came from the Tenerife Tourism Agency, which was looking for ways to increase the number of visitors to the island and improve the tourist infrastructure. The project was designed by Spanish engineers and financed with both local and national funds. Construction began in 1960 and was completed in 1964. Since then, the cable car has become one of the most popular ways to reach almost the top of Teide, offering visitors spectacular views and access to the unique volcanic landscape area.

Technology and modernisation

Since its opening, Teleférico del Teide has undergone several stages of modernisation to ensure the safety and comfort of visitors. In 1999, a complete renovation of the system was carried out, including upgrades to the cabins and mechanical systems. These upgrades have increased the capacity and efficiency of the cable car.

Cultural and scientific significance

The cable car has not only boosted tourism on the island, but has also played an important role in scientific research on the volcano. It facilitates access to observatories and research stations located on the heights of Teide, which has made a significant contribution to volcanology and astronomy.

Impact on the local community

Teleférico del Teide has also had a significant impact on Tenerife's economy, boosting tourism services and job creation in the region. The cable car supports sustainable tourism by offering visitors an understanding and respect for the unique natural environment of the volcano.

The history of Teleférico del Teide is thus an example of the successful integration of technology, nature and culture, making it not just a means of transport, but an important element of Tenerife's cultural and scientific heritage.

Excursions

Teleférico del Teide offers a variety of excursions that allow visitors to explore the Teide Volcano and the surrounding National Park in different ways. Each excursion is unique in its content and offers a deep dive into the nature, culture and history of the region.

1. El Teide: Excursión con Teleférico

This tour includes round-trip transport from your hotel in a comfortable air-conditioned coach, cable car tickets and a guide who speaks Spanish, English, German and French. The tour lasts approximately 8 hours, during which time visitors can enjoy breathtaking views of the national park and a cable car ride to the summit of Teide volcano.

Tour booking

2. El Teide: Excursión al Atardecer, Teleférico + Picnic

This excursion offers a unique experience of watching the sunset from the top of the volcano. Includes a guided overnight tour of Teide, a picnic with local produce. After dinner, visitors will be able to observe the stars through long-range telescopes, making this excursion particularly popular with astronomy enthusiasts.

Tour booking

3. El Teide Cable Car + Transporte: Climbing the Peak of Teide Volcano

The El Teide Cable Car + Transporte tour offers visitors an easy and convenient way to reach the summit of Teide Volcano, the highest point in Spain at 3,718 metres above sea level. This tour is ideal for those who wish to enjoy the splendour of Teide National Park without participating in additional activities.

Services included:

1. Transport: The tour includes a comfortable transfer from your location (hotel or other specified pick-up point) to the base station of the cable car. Participants will be transported back to the base point after the tour is completed.
2. Cable Car Tickets: The tour price includes tickets for the ascent and descent of the cable car. The lift takes guests from the base station to the top station of La Rambleta, located at an altitude of 3,555 metres.
3. Access to the summit: An important feature of this tour is the included permit to climb to the very top of Teide Volcano at an altitude of 3,718 metres. This permit is required to access the last section of the trail leading to the peak of the volcano, and can sometimes be difficult to obtain due to visitor restrictions.

Duration and details:

The tour takes approximately 4-6 hours depending on the time and logistics chosen. All participants should be prepared for changing weather conditions, as temperatures at the summit can be significantly lower than at the foot. It is recommended to wear warm clothing and comfortable shoes for mountain walking.

This tour offers a unique opportunity to appreciate the scale and beauty of Tenerife's volcanic landscape, making it popular with photographers, nature lovers and anyone seeking adventure at altitude.

Tour booking

4. Desde Tenerife Sur: Excursión de un día al Teide y Teleférico

This is a full day of exploring Teide, starting in the morning from the southern part of Tenerife. Includes transport service from the hotel, no queue cable car tickets and professional guiding. The excursion takes approximately 6 hours, including climbing the last 170 metres of the volcano on foot, offering spectacular panoramas of the island.

Each of these excursions is carefully organised to ensure the safety and comfort of the participants, providing in-depth knowledge of the geology, biology and history of the region. Thanks to the variety of programmes on offer, each visitor can choose the excursion that best suits their interests and physical fitness.

Tour booking

What to see nearby

The Teide National Park, surrounding the Teide Volcano, offers visitors many spectacular sights and unique landscapes that make this region one of the most popular tourist destinations in the Canary Islands.

1. Roque de Garcia

The Roque de Garcia are famous rock formations located in the heart of the national park. They are outstanding geological structures created by volcanic activity. These rocks form an almost lunar landscape where each shape has unique features, making them a popular subject for photographs.

2. Minas de San José

The Minas de San José, also known as "Moonscapes", are located on the western side of the park. These areas are characterised by their unique geology, including sandy fields and strange rock formations that resemble the lunar surface. This area is ideal for hiking and photography, especially during the hours when the sun creates amazing shadows on the ground.

3. Viewpoints

• Mirador de La Tarta offers panoramic views of layered volcanic rocks that resemble layers of cake in appearance. This place is particularly popular with geologists and nature lovers.
• Mirador de las Narices del Teide provides views of the side of the volcano that experienced its last major eruption in 1798. This lookout is a great place to observe volcanic activity and its aftermath.
• Mirador de Chipeque allows you to see not only the volcano itself, but also the northern part of the island, including towns and coastlines.
• Mirador Azulejos is known for its amazing views of the multi-coloured volcanic rocks, which have taken on vibrant hues thanks to different minerals.

4. Ucanca Valley

The Ucanca Valley, or Llano de Ucanca, is one of the most impressive and photogenic spots in the national park. It is a wide and relatively flat valley with spectacular views of the surrounding volcanic formations and often serves as a place to spot rare plant and animal species adapted to the extreme conditions of the highlands.

These locations make Teide National Park not just a place to visit the volcano, but also a centre of natural and geological diversity, offering visitors unique opportunities for research, education and recreation.

How to dress and what to bring

A visit to Teide National Park requires careful preparation, especially with regard to the choice of clothing and essential items to take with you to make your journey comfortable and safe.

Clothing

1. Warm and layered clothing: The temperature at the summit of the Teide volcano can be much lower than at its foot, especially in the early morning or after sunset. It is recommended to wear layered clothing that can be easily removed or added as needed. Remember to take a windproof and waterproof jacket.
2. Comfortable walking shoes: Choose sturdy shoes with good traction, preferably trekking boots that will protect your feet and provide comfort when walking on uneven terrain.

Essentials

1. Sun protection: At high altitudes, the sun's radiation increases, so you need to use sunscreen with high SPF, wear a hat or cap and sunglasses.
2. Water and snacks: It is important to stay hydrated during the trek, so take enough water with you. It is also recommended to take light snacks such as candy bars, nuts or fruit to help replenish energy during long walks.
3. Camera and binoculars: Teide National Park is known for its spectacular scenery and rare animal species. Don't forget to bring your camera or binoculars to observe nature.
4. Navigation tools: Although many trails are well marked, a GPS or map and compass can come in handy for navigating the terrain, especially if you deviate from the main route.
5. First Aid Kit: It is always a good idea to carry a first aid kit including plasters, antiseptics, bandages and medication for common ailments such as headaches or upset stomachs.

Following these recommendations will not only ensure your comfort and safety during your visit to Teide National Park, but will also help to make your trip unforgettable.

How to get there

Teleférico del Teide and Teide National Park can be accessed from various points on the island of Tenerife. Depending on your location, you can choose the most convenient way to reach the park.

From the southern part of the island

1. Car: The most common and convenient way to get to Teide is by hiring a car. From the southern part of the island, including popular resorts such as Playa de las Américas and Los Cristianos, the journey will take approximately 1-1.5 hours. To get there, take the TF-1 motorway towards Arona and then switch to TF-21, which leads directly to Teide National Park.
2. Public transport: TITSA buses also run from the southern part of the island. Bus №342 runs from Playa de las Américas to the park. However, it is worth bearing in mind that timetables can change and buses do not run as often as you would like, so it is important to check the timetable on the carrier's website in advance.
3. Costa Adeje → Cañadas

From the northern part of the island

1. By car: From the northern part of the island, for example from the capital Santa Cruz de Tenerife, you can reach the park by taking the TF-5 motorway towards La Laguna and then switching to TF-24, which leads through La Esperanza directly to the park. The journey takes approximately 1.5-2 hours.
2. Public transport: The northern part of the island is also served by TITSA buses. Bus №348 connects La Laguna with Teide National Park. As with the southern destination, it is important to check the current timetable on the company's official website.
3. Puerto de La Cruz → Cañadas

Alternative options

For those who prefer not to drive or travel by public transport, there is the option of using tour groups or private transfers, which can be booked with hotels or through specialised travel agencies. These services usually include transport from your accommodation to and from the park, and often a guided tour.

To ensure a comfortable and safe visit to Teide National Park, it is advisable to plan your trip carefully, especially as weather conditions in the mountainous area can change rapidly.