teide tours

Mount Teide Tours

About mount teide.

The Mount Teide Tours lets you climb one of Spain's highest points above sea level in the Atlantic islands. Mount Teide is commonly known as Teide and it is an active Volcano in Tenerife in the islands of Canary, Spain. The Teide is considered the third highest and tallest volcano in the world. At the Mount Teide Tours, you can learn about the history of Mount Teide which can be traced 170,000 years back when the volcano was formed. You will also get to visit the Teide national park during your Mount Teide Tours, which is spread over an area of approximately 18,900 hectares. In 2007, by UNESCO, the park was named a world heritage site. Mount Teide is one of the most visited places in Spain, and people find it convenient to book Mount Teide Tours for a better experience and guided assistance. The Teide last erupted in 1909; since then, this active volcano has been a safer place for tourists.

Highlights Of Mount Teide

• The region has been formed by volcanic activity. You will see various volcanic craters that attract many tourists around the globe every year.
• Mount Teide tours will show that Teide has an abundance of Tenerife, which offers a spectacular view of nature. Excursions of Tenerife can be done using modern techniques like cable cars, night tours, Teide crater tours, and walking on foot through VIP access. You can choose your view of Mount Teide tours by selecting modes for meeting your travel needs.
• Cable Cars are very popular as they provide an overall tour of the mount, while the prices of tickets will vary. For instance, if VIP access to the Mount Teide tours is chosen, the ticket price will be higher. Night tours and Stargazing excursions are very popular, making us closer to nature and owing to its location being the highest point in Spain.
• The main highlight of Mount Teide is its shadow on the sea spread over 40 kms. The shadow depicts the perfect triangle shape of the mountain; hence cable cars help to capture the view more effectively and prominently.

Available Mount Teide Tours

Mount Teide tours can be done in various ways, as you can opt for different packages. For example, you can choose Mount Teide Tour With Cable Car Tickets, Mount Teide Night Tour, Climbing The Teide Crater + Cable Car, or the Astronomic tour to Teide, including a visit to the Observatory to have a great Tour of Mount Teide.

This package is great as it has all you might need on your Mount Teide tours. If you choose this package, you can select cable cars for exploring the beautiful place. You will be able to visit the Teide National Park and have a great scenic view as you move towards the peak. This is one of the most sustainable ways to take a tour of Teide.You also get an official guide who can speak various languages like English, Spanish, French and German. Sustainable transport is provided so you can visit from north to south and enjoy the beauty of this place with Mount Teide tours.

When you choose this package, you select a completely different experience that tourists might have in the daytime. Because visiting the Tiede at night has many more things to do, like you get to gaze at the beautiful stars with professional equipment. You will also get to learn about the mysteries of the sky through our astronomical guides. The amazing tour ends on a perfect note as you get to witness the sunrise from the Teide National park. In such Mount Teide tours, you will have a round-trip transportation facility and professional guides who are experts in French, German, Spanish and English.

This package will help you reach the peak of the highest mountain in Spain. In this Tour of Mount Teide, you can reach the height of 12,188 and enjoy the scenic view of the Teide National Park and the Canary Island. You will also get a a guide who is fluent in English, Spanish, German and French. Along with all these facilities, you can get the facility transfer from north to south and enjoy a return ticket of the cable car.

In this Mount Teide tour, you will get a chance to get a closer look at an active volcano. This package includes more than you might be looking for in a tour to Mount Teide.

Flora And Fauna At Mount Teide

A tour of mount Teide will expose you to natural beauty and inexperienced flora. The soil layer is thin and rich in minerals and nutrients. The island is home to more than 138 species of plants out of which 33 are endemic. Since the region has many active volcanoes, the forest covers half of the volcanic formations.The plant species here include Canary Island Pine and Canary Island Juniper, which extend over 1,000 to 2000 meters. The native flora of Mount Teide would consist of white broom, crucifers that yield yellow flowers, Wallflower, which grows in violet colors, and Teide Bugloss, which extends into red flowers. Daisies are also found in Teide at altitudes closer to 3600 meters. Violet Teide is one of the highest plants that flowers in Spain. The plants are habitual to extreme weather conditions like very high altitude, intense sunlight, temperature, insufficient moisture, etc. The exposed leaves take downy forms or cover the outer area with wax-like pigment that helps to protect the plantation. The park is also home to a large number of animal species, many of which are endemic. Some of the most common species found here are Dipterans, Hemipterans, Spiders, Hymenoptera and Beetles. There is a limited variety if Vertebrate fauna at the Teide National Park including Blue Chaffinch, Berthelot’s Pipit, Atlantic Canary,

Know More About Mount Teide

Mount Teide Tours FAQs

Do we have to book in advance for mount teide tours.

Mount Teide Tours is very popular so it has a limited permit to safeguard the environment. Hence, you must book the tour in advance, so your planned vacation is not wasted. Although, you have an alternative as well, for which you will require a summit permit for the Tour of Mount Teide. Remember, the area has many active volcanoes. Hence, your tour must be guided and approved with a summit permit.

What is the best time to experience the Mount Teide Tours?

The best time to make a Tour of Mount Teide will be between April and October as the weather at this time is humid and not too cold or hot. The temperature in these months is between 64 F and 71 F; hence, it will be easier to travel on foot. You must visit on Monday, Friday and Saturday from midday to evening at 4.00. Since it is located at a height from sea level, thus, you must carry a warm jacket with you during Mount Teide Tours.

What is the minimum age required to book Mount Teide tours?

On a tour of Mount Teide, children are allowed along with the adults. Although, the age of a child should not be below 3 years. Thus, the minimum age would be 3 years. For booking a cable car, the minimum age is 3 years, while your child must be over eight years old if you want to visit Teide observation.

How long does it take to walk up Mount Teide?

The walk or time of reach in Mount Teide Tours highly depends on your mode. If you are walking from Montana Blanca, it may take more than five hours to reach. On the other hand, if you are taking cable cars towards a specific point and then walking, you might not take more than 1- 2 hours. If you want to climb the mountain, you should take a permit in advance.

How long is the cable car ride on Mount Teide?

The lower station of cable cars is usually reached by road. Mount Teide Tour is equipped with cabins that hold more than 40 passengers. You can get to the top in just eight minutes using the cable car. The price varies for residents, children, adults and children, and non-residents. They're not more than two cabins in the area, which stretches 43 kms from the south. Hiking footwear and wind jacket are a must.

What are the other top things to do in Spain?

Benalmadena Cable Car

Teide Cable Car

Caminito Del Ray, Malagna

Las Golondrinas Barcelona Boat Cruise

Madrid Segway Tour

Las Aguilas Jungle Park , Tenerife

Granada City Tour

Royal Palace of Madrid Tour

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Home » Europe » Spain » The Ultimate Guide to Visiting Mount Teide

The Ultimate Guide to Visiting Mount Teide

By Author Lance Longwell

Posted on Last updated: October 2, 2022

No visit to the Canary Islands would be complete without visiting the Mount Teide volcano, Spain’s highest mountain. This imposing volcano is the reason for the island’s existence and casts a huge shadow over the entire island. But those who visit Mount Teide will be rewarded with incredible views from the summit!

Given the number of tourists who come to Tenerife every year, it’s no surprise that Mount Teide National Park is the most visited national park in Spain and also in all of Europe. Millions of visitors come to this barren landscape every year for the incredible views.

Like most visitors to the Canary Islands, we knew we wanted to visit the Mt Teide volcano during our brief holiday in Tenerife. We found lots of contradictory information on the Internet on the best way to go about it, so we set out to write this ultimate guide to Mount Teide to help other visitors.

Our day-long, self-guided Tenerife volcano tour was the highlight of our trip! However, there are many ways to see and enjoy the volcano.

Visiting Mount Teide

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There are a number of ways to get up the volcano on Tenerife. Here are your Mount Teide travel options, listed in order of least to most strenuous:

There are numerous Mount Teide tours and excursions that will drive you and direct you to the highlights within the national park. Please note, not all of the excursion packages allow enough time to take the cable car to the summit. Where the cable car is included, we’ve noted it. Otherwise, assume this is a driving-only excursion that just takes you through the park.

Here are some of the most popular Mount Teide tour options:

• From Playa de las Americas by private jeep , which includes Masca
• From Puerto de la Cruz: National Park VIP Tour
• Tenerife: 5-Hour National Park Jeep Safari . This is one of the few Mount Teide trips from Costa Adeje and other points in the southern part of the island.

The best and most rewarding option is to rent a car and drive Mount Teide yourself ! This gives you maximum flexibility and is also more economical than an excursion or package tour. We recommend renting a car at the airport and having it for your entire stay.

There are three main approaches to the volcano. Leaving from Puerto de la Cruz in the north, from Los Christianos in the south, and from Los Gigantes in the west. Assume you are staying anywhere in Southern Tenerife (Costa Adaje, Playa de las Americas, etc.), we recommend driving up from Los Gigantes in the morning. There are fewer cars than along the other routes. In the afternoon, we recommend driving back through Vilaflor and Los Christianos, which allows you to stop at the winery in the afternoon.

While the national park is well signposted, given the poor mobile phone reception, you might want a quality driving map of Tenerife .

When people speak about the “Mount Teide climb” they are usually only talking about summiting the mountain from the cable car or the more popular Montaña Blanca route. But that’s not really climbing Teide.

The die hard hikers and mountaineers who visit actually climb the volcano from sea level. That means hiking all 3,718 meters (12,198 feet) up to the highest point in Spain. This is not for the recreational hiker!

There are two routes: the Playa de El Socorro and the Camino de Chasna. The Playa de El Socorro starts at the beach bearing that name on the north shore. This is the shorter (and steeper) of the two routes. It generally follows back roads and steep trail up into the Teide National Park, where it intersects the main trail just above Montaña Blanca.

The second route is the Camino de Chasna. This route follows the Camino Real from Puerto de la Cruz to La Orotava, and then the Camino de Chasna from La Orotava up to the Portillo in Teide Park. The route was popularized by the naturalist Alexander von Humboldt over 220 years ago. It’s sometimes called the Humboldt Pilgrimage.

Anyone considering either hike should get specialized topographical maps for Tenerife and plan their route carefully. Again, this is not an easy hike and should not be undertaken casually.

Every winter, professional cyclists from around the world descend on Tenerife for training. For amateur cyclists, the chance to do it like the pros and ride up the volcano in Tenerife can be extremely compelling. Although it probably shouldn’t be attempted unless in excellent physical shape.

For cyclists (and runners) training, Spain’s highest mountain represents both a challenge and opportunity: extreme climbing. The Mount Teide road is one of the longest continual ascents in the world, and the longest in Europe. It is a chance to climb directly from sea level up to one of the tallest volcanoes in the world.

There are three popular routes up the volcano, but the most popular leaves from Los Christianos in the south. This is the steepest and shortest way up the mountain, but also has a few towns and villages along the way in case something should go wrong. There are also trees for the first half of the trip, which can provide shade.

The second route leaves from Puerto de la Cruz and basically fallows the Camino de Chasna. Over half the trip is spent riding past lush vegetation. This is the longest of the three routes up the volcano, but is the least steep (although there are some sections with serious grades).

The third and final route leaves from Los Gigantes on the western end of Tenerife. This route has the least traffic and some of the prettiest landscapes on the entire volcano. Cooling mists on the volcano’s western end are not uncommon.

Visitors who want to test themselves against the mountain now have the chance. One company runs Friday cycling trips up El Teide. They follow the Los Christianos to Vilaflor route – the shortest and steepest. If you want to test your skills, consider booking this cycling ascent of the mountain .

The Mount Teide Cable Car is the top Tenerife attraction and the most popular activity in the national park. The cable car whisks visitors 1,199 meters up the mountain in speed and comfort.

The cable car takes just 8 minutes to make the ascent while taking 44 passengers at a time. The cable car never gets more than about 30 meters above the side of the mountain, so it is perfect for people who have a fear of heights because it never gets very high.

Visitors need a special permit to hike from the upper cable car station to the volcano summit. However, if you don’t have a permit, there are two other good trails to hike near the summit. Trail Number 11 goes to the La Fortaleza Vantage Point for views of Northern Tenerife. Trail Number 12 goes to the Pico Viejo Vantage Point for views of Southern Tenerife and the volcano caldera of Las Cañadas del Teide.

The best way to take the cable car is to pre-book Mount Teide tickets here (for cable car only) or tickets for the cable car, including summit hiking permit . Remember, you should be at the lower cable car station 20 minutes prior to your ticket time. Parking can be difficult, so be sure to see our parking tips below.

There are two ways to reach the summit.

First, most summit hikers do the two-day trip from Montaña Blanca. This trip is divided into three stages. On day 1, complete stage 1 by hiking the Montaña Blanca trail to the Altavista Refuge. From the main road in national park (TF-21 Teide Road), head to the Montaña Blanca trailhead (located at approximately kilometer 40.5 between the lower cable car station and Portillo). On the north side of the road there is a small car park to leave your vehicle. Be sure to sign the hikers log before beginning your trip.

Follow the Montaña Blanca Trail up the mountain (trail number 7). The trailhead is located at 2,348 meters and your goal is the Altavista Refuge at 3,260, where you can spend the night. The route will take you 4.5 kilometers up to the summit of Montaña Blanca, before climbing another 2.6 kilometers up to the Altavista Refuge (this section is EXTREMELY steep). Most hikers will complete this journey in around 5-6 hours. (Both of the hikes from sea level mentioned above intersect the Number 7 Montaña Blanca Trail.)

Sleep overnight at the Altavista Refuge (detailed information on the refuge is below). Remember you need to bring your own food and water. This is basic accommodation (a bunk bed). However, by sleeping at the Altavista Refuge, your summit permit is included (if you are off the summit by 9:00am). You will be one of the lucky few to experience a Mount Teide sunrise.

On day 2, you will get up extremely early (like between 4:00-5:00am) to complete the second stage. After leaving Altavista Refuge, hike the ~1km to La Rambleta cable car station. In the dark, this usually takes most hikers about an hour.

From there, immediately begin stage three (which is the same as if you took the cable car):

The second way to hike the summit is to take the Teide National Park Cable Car to the the upper station, which is called La Rambleta (and this is the third stage if you are hiking the Montaña Blanca trail). This is located at 3,555 and is just below the summit (3,718 meters), the highest point in Spain. That last 163 meters may not seem like much, but it can be a real struggle when you are at extreme elevation and struggling for breath. You’ll slowly make your way up the mountain and past numerous sulfur vents while en route to the summit.

To reach the summit, follow the Telesforo Bravo trail (trail 10) up the mountain. Some hikers are able to make the climb in about 20 minutes, while other people can take over an hour. Whatever your level of fitness, take your time and watch your footing. Loose rocks can be found on the path.

If you want to do the hike from the cable car (and did not sleep at the Altavista Refuge), remember that a permit is required and only 200 permits are issued per day. Request your permit as far in advance as possible! Permit requests can be submitted here . An alternative is to book the guided cable car tour, which includes the permit. Book the cable car guided tour with summit permit here .

Finally, remember after making the summit, you need to get down! You can either hike all the way back down the way you came. Or, you can buy a ticket for the cable car and go back that way.

There are so many more Mount Teide hike options than just number 10 to the summit and number 7 up Montana Blanca. In fact, there are 37 officially designated trail options in the park (many with views of the volcano) covering nearly 400 kilometers of ground.

Since nearly everyone who visits the national park focuses on the volcano cone and the summit, if you decide to hike in the park, you’ll likely have the trail all to yourself!

As popular as the summit and cable care are, stargazing on the volcano may be even more so. Since Tenerife and the Canary Islands are so isolated, it is the perfect location for stargazing! Seeing the stars on Mount Teide is made easier because of the lack of light pollution from area areas and the national park being located well above the marine layer (clouds formed by thermal inversion near the ocean). From the volcano, you can see 83 of 88 constellations with tremendous clarity.

Guided stargazing tours bring visitors up to the national park to look through special telescopes. It is completely different way to enjoy the beauty of the national park. Book stargazing tours of Mount Teide at night here .

Note: If you are self-driving, please be extremely careful descending the mountain in the dark. There are no road lights and many of the turns are extremely tight. Auto accidents are a frequent occurrence at night!

The Teide Observatory is the largest solar observatory in the world. It is possible to visit the observatory on a pre-booked daytime tour (this is a solar observatory). You won’t have access to any of the research telescopes, but they have special telescopes for visitors who can observe the sun. Tour space is limited and it is extremely popular, so if the observatory in Tenerife is on your bucketlist, be sure to book your tour early.

Throughout the national park, you’ll see tourists with cameras pointed up at the volcano cone of Mount Teide. One of the most popular things to do in the national park is to photograph the volcano itself. And why not? It’s incredibly photogenic!

Here are some of our favorite viewpoints:

• Los Poleos: On the west side of Tenerife driving up Teide along TF-38. This is your first good view of the cone rising above the jagged lava rocks.
• Pinar de Chio: On the west side of Tenerife driving up along TF-38. This is a chance to set photos of the cone rising above a forest. The contrast of green against the brown volcano is very nice.
• Montana Las Cuevitas: On the west side of the volcano along TF-38. Good viewpoints near the elevation sign.
• Mirador de las Narices del Tiede viewpoint: On the south end along TF-38. This is view due north of the volcano cone.
• Boca Tauce viewpoint: Located where TF-38 and TF-21 intersect, this is one of the most popular viewpoints in the national park.
• Zapato de la Reina: Located along TF-21, this features some nice rock formations in the foreground of the volcano, however, we actually think the next viewpoint is better.
• Llano de Ucanca: Along TF-21, the rock formations are much closer in the foreground and really set up a nice picture.
• Mirador de Le Ruleta: Along TF-21, this is the most famous rock formation in the national park and also provides great views of the volanco. It is located across the highway from the Parador de Las Cañadas.
• Tabonal Negro: Along TF-21, this pull-off has a good view of the volcano.

The rich, volcanic soil on Tenerife’s volcano produces some very fine and very unusual wine varietals. We recommend visitors to Tenerife stop at the winery, Bodega Reveron . The winery is located on TF-51 between Vilaflor and Arona on your way down towards Los Christianos.

The Reveron winery produces a range of wines, but they excel at fine red wines. The grapes thrive in the hot Spanish sun on the wind-swept slopes of the Teide volcano. If you stop, you can follow in our footsteps: try their wines before buying a bottle to take back to your hotel or holiday rental apartment.

Based on our experience, we put together these tips for visiting the Tenerife volcano:

There are two schools of thought on cable car tickets. The first is that you don’t want to be committed to a trip on a day when the weather may be bad. So, you don’t book tickets ahead and you just show up and buy your tickets that day. However, the downside to this strategy, is that tickets sometimes sell out or you may need to wait at the lower cable car station for a long period of time until lots of tour groups have gone (waits of over two hours are not uncommon, especially during peak season).

The second school of thought is to book your tickets for the Mt. Teide National Park cable car in advance. You can lock in a time, save money, and have certainty about your trip. The downside is that you might end up with tickets for a bad weather day.

So what should a visitor do about Teide tickets? Our recommendation is to book tickets in advance, however, we recommend waiting until 2-5 days before the date to do it. This way, you can check the forecast for the best weather on Mount Teide. You can check the Mount Teide weather forecast here .

If you want to hike to the summit of the volcano peak, you need a Mount Teide permit. You can apply for the Mount Teide Hiking Permit here . Permits go fast, so apply for your permit as far in advance as you can.

An alternative to the permit process is to book a cable car trip with guided tour, which includes the summit permit. Guided tours with summit permits can be booked here . Even if you are unsuccessful in getting a permit, visiting the volcano is still worth it!

There is limited parking along the roads and in the parking lots at the cable car station (GPS location: 28.255055, -16.625664). In fact, there are only 220 parking spots. If you see a spot, grab it, and don’t count on another spot that might be closer. While there is parking along the road up to the cable car station, there can also be traffic jams as buses try to navigate the confined space. Consider parking at the bottom in one of the three carparks and walking up (GPS for the lower lot is 28.255016, -16.621633). It’s a 6-minute walk at a moderate pace.

The parking lots are busiest in the middle of the day. The people in the morning will be coming down and the people for the afternoon will be arriving. This means there is overlap and fewer spaces. Try to plan your arrival for early or later in the day to accommodate this. Do the math: the cable car runs every 8 minutes and holds 44 people, but there are only 220 parking spots. Parking spots go fast!

In the worst-case scenario, you can park for the cable car at the Parador de Cañadas del Teide hotel/visitors center. You should allow approximately 1 hour to walk from the Parador de Cañadas to the Mt. Teide cable car station (it is approximately 4.4 kilometers). It’s not an ideal solution, but you can do it if you have no other options. This means, you should plan to arrive at the cable car early in case you need to try and find parking.

Resist the temptation to just park illegally along the side of the road. The police patrol the area and tickets are common.

Mobile phone service on the mountain can be extremely poor. While we did find we had reception in several places, it was very sporadic. Visitors should not rely on mobile or cellular phone service for navigational purposes or GPS use.

You can either visit as a Teide day trip, or stay overnight on the volcano. If you want to stay overnight, there are two good options:

This bunk house is located on the side of the volanco at an an elevation of over 3,260 meters. The views are absolutely fabulous, and the accommodations are absolutely basic. You’re getting a bunk bed in a communal dormitory. Guests need to arrive between 5:00pm-10:00pm and rooms are allotted at 7:00pm, which is perfect because it will give you a chance to catch the Mount Teide sunset. All guests need to leave by 7:30am, however, if you want to visit the summit for sunrise, you’ll need to leave by about 5:00am.

The Altavista Refuge has only 54 beds and these book far, far in advance. Because guests at the Altavista Refuge get access to the summit before 9:00am, you don’t actually need a permit to stay here. Guests will need to bring all of their own food, which can be cooked in the small kitchen. While this is a no frills option, the chance to visit the summit for sunrise make it worth it and and one of the best accommodations in Tenerife. Check reviews and book a room here .

The Parador de Las Cañadas del Teide is the ideal choice to stay inside the national park and sleep on the volcano. This hotel offers exceptional views of the volcanic cone, caldera, and the breathtaking geography. The hotel has the nicest restaurant in the park and also a swimming pool. However, with a capacity for only 73 guests, rooms here book far in advance. Please note: guests at Parador de Las Cañadas del Teide do not get special access to El Teide mountain or a summit permit. Check reviews and book a room here .

If you want to visit the mountain as an excursion, you can stay anywhere else on Tenerife. The volcano is reachable from every point on Tenerife Island. However, our recommendation would be to stay somewhere on the southwest coast, like Costa Adeje. Check accommodation options in Adeje here .

Located in Portillo Alto about 10 minutes from the cable car, Restaurante Papillon is your best bet for food in Mount Teide National Park. Papillon lacks the large parking lot for the big buses, so it has a slightly more relaxed quality to it. They do get some buses, particularly in the evening, when the “Mount Teide by Night” tours stop here.

These two restaurants on Mount Teide are owned by the same management group and have the same menu. Restaurante La Bamby is located across the street from Papillon and Restaurante el Portillo is located a few kilometers down the road just past the Portillo visitor’s center. Both have large capacities (300+) and big parking lots catering to the motor coaches. However, they turn the food quickly. We ate at La Bamby were pleasantly surprised at the quality. They serve mostly Canarian cuisine, but have a few tapas and pintxos on the menu. It was not the best restaurant in Tenerife, however, it was better than we expected.

The restaurant in the Parador de Las Cañadas del Teide is your best bet for fine dining and a refined meal on the mountain. Food is prepared by an actual chef and is up to the standards you’ll find at any resort. However, on the downside, you do get large tour bus groups and the restaurant hours leave something to be desired. The Parador de Las Cañadas del Teide closes for lunch at 15:30, which is quite early, particularly if you are going up the mountain.

The easiest and most uninspiring option is the snack kiosk and buffet at the lower cable car station. Options are both expensive and limited, although the ice cream is quite good!

If you’re planning a trip, your experience will be greatly enhanced if you come prepared. We recommend bringing:

Camera : The views are second-to-none anywhere in the world. You’ll probably want to capture the moment with a good travel camera. We personally use the Sony RX 100 and the Nikon D-7500 .

Hat, gloves, and warm clothes : It can get cold up on the summit, even in summer. Be sure to pack warm clothes and dress in layers. It seems strange to bring warm clothes to a best destination like Tenerife, but you’ll thank us!

Sunscreen and sunglasses : The sun can be very intense in Tenerife. Be sure to pack sunscreen ! There is almost no shade up on the volcano, so be prepared.

Water bottle : You should bring a large water bottle for your trip. And if you plan on hiking the summit, you should bring a second water bottle. While the temperatures on the summit can be cool, you’ll be exerting lots of energy and you should stay hydrated.

Headlamp : If you are planning to climb up and stay at the Altavista Refuge, you will definitely need a headlamp . To experience sunrise on Mount Teide requires you to leave the refuge well before dawn.

Mount Teide is the volcano on Tenerife, on the Canary Islands (part of Spain ) in the Atlantic Ocean. The volcano is located on the southwestern half of the island.

The height is 3,718 meters (12,198 feet), making it the highest mountain in Spain. A common trivia question is, ‘what is the highest mountain in Spain’ because many people don’t immediately associate the Canary Islands with Spain.

As one of the tallest mountains in the world (as measured from its base), the volcano casts the largest shadow in the world. The perfect triangular shadow is cast on the sea and partly covers the neighboring island of Gran Canaria. Sunset is the most popular time to visit the volcano to try and catch a glimpse of the shadow.

This is an active volcano, although the chances of seeing volcanic activity are very slim. The last eruption was in November 1909.

For years, British tabloid magazines have been predicting an imminent eruption. And it hasn’t happened. Yes, there will be another eruption someday. It could be tomorrow or another 100 years from now. However, the chances of it happening on the exact day you visit are as close to zero as could possibly exist. And the next time a British tabloid predicts an imminent eruption, try to find someone to make a bet. The odds are in your favor.

Lance Longwell is a travel writer and photographer who has published Travel Addicts since 2008, making it one of the oldest travel blogs. He is a life-long traveler, having visited all 50 of the United States by the time he graduated high school. Lance has continued his adventures by visiting 70 countries on 5 continents – all in search of the world’s perfect sausage. He’s a passionate foodie and enjoys hot springs and cultural oddities. When he’s not traveling (or writing about travel), you’ll find him photographing his hometown of Philadelphia.

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Wednesday 22nd of March 2023

Hi, I would like to know what is the best time of day to go to Mt, Teide? Thanks in advance.

Lance Longwell

Tuesday 4th of April 2023

Depends what your goals are. If you want cooler temperatures and fewer people, go first thing in the morning. However, if you want to see the famous Teide Shadow, you have to go at sunset.

Gareth Gosling

Saturday 20th of August 2022

Is it possible to get a What 3 Words location for the car park for the lower cable car station please?

Updated with GPS coordinates. Nobody uses What3Words (and the company sues people who use/publish their proprietary information).

Monday 4th of April 2022

Hi, could I ask, do you know if it is possible to take public transport to the Cable Car Station and if so, where would be the best place to take it from (and stay the night before). TIA

It's possible, but not recommended. The local bus in Tenerife is called the guagua. You can take bus number 348 from Puerto de la Cruz. Or, you can take bus number 342 from Costa Adeje. But the buses are notoriously unreliable and don't really run on a schedule.

Lars Salquist

Monday 17th of January 2022

Hi, Great homepage. If you go up by cable car, how long is the trip back if you go by foot? Best, Lars

Tuesday 18th of January 2022

The hike up is 5-6 hours. The hike back down can be done in as little as 2-3 hours, but most hikers will allow about 4 hours.

Thursday 22nd of July 2021

Thank you so much for all the information about Mt. Teide. It is difficult to find all this helpful information.

5 Top Mount Teide Trips: How to Visit Teide Volcano

By Author Paulina

Posted on Published: March 30, 2019  - Last updated: January 25, 2024

Guide to the best way to visit Mount Teide and the top Mount Teide trips from around the island

Visiting Mount Teide is one of the favorite excursions to do when traveling to the island of Tenerife , and it’s definitely one of the top things to do in Tenerife .

Being the highest mountain in Spain , climbing Mount Teide is for many a question of pride and “collecting climbed peaks”.

However, there are several ways to visit, and depending on your preferences and adventure thirst, you can choose between several Mount Teide trips to explore this natural attraction.

No matter how you visit, seeing this spectacular Mountain in Tenerife will be a highlight of your visit to the island.

Indeed, this is one of the best hikes in Tenerife and no matter what type of traveler you are, there seems to be an adequate way to explore Tenerife’s most popular attraction.

Whether you just want to enjoy the volcano’s glory from far away, or you want the full program with spending a night close to the peak, there is a Mount Teide trip for every level and type of traveler.

There are many amazing outdoor activities in Tenerife – ranging from spectacular hikes to foodie experiences, climbing Mount Teide and experiencing its lunar land is unique in its kind.

But Mount Teide trips are without any doubt one of the top things to do in the Canary Islands.

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Table of Contents

Top resources to travel Tenerife

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The Best Mount Teide Tours

Some of my friends used to say that they felt they were in a “Star Wars” movie when driving through Teide National Park.

And who doesn’t want to experience that feeling at least once in a lifetime?

Mount Teide is one of the best things to do in South Tenerife , but you can easily visit Teide Mountain, Tenerife whether you’re based in the north or south of the island.

• Book here Mount Teide trips from Costa Adeje
• Book here Mount Teide trips from Playa de las Americas
• Book here Mount Teide trips from Santa Cruz
• Book here Mount Teide trips from Puerto de la Cruz
• Mount Teide trips from Los Gigantes

After living in Tenerife for half a year and working in the Spanish and Canarian tourism sector, I gathered this information on the best Mount Teide trips, depending on your travel profile.

Let me know if you enjoyed the climb!

Where to Stay in Tenerife

Tenerife is a small island, so you can easily access Mount Teide from anywhere on the island.

However, I recommend staying in South Tenerife to get the most time out of your Mount Teide climb.

One of the best places to stay in South Tenerife is Costa Adeje, and there are many great hotels in Costa Adeje .

Getting to Mount Teide from Costa Adeje is incredibly easy and climbing Mount Teide is one of the top things to do in Costa Adeje .

If Costa Adeje is not for you, read my full guide on where to stay in Tenerife to find the town that works best for your travel style.

What to wear on Mount Teide

It’s always a question of balance when working out what to wear up Mount Teide. Do you dress for the heat of hiking, or prepare for the colder air at the top?

Fortunately, there are some items that will be helpful however you choose to make your Mount Teide climb. These can be things like:

• Water bottle – you can read my full guide on water bottles for hiking
• Hiking jacket
• Hiking boots – read my full guide on the best hiking boots for women and men
• Hiking gloves
• Hiking pants
• Hiking socks
• Hiking backpack – read my full guides on the best backpacks made from recycled materials and vegan backpack brands
• Buff or another practical neck scarf
• Hiking/walking sticks (not technically a thing you wear per se but definitely handy for the trickier parts)

You can also read my full guides on sustainable travel gear to make sure you’re protecting this beautiful landscape.

• Amazing Vegan Clothing Brands
• Ethical & Sustainable Activewear Brands
• Cool Ethical & Sustainable Swimwear Brands (in case you want to go swimming to cool down afterward!)

Quick Mount Teide Facts

• One of the cool facts about Tenerife is that Mount Teide, with its 3.718 m, is the highest mountain in Spain and Western Europe, outside the Alps.
• If you would measure the full mountain’s height from the sea, Mount Teide would be 7.200 m high and thus the third tallest volcano in the world.
• Mount Teide is still active and its last eruption dates back to 1909.
• Mount Teide has been declared UNESCO World Heritage since 2007.
• Rich flora – Despite the first impression, the surroundings of Mount Teide are fertile, and home to over 168 plants species.
• Mount Teide is considered one of the most beautiful places in Spain .
• Tenerife boasts warm temperatures in winter. It is thus a great place for winter holidays in Spain .

The Mount Teide Shadow

Mount Teide has the tallest shadow in the world projected on the sea at sunset.

That’s why many visit Teide Natural Park at sunset. However, you get the best views when waking up before sunrise and climbing up the peak.

The views on the neighboring island La Gomera are simply breathtaking.

You should definitely take a day trip from Tenerife to La Gomera if you have the time as there are many incredible things to do on the island.

Temperatures on Mount Teide

Make sure to bring warm clothes when you visit Mount Teide. In January, the average temperature is 4°C and in August, 18°C. Nights are even colder, so bring a jacket, even in summer.

The Legend of Mount Teide

The guanches (Tenerife natives) used to say that a powerful creature is living inside the volcano and that it has the power over sun and fire.

If you want to learn more local expressions, read my full guide on how to speak Canarian Spanish .

Mount Teide Excursion for Lazy Travelers and Gourmets

I admit that sometimes, I am not in the mood for adventure.

But the good thing about visiting Mount Teide is that you don’t need to be a proficient climber to enjoy the beauty of this natural attraction.

If you only have limited time at your disposal and can’t, or don’t want to do too much physical effort you can cut the short trip with a car.

I recommend driving by car through the Teide Natural Park to the viewpoint Roques de García .

You can also book a taxi to Mount Teide. I found renting a car in Tenerife particularly cheap and I recommend checking Discover Cars for the best deals.

It is the most visited viewpoint as you get a spectacular view of the volcano and the distinctive rock formation Roque Cinchado .

This view was even printed on the Spanish peseta currency. It’s thus a must to take a picture here.

There is parking space for a few cars, but which can be occupied by buses too.

If you have a bit more time at your disposal and don’t want to leave Teide Natural Park right away.

I recommend lunch or dinner with a view of the emblematic Parador Las Cañadas . Their cuisine serves refined traditional Canarian food.

You can even spend the night in Parador de Las Cañadas del Teide *** and have the Natural Park all for yourself in the early and late hours of the day.

It is considered one of the best Paradores in Spain .

Book here your stay in Parador de Las Cañadas del Teide ***

Mount Teide Trips for Soft Adventurers

If you want to get the feeling to have climbed up Mount Teide without going up to the peak, I recommend taking a ride with the spectacular Mount Teide cable car.

It’s one of the most popular attractions in Tenerife, thus I highly recommend booking your tickets in advance .

It is definitely one of the best ways how to go to Teide, Tenerife, and you can also do a Mount Teide tour with cable car.

I have several friends who couldn’t visit because they didn’t purchase their tickets in advance.

I also recommend going as early as possible (the cable car opens at 9 am).

Book here your fast-track cable car tickets to Teide volcano

The lower cable car station is located at 2.356 m above sea level and already provides jaw-dropping views on the surrounding peaks.

There are parking spots to leave your car (open from 8 am – 6 pm).

The lower station also comes with a souvenir shop and a cafeteria where you can plan your route.

Be ready for the temperature change at the upper station! The ride takes you in 8 minutes up to 3.555 m.

The upper station offers spectacular views and is home to the highest public phone in Spain.

A Mount Teide tour with the cable car is definitely a great option for soft adventurers.

From here, you can decide whether you want to continue your adventure and hike one of the 3 trails:

• Route Nr.10 (40 min, strenuous) –  The route takes you to Spain’s highest peak, passing by La Fortaleza Vantage Point . The route is not easy due to the altitude and the strong sulfur smell. The view from the peak is glorious as you’ll be able to spot other Canarian Islands: La Palma, El Hierro, La Gomera, and with some luck even Fuerteventura and Lanzarote.
• Route Nr.11 (25 min, average) – The route takes you to La Fortaleza Vantage Point from which you’ll enjoy a spectacular view of the northern part of Tenerife and the lush Anaga mountains. The path is flat but due to the latitude, the hike can be very tiring. Don’t underestimate it!
• Route Nr.12 (30 min, average) – The trail takes you to the Pico Viejo Vantage Point from which you’ll be overlooking southern Tenerife. It’s thus the perfect spot to enjoy a view on La caldera , the Pico Viejo crater, and Mount Guajara . From here, you’ll spot La Gomera and La Palma.

Please note that you’ll need a permit to access the Mount Teide peak and crater which is not included in your cable car ticket. You need to apply for a free permit here .

If you want to go hassle-free, I recommend booking your guided hike up to Mount Teide peak from the cable car station (including the special Mount Teide permit).

Book here your hiking tour to Teide

You can also opt to spend the night at the Refugio de Altavista del Teide (very basic, but does the thing), get up early, and enjoy the sunrise at the Mount Teide peak.

You’ll be rewarded with a unique experience during which the enormous shadow falls into the ocean.

They say that it’s the most beautiful sunrise and sunset in Spain.

Book here your bunk bed in the Refugio de Altavista del Teide

How to Visit Mount Teide for Hikers and Adventurers

If you are a proficient hiker, an adventurous spirit, or simply enjoy traveling slow, I highly recommend climbing Mount Teide without using the cable car!

Even if it’s the most demanding way to explore Mount Teide, it will provide you with the impression of nature’s magnitude.

There are several routes to climb Mount Teide, but the most popular one is probably the one starting at Montaña Blanca .

The highly difficult route takes you from 1.367 m to 3.718 m and takes you to the Refugio de Altavista del Teide.

Here, you can spend the night, get up early and experience Spain’s best sunrise at Pico de Teide (the peak).

Please, always make sure to check the weather forecast and Mount Teide weather when preparing for your hike.

The trail will take you along places of geological interest and lava canals to get to the Mount Teide crater.

Wear suitable clothing and footwear and take food and cold drinks. I recommend taking warm layers to ward off the early morning cold.

You should consider that this is a risky outdoor activity, and I recommend getting travel insurance upfront with Safety Wing in case something goes wrong.

It is considered one of the best cheap travel insurance to Spain .

Calculate 6 h to hike up from Montaña Blanca to the Refugio de Altavista del Teide. You may want to descend by cable car.

Don’t forget to book your bunk bed in the Refugio de Altavista del Teide in advance.

Book here your stay at the Refugio de Altavista del Teide

Please, note that you’ll need a permit for Mount Teide to access the peak.

Apply here for a free permit

If you love to hike, don’t forget to hike your way through the Masca Valley hiking trail , which is one of the top things to do in North Tenerife .

Mount Teide Tenerife Trips for Couples

Did you know that visiting Mount Teide can be the ultimate romantic thing to do in Tenerife?

Yes, you heard right! Due to the unique stargazing conditions, you and your beloved one will want to spend hours watching the sky of Tenerife.

Indeed, Tenerife boasts very low light pollution (especially near Mount Teide!) and thus the star-sprinkled sky creates the perfect setting for a romantic excursion by night.

I particularly love visiting Tenerife in October for the stargazing as it’s even less polluted with the tourists gone and not too cold yet.

There are several ways to create this special experience.

Some include dinner and champagne, while others offer a romantic cable car ride at sunset. Mount Teide by night is definitely a very romantic activity.

Here is the selection of my favorite romantic Teide excursions:

• Mount Teide Sunset & Stars with Optional Transfer & Dinner
• Mount Teide Stargazing Experience – Telescope Observations
• Tenerife: Mount Teide Sunset Cable Car Ride
• Teide Night Experience with Dinner and Stargazing

Mount Teide by Night Excursions

If you want to know what is Tenerife famous for , Mount Teide is one of the answers.

Visit Teide National Park during the daytime and visiting Teide Natural Park at night are 2 completely different worlds.

One of my favorite ways to spend my time after work was driving with my work colleagues to Teide Natural Park and laying down on a blanket to observe the stars. Unforgettable memories!

Depending on your interest in astronomy, you can visit the National Observatory and learn more about the stellar constellations in Tenerife’s sky.

The island boasts some of the best stargazing conditions in the world due to its low light pollution and geographic location.

Did you know that the Teide Observatory is the world’s largest solar observatory?

These excursions include a visit to Teide Observatory:

• Mount Teide Observatory Guided Tour  
• Private Tenerife, Teide Tour and Observatory

If you just want to enjoy the experience, I recommend booking a Mount Teide by-night excursion so that you can visit without any hassle or stress.

• Mount Teide Romantic Sunset Stargazing
• Tenerife: Stargazing at Mt. Teide

Make sure to take (several) warm layers to your Mount Teide trips. The surroundings of Mount Teide get very cold at nightfall, even during the summer months!

Visiting Mount Teide by car

When they arrive on Tenerife, many visitors wonder how to get to Mount Teide. Fortunately, you can drive to Mount Teide from either airport on the island.

The main road to Mount Teide is the TF-21, which runs all the way from La Orotava in the north down to Granadillo de Abona in the south.

This will also take you to the Mount Teide cable car for a quicker ascent to the summit.

Trips to Mount Teide by car are short. No point of interest on Tenerife is more than 40 miles from Mount Teide!

Rent a car on Tenerife for a day trip to Mount Teide

Mount Teide trips from las Americas

There are so many activities to add to your El Teide hike.

From a delicious dinner to stargazing under a clear night sky, visiting national parks, or just exploring other parts of the island, you’ll be spoilt for choice.

Sometimes the best way to visit Mount Teide is to dive right into all Tenerife has to offer as well! Choose from such trips from las Americas as:

• Full-day Teide jeep safari
• Romantic sunset and stargazing tour with dinner
• Mount Teide tour with cable car
• Teide national park stargazing experience

Mount Teide trips from Puerto de la Cruz

One of the best things about this Tenerife mountain is that it is centrally located on the island.

That means that it is as easily accessible from the north coast as it is from the south coast.

Anyone staying in or near Puerto de la Cruz still has access to some high-quality tours to Mount Teide, such as:

• Teide and Northern Tenerife: Grand Tour
• Teide and Masca VIP Tour

Did you visit Mount Teide? Let me know how it went in the comment form!

Short FAQ About the Best Mount Teide Trips

Can you climb mount teide.

Yes, you can. Proficient climbers have a choice of several routes, with the most popular being the Montaña Bianca trail. However, it is also the most demanding way to climb Teide as it is entirely on foot.

For those who wish to have an easier time hiking Mount Teide, I recommend taking the cable car to the top.

Either way, be prepared for the increase in elevation and the cooler temperatures at the summit – you will be 3,715m above sea level!

What is the best time to visit Mount Teide?

This will depend on your preference, but in my opinion, the best time for a Mount Teide hike is when the weather is favorable and there are fewer people. This is normally in the May to September period.

Climbing Mount Teide in January will mean lower temperatures and more rainfall, so this would normally be attempted by experienced climbers.

April and October have the sunniest days of the year, as well as higher temperatures.

Can you drive to Mount Teide?

Once you get to the island, you can drive to Mount Teide. Tenerife has a road network that will lead you to Mount Teide from almost anywhere on the island.

Driving from the South Airport takes just over an hour, and driving from the North Airport takes slightly longer.

Those with Mount Teide cable car tickets can park at the cable car station. Parking is available for over 200 vehicles at the lower station and is open from 8am to 6pm. 

Before You Go: Top Tips for your Trip 

• You’ll snap tons of photos and I love to take my  GoPro  in order to shoot even in extreme situations. 
• Make sure to wear comfortable  walking shoes  and  hiking sandals   when traveling to warm countries. Consider trying some of these eco-friendly vegan hiking boots .
• Sunscreen is key! I always take with me my  eco-friendly sunscreen   by Thinksport.
• I always carry a  light rain jacket ,  just in case. Pack smart with these organic cotton clothing companies .
• Be environmentally friendly and get one of these awesome backpacks made from recycled materials .
• Get in the mindset with these amazing wilderness survival books .
• Travel insurance is essential! If you haven’t already obtained travel insurance for your trip, travel is protected against all odds with  HeyMondo .

Hola! I’m Paulina, a seasoned travelette who crossed the Atlantic Ocean by Boat HitchHiking. On my blog, find expert insights for an extraordinary holiday through outdoor and sustainable travel like hiking, cycling, and sailing. Let’s embark on unforgettable journeys together! 🌍🚀

How to Visit Mount Teide, Tenerife [by Car, Cable Car, Hike]

Home | Travel | Europe | Spain | Canary Islands | Tenerife | How to Visit Mount Teide, Tenerife [by Car, Cable Car, Hike]

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One of the most common questions people have when taking a trip to Tenerife is how to visit Mount Teide . This famous volcano is the tallest peak in the Canary Islands and all of Spain, reaching nearly 12,190 feet above sea level. It’s in Teide National Park, the best national park in Spain and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Visiting it is considered one of the best things to do in Tenerife .

So, if you’re traveling to the Canary Islands, specifically Tenerife, you should definitely hike up Mount Teide, a must-do activity in Spain . I know that this excursion can be intimidating, so in this guide, I’ll explain everything you should know and share the best ways to visit Mount Teide .

The first thing you should know is that you can climb Mount Teide on your own, or you can book one of the tours in Tenerife that goes to this mountain. In this article, I’ll tell you all the options so you can choose the one that suits your fitness level, budget, and preferences.

How to visit Mount Teide

During our trip to Tenerife , we decided to walk up Mount Teide on Trail 7, or the Montaña Blanca route, and spend the night in the Altavista Refuge. It was the most incredible experience, especially since we could watch the sunrise from the summit. I only recommend this if you have one week in Tenerife or more. Otherwise, there are other more suitable ways to visit Mount Teide.

You can hike up Teide mountain on your own, or you can drive or take the cable car, so there are options for all travelers.

Go up Mount Teide by cable car

Taking the cable car up Mount Teide is the most comfortable way, and it’s the option that most visitors choose.

The cable car station is located 7,730 feet above sea level and connects to La Rambleta, which is at an altitude of 11,660 feet. If you want to reach the top of Teide volcano, you’ll have to complete the remaining 530 feet or so on foot.

Moreover, the cable car goes over an area of the mountain where the terrain is very uneven, which is why it’s one of the most popular ways to climb Mount Teide . The trip lasts a little less than 10 minutes, so you can sit back and enjoy the beautiful view of Teide mountain and its surroundings.

If you want to go up the volcano by cable car, I recommend booking your ticket in advance here .

In case you also want to hike to Mount Teide’s summit, you must get a permit , which you’re responsible for obtaining.

Climb Mount Teide on your own

If you’re in good physical shape and enjoy hiking, you can walk up Mount Teide .

There are several hiking routes that you can take to visit Mount Teide . We did Trail 7 , or Montaña Blanca trail, which is one of the most popular hikes in Tenerife. It starts at the base of the White Mountain, quite close to the cable car station. From here, you have to hike about 5 miles to reach La Rambleta, which is 11,660 feet above sea level.

It’s a challenging route, with about a mile of elevation gain, so it’s not recommended for people in poor physical condition, or who aren’t used to hiking in the mountains.

Once at La Rambleta, you’ll find several more paths, such as Trail 10 or Telesforo Bravo , which leads to Mount Teide ’s peak. It’s a short trail, just 1,970 feet long, but it’s quite difficult due to the 656-foot elevation gain. To take this trail, you’ll need to request a permit in advance since only 200 people can enter this area each day.

There are also other trails I recommend in the area: Trail 11 , which leads to the Mirador de la Fortaleza, and Trail 12 to the Mirador del Pico Viejo. From the Mirador de la Fortaleza, you’ll get incredible views of the southern part of the island, while you can see the northern region from the Mirador del Pico Viejo. These two trails are perfect if you want to climb Teide without a permit .

If you prefer to climb Teide mountain with a guide, I recommend this full-day hiking tour , which includes the permit. Remember, you’ll need to get the permit to climb Teide if you’re going to hike on your own.

Visit Mount Teide by car

If you’re looking for another option, you can drive up Mount Teide by car. While you won’t be able to reach the peak by driving, you can go to the foot of the volcano, where the cable car station is located. The parking lot in this area is free, so be sure to park there to avoid any violations or related problems.

If you have your heart set on going to the summit of Mount Teide in Tenerife , you must hike or take the cable car. However, if you choose this way, you won’t be able to reach the peak.

Visit Mount Teide by car –  Efrén Yanes

There are several roads that you can use to drive up Mount Teide , so no matter which part of the island you’re in, you can get there without any issues. The best options from the south are Vilaflor Road (TF-21) and Chío Road (TF-38), which is ideal for people who get carsick on curvy roads. If you’re going to visit Mount Teide, Tenerife from the north, take La Esperanza Road (TF-24) or La Orotava Road (TF-21).

Even if you don’t go to the summit, the surroundings of the Teide volcano , also called Las Cañadas del Teide, is one place you can’t miss, and you can easily get there by car. This area was created after several volcanic eruptions, so it’s a unique mix of a desert landscape and peculiar rock formations, like the Roques de García. Also, during the spring, you can see the tajinaste rojo , or tower of jewels, a plant that only grows under specific conditions. Best of all, from here you can appreciate how high Mount Teide is !

Permit to climb Mount Teide in Tenerife

You’ll need a permit to climb Mount Teide’s Peak  unless you book a tour that already includes it.

To access the summit, you must take Trail 10 (Telesforo Bravo), which connects La Rambleta with the mountain peak. You can only complete this journey on foot, and you must have a special permit to be granted access. Be aware that, to protect this natural place, there is a daily limit of 200 hikers who can reach the summit.

The good news is that the permit is free and you can request it through this link , where you’ll have to select a day, time slot, and the number of people in your group. I strongly recommend applying for the permit in advance since, during high season, they sold out three months in advance.

Once you’re at Mount Teide, Tenerife, you must present your permit receipt, or you’ll be denied access to the peak.

How to Climb Teide without a permit

If you want to climb Mount Teide, Tenerife without a permit, be aware that you’ll only be able to get to La Rambleta. In other words, you won’t have access to Trail 10, so you won’t be able to reach the peak. Of course, the views from La Rambleta are gorgeous, and you’ll still have access to Trail 11 and Trail 12, where you can enjoy impressive panoramas from La Fortaleza and Pico Viejo viewpoints.

Climbing to the peak of Mount Teide without permission –  Efrén Yanes

Also, if the permits to climb Mount Teide are unavailable, another option is to book a tour to Teide that includes the permit or to spend the night in the Altavista Refuge.

If you’re going to stay at this refuge, you’ll be able to access the summit at dawn to see the sunrise. However, since you’ll be without a permit, you’ll have to leave the peak before 9:00 am. This is actually how we were able to do our Mount Teide climb without a permit.

What do you need to climb to the peak of Mount Teide?

Now that you know the different ways to access and request the permit to climb Teide , I’ll share some other important tips.

Check if you can climb Teide mountain today

Before you climb Teide, Tenerife , check this website to see if the volcano is accessible on the day of your visit.

This website will show you if the facilities are open, including the cable car, parking lot, and observatory. You’ll also be able to see the current status of the trails and roads.

While it’s not common, there are times when the weather conditions or a fire risk forces the Mount Teide facilities or trails to close. That’s why I recommend checking on the day of your hike or drive to see if it’s possible to make the trip.

Best clothes to visit Mount Teide

Without a doubt, it’s best to wear warm clothing when climbing Mount Teide in Tenerife . Most visitors to the island bring spring/summer clothes since the temperatures here are higher for most of the year. However, when you’re over 12,000 feet above sea level, the temperature is very different! Also, make sure to wear comfortable hiking shoes or boots, especially if you’re going to hike Mount Teide .

When is the best time to climb to the peak of Teide mountain?

The optimal time to hike on Mount Teide is during the spring and autumn months. In winter, the temperatures are much colder at the peak, and snowfall can make it impossible to access. Summer isn’t a terrible time to go, but it will be much warmer, which can make the walk a bit tedious.

As for the best time to climb the Teide volcano , many travelers say that the hours between 12 pm and 4 pm are best because there are fewer tourists. Yet, for us, the best time is before dawn so we can watch the sunrise from the summit.

El Teide Refuge, a magical place to sleep on Teide mountain

Spending the night in the Teide refuge is an incredible experience. We were lucky, although we had to book in advance, to stay overnight here, and we had a wonderful time.

The Altavista Refuge has a capacity for up to 54 people and reservations are limited to one night per guest. The accommodation provides bedding, and there is a small kitchen, but you’ll want to bring water and food since there isn’t a restaurant, just some vending machines. Also, the refuge has toilets, but no showers, so it’s mostly just a place to spend the night.

If you stay at Altavista, you’ll be able to see the spectacular starry sky and one of the most striking sunrises on the island. Moreover, if you get to the peak of Mount Teide before 9:00 am, you can access the area without applying for a permit. Just be sure to leave the summit before 9:00 am.

You can reserve a night at Altavista here . Of course, if you don’t want to stay there, you can go to the Parador de Las Cañadas del Teide , which is right next to the Teide volcano and is one of the best places to stay in Tenerife .

Best tours to hike Mount Teide

For those who don’t want to explore Mount Teide by car , or who haven’t been able to get a permit to the peak, there are several great climbing tours available. These excursions are also what I recommend if you’re not sure how to climb Mount Teide and want a guide. While there are many options, these are the best tours:

• OPTION 1 : Tour with cable car ride + access to the summit
• OPTION 2 : Tour with cable car ride from the north (also from the south )
• OPTION 3 : Tour of the Cañadas del Teide from the north (also from the south )
• OPTION 4 : Hiking tour to climb Mount Teide following the Montaña Blanca trail

As you can see, the tours depart from both northern and southern Tenerife, and there are options with or without the cable car ride, depending on how much you want to hike. If you want to know more about the best excursions on Mount Teide , you can take a look at our guide.

That’s everything from me! Now you have all the information you need to visit Mount Teide and reach the highest peak in the Canary Islands. Have a safe trip and enjoy your ascent to Teide!

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14 replies on “ How to Visit Mount Teide, Tenerife [by Car, Cable Car, Hike] ”

How long is the hike from the end of the cable car to the summit?

Thank you for all your useful information.

Hi Karen, After you get off the cable car, you can hike to Mount Teide ‘s summit on foot. It’s a short hike (530 ft/162 m). Ascen

Hi, Just like to know that can we walk up to the upper cable car station from the lower cable car station? If so, how long does it take each way?

Hi Eva, You can do the hike instead of riding the cable car. However, it’s not an easy hike (about 5 miles to reach La Rambleta).

A follow up if I may to my already answered question and thank you for that…

“Maybe an obvious question but can you hike up to the crater (with a permit of course) then down to upper cable car station and use the cable car to get down. Reducing the hike to 6 miles or so I believe. I never see anyone mention this option.”

so Ascen, you said you did this but we’d like to do it in one day. Meaning not staying overnight at the refuge. Is this doable?

Hi, Yes, you can, but it depends on your timing since the Teide cable car usually closes in the early evening. That’s why we opted to stay overnight; we could rest and then see a spectacular sunrise the next morning. 🙂 If you want to do it in one day, make sure you get an early start!

Hello, Maybe an obvious question but can you hike up to the crater (with a permit of course) then down to upper cable car station and use the cable car to get down. Reducing the hike to 6 miles or so I believe. I never see anyone mention this option.

Of course, you can do that, and that is what we did last time. Hiking up, staying at the refuge, seeing the sunrise from the peak, and getting down by cable car. I think that is the best way to visit Mount Teide.

Hello, we are two people who want to climb mount Teide and stargaze, but not spend the entire night. Which is the best posible way to get down the mountain after sunset? Thank you!

We did the same plan a few years ago and the best option is to spend the night at Refugio Altavista, which is very close to the summit.

You can find more information here .

can i buy tickets to the cable car on site, or do i need to book in advance, for august? also, is it possible to take the cable car up, and then hike down Tiede? thanks.

If you’re traveling in August (high season) I recommend booking the ticket for the cable car in advance. And yes, you can hike down Teide. It will take you around 4 hours or so.

Let me know if you have any other questions, Ascen

Hello, We are in 2 people and we would like to climb El Teide with a guide. Is it possible with you guys? Thank you

We don’t run this tour ourselves, but can recommend you the best tour companies to climb El Teide. If you want to hike the whole volcano, then this tour is the best option; if you prefer to use the cablecar and hike the last section, then take this one .

Let me know if you have any questions! Ascen

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1. Mt. Teide and Masca Valley Tour in Tenerife

2. Off-Road Quad Tour from Woodlands to Volcanic Heights

3. Tenerife: Quad Adventure Teide Tour

4. Teide by Night: Sunset & Stargazing with Telescopes Experience

5. Small Group Teide National Park Volcanic and Forest Wonders

6. Monster Quad Teide Tour

7. Sunset & Stargazing Experience From Teide

8. Buggy tour to Teide in Tenerife

9. Mount Teide Tour with Transfer and Optional Cable Car Ticket

10. Tenerife Volcano Quad Tour

11. Buggy Safari Adventure 700cc

12. Volcano Teide National Park Guided Tour from Puerto de la Cruz - Tenerife North

13. Tenerife Teide National Park Tour including Volcano Teide and Masca

14. Mount Teide Summit Hiking Activity By Night

15. Sunset and Stars at Teide National Park

16. Teide National Park

17. Astronomical Observation Tour in Teide Tenerife

18. Around Tenerife in One Day

19. VOLCANO TEIDE NATIONAL PARK Half-Day in a small group by bus

20. Private Shore Excursion in Tenerife from your Cruise Ship

21. 6-Hour Tour with Observation of the Stars 1242 with Lunch

22. Self Driving Sunset and Stargazing in Teide National Park

23. Buggy Tour Volcano Teide By Day in Teide National Park

24. Teide road bike climb from PdC

25. Private VIP Tour Tenerife Magic Circle

26. Tenerife VIP Tour

27. Custom Private Full-Day Tour into the Heart of Tenerife

28. Teide Tenerife´s jewel

29. Private 8-hour shore excursion to El Teide + Cable Car with guide and driver

30. Teide 1/2 Day

What travellers are saying.

• Mt. Teide and Masca Valley Tour in Tenerife
• Teide by Night: Sunset & Stargazing with Telescopes Experience
• Tenerife: Quad Adventure Teide Tour
• Sunset & Stargazing Experience From Teide
• Small Group Teide National Park Volcanic and Forest Wonders

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Teide stars, teide stars tours, teide sunset & stars.

Frequently Asked Questions

What will we see?

Depending on the season we will be able to see 83 of the 88 constellations in the sky.

We will take a tour of the sky using a laser pointer starting from the constellation of Orion, the Big Dipper and the Little Bear, among others, following the constellations of the zodiac that can be seen above the horizon.

We will identify the most significant stars such as the North Star and Sirius for example. We will see its clusters and nebulae through the telescope.

Depending on the season of the year, we will be able to observe Saturn and its rings, Jupiter and its Moons, and Venus and Mars through the telescope.

At sunset On Teide, one of the 3 wonders of the world is shown before us, the immensity of the Universe.

Improved experience

The activity is carried out for small groups of people, allowing all attendees to observe the different objects. Without rushing or queuing to observe through the telescope, you can repeat it as many times as you want.

Have you run out of space?

Places are limited to guarantee a better experience. If you do not have a place for the desired date, you can register at the footer of the page to receive notifications of dates released due to customer cancellations.

How is it paid?

Payment is 100% secure and is made by credit card.

How will be the weather like?

Remember that when ascending to 2000 meters above sea level, temperatures will drop to 0-5 degrees.

Do I wear long pants?

It is not allowed to come in shorts or shorts, long pants are essential to enjoy the outdoor experience.

Do I wear warm clothes?

It is advisable to bring a coat or jacket to carry out the activity outdoors without having to be cold.

What shoes do I wear?

It is not allowed to come with sandals or shoes. It is recommended to come with sneakers or boots

Can I change the date?

You can change the date of your Tour as long as there is at least 72 Hours notice of the activity date.

Can I cancel?

Cancellation is free as long as it is done 48 hours before the scheduled day of your Tour

Can I bring my pet?

It is not allowed to bring pets to the Tours because we cannot keep them in optimal conditions, we apologize for the inconvenience.

Meeting Point

THE meeting point for the tours will be the national parador at the time specified in each tour.

Punto de Encuentro

EL punto de encuentro de los tours se especifica en cada uno de los tours, es diferente dependiento de la experiencia contratada

what can we see?

Saturn and the planets, to the moon, the milky way, cumulus clouds, the planets, artificial satellites, shooting stars, the andromeda galaxy, "the day is beautiful, the night sublime".

Immanuel Kant

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Teide National Park Tour

Teide National Park is a unique place in Tenerife, Canary Islands. This is the highest peak in Spain ; its 3718-meter high turns it into the most-visited national park in the country and in Europe, with more than 4 million visitors every year .

Since 2007, it has also been declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO , not only for being the highest point but also for its unique biodiversity and its richness in terms of landscape and ecology.

At the end of the day, these are the reasons why this exceptional park is the major source of tourist income for Tenerife. On the other hand, the trip itself is quite nice and very useful to appreciate the tranquility of the landscape and its surroundings. At the same time, and as you go higher, you get more and more familiar with the landscape and climate; you can also better appreciate the views or rock formations of El Llano de Ucanca, such as Roques de García . However, it is not to forget that Teide is a park that can also be affected by sudden climate changes, all year round, and it is necessary to be particularly cautious during winter months. Nevertheless, this is an excursion which is ideal for families.

Volcano trip’s details:

We can reach Teide National Park from the southern slope of the island, after a walk across the Canary Islands pine forest and the village of Vilaflor , the highest town in Spain. Then, we get to Cañadas del Teide with its huge 17-km diameter caldera. It is home to wonderful and diverse landscapes with on one side, a moon-like scenery, on the other, rock formations included in the UNESCO World Heritage list, and, at the back, the summit of Mount Teide, the highest peak in Spain and third largest volcano in the world with its 3718-meter high . We then reach the base of the cable car; you can use it as an option to get to an altitude of 3500 meters. Be careful, at such high altitude, temperature can drop very low, so if you are planning to take a cable car ride, do not forget to bring warm clothes. After having admired the view over the whole Ucanca valley, we descend along the Southwestern slope, which boasts a very distinctive landscape and gives you a feeling of walking on the Moon …

The child rate is valid for 2 to 11 years. Free for babies.

Tour Reviews

I guess you don’t pick up in Santa Cruz?

There is pick up from the north: Puerto de la Cruz, Santa Ursula y Santa Cruz.

Los servicios de nuestra guía Míriam fueron excelentes. Muchas gracias

He viajado con esta compañía en una excursión al teide etc. Y me ha encantado el chofer muy profesional y muy amable de aquí le dejamos un saludo Sr.Manuel y también al señor Claus el guía turístico un encanto muchas gracias por todo y por el paseo magnífico. Bsss Aida y Andre .

No hay acceso desde el norte? Desde santa Cruz

Buenas tardes, hay posibilidad desde Puerto de la Cruz o desde el Sur. Tendreis que coger un bus para llegar a la zona de recogida. No duden en llamarnos para cualquier pregunta.

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TEIDE BY NIGHT®

Stargazing tenerife, south zone pick up, north zone pick up.

A UNIQUE STARGAZING

Discover the highest mountain of spain.

In 2007  UNESCO  declared the  Teide National Park  a  World Heritage site  for its special cultural, historical and scientific significance. The scenery here is truly amazing, stunning rock formations stand out against the impressive Mount Teide. The environmental conditions are said to be very similar to that of Mars making the National Park a perfect landscape to film  blockbuster movies .  Mount Teide by night  is one of the best spots in the world for stargazing, a magical location where the night sky will leave you completely speechless.

Dinner at the highest restaurant in National Park Teide

An amazing place to celebrate those special moments, birthdays, anniversaries or just being in Tenerife join our Teide by Night team on this unique and unforgettable  Teide  Stargazing Tour .

TEIDE BY NIGHT

Starlight certified excursion.

Live a unique Stargazing Experience in Tenerife

Teide by night excursion, join our teide by night team on this unique and best stargazing tour, your stargazing tour in tenerife.

Starlight Certified

Sustainable

Elegant Excursions is a company adhering to the Sustainability Charter for Nature Activities in Tenerife Tourism

MOUNT TEIDE NIGHT TOUR

1 | Pick up

We pick you up at the closest pick-up point to your hotel. Check our map of collection points at the time of booking.

2 | Selective stops

To be able to relax, enjoy the views and landscapes as well as the possibility of taking special photos.

3 | Specialized information

Discover lunar landscapes of the  Mount Teide National Park , surrounded by lava flows, your professional guide will give you lots of interesting information about Tenerife and Teide’s National Park.

As darkness covers the landscape and the sun sets, we toast to this incredible moment with a glass of Cava.

A delicious three course meal with wine and water at one of the  highest restaurants  in Spain.

6 | Stargazing Tour

Our  professional guide  will draw a map of the night sky for you, where the constellations and stars will be named and explained. You will also enjoy the deep sky through our telescope.

Drop off. We will return to the collection point (Tour is around 9 hours).

TENERIFE STARGAZING EXPERIENCE

How do i know collection time and pick up point, do excursions finish at the same place of departure, where do you collect the customers.

If you are not sure, please do not hesitate to send us an email to clarify the location of the Pick up point.

Do you offer excursions in different languages?

During the tour to el teide, is there time to ascent to the top, which kind of clothing do you recommend, does teide by night include dinner, can we book seats on the bus, do the buses provide toilets, do the buses provide infant car seats.

No, the buses do not provide these seats.

If I have any intolerance / allergy can they adapt the menu?

Where to stargaze in tenerife, can i see the milky way from the mount teide stargazing activity.

The mesmerizing sight of the  Milky Way  stretching across the sky is an unforgettable experience.

What is the best month of the year for stargazing from Mount Teide in Tenerife?

During this time, the skies are clearer, and the  Milky Way’s  core is more visible from the  Northern Hemisphere . Additionally, meteor showers, such as the  Perseids  in August, can provide an even more spectacular celestial display. Nonetheless,  Mount Teide  offers excellent  stargazing experiences  throughout the year.

Stargazing Tenerife Blog

Discover the Magic of Stargazing in Tenerife!

Apr 23, 2024 | Tenerife Stargazing en

Our guests have shared their exceptional experiences on the Teide by Night tours, making it clear why this is a must-do activity when visiting Tenerife. From the initial breathtaking sunset over the island’s unique landscapes to the thrilling celestial display at night, our tours offer an unparalleled adventure under the stars. 

Stargazing and Camping: A Night Under Tenerife’s Stars

Apr 19, 2024 | Tenerife Stargazing en

Tenerife, the largest of Spain's Canary Islands, is renowned not just for its beautiful beaches and vibrant culture but also as one of the world's premier destinations for stargazing. The unique...

Meteor Showers in Tenerife: A Celestial Spectacle

Mar 7, 2024 | Tenerife Stargazing en

Tenerife, the largest of Spain's Canary Islands, is renowned not only for its breathtaking landscapes and unique biodiversity but also as a prime location for...

Ultimate Guide to Stargazing in Teide

Feb 17, 2024 | Tenerife Stargazing en

Ultimate Guide to Stargazing in Teide:  Where Stars Shine Brightest for Stargazing Activity Las Cañadas del Teide in Tenerife is an ideal site for stargazing due to a combination of factors that...

Unveiled: Top 5 Thrilling Best Adventure Excursions in Tenerife!

Dec 11, 2023 | Tenerife excursions

Hello, fellow adventurers!. As an experienced guide in the captivating landscapes of Tenerife, I’m excited to take you through the top 5 most thrilling and unforgettable excursions on this beautiful island. Tenerife, known for its diverse landscapes and rich marine life, offers a variety of adventures that cater to everyone’s taste. Let ‘s dive in!.

Exclusive Offer: Discover Unforgettable Family Excursions in Tenerife!

Nov 16, 2023 | Tenerife Stargazing en

Best Familiar excursions in Tenerife Welcome to a world of adventure and excitement in Tenerife!. Our specially curated excursions are designed to offer a diverse range of thrilling experiences for...

• Teide Weather

Teide Observatory Tours and Excursions

Guided teide observatory tours.

Along with Chile and Hawaii, the Canary Islands are one of the three best spots on Earth to observe the sky, which is why the Teide Observatory can be found here, in Tenerife.

Guided daytime visit to the Teide Observatory

Astronomic tour to teide including a visit to the observatory, guided visit of the teide observatory especially for families.

Located at an altitude of 2,390 m, the Teide Observatory has drawn in the best European solar telescopes and it can boast of being the largest solar observatory in the world.

Managed by the Canary Islands Institute of Astrophysics , the Teide Observatory began to operate in 1964 and focuses on solar observations and robotic astronomy.

Guided Teide Observatory tours

The Teide Observatory is the largest solar observatory in the world and at Volcano Teide we are proud to offer a range of guided Teide Observatory tours and activities which are suitable for all types of visitors: from astronomy lovers, couples and families to Spanish schools that want to discover the secrets of this scientific institution which contributes to the field of science with an average of one scientific publication per day.

Our Teide Observatory excursions are the most scientific guided Teide Observatory tours, during which you will learn all about astronomy. Visit the inside of a professional telescope and observe the Sun through portable solar telescopes on a Teide Observatory tour.

You can visit the Teide Observatory either independently, arriving by car, or on one of our guided Teide Observatory tours for small groups—which help you avoid the overcrowding found on the routine excursions—such as the Teide Tour, our excursion which includes a Teide Observatory tour during the day, or the Astronomic Tour, the 2-in-1 Mount Teide Observatory tour for astronomy enthusiasts, which in addition to an afternoon Teide Observatory tour also includes a stargazing session using long-range telescopes at the Teide cable car base station, at an altitude of 2,356 m.

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Our 20 Best Moscow Tours of 2022

Join us on an unforgettable tour to Moscow, the capital of Russia. Imagine visiting Red Square, St. Basil’s the Kremlin and more. Moscow is one of Europe’s most vibrant cities and one of Russia’s most historical. All of our tours to Moscow are fully customizable and can be adjusted to fit any budget. Our most popular tours are listed below. Please click on the tour details to learn more or contact us for more information about our Moscow tours using the form at the side of the page. You can also schedule a call with one of our Russian travel specialists to learn more.

Classic Moscow

This is our most popular Moscow tour that includes all the most prominent sights. You will become acquainted with ancient Russia in the Kremlin, admire Russian art in the Tretyakov Gallery, listen to street musicians as you stroll along the Old Arbat street, and learn about Soviet times on the Moscow Metro tour.

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A Week in Moscow

This tour is a perfect choice for those who wish to get to know Moscow in depth. One of the highlights of this package is the KGB history tour which gives an interesting perspective on the Cold War. You will also have time for exploring the city on your own or doing extra sightseeing.

Weekend in Moscow

This tour is a great way to get acquainted with the capital of Russia if you are short of time. You will see all the main attractions of the city, the most important of which is the Kremlin - the heart of Russia. The tour starts on Friday and can be combined with a business trip.

Group Tour Moscow Break by Intourist

Russia's capital has so much to offer, from the Kremlin and the Metro to the Old Arbat street and the Tretyakov Gallery. Besides these sites, you will also visit a fascinating country estate which today is quite off the beaten path, Gorky Estate, where the Soviet leader Lenin spent the last months of his life.

Kolomenskoye Tour with transport

The history of Kolomenskoye stretches back for centuries. In 1380, Dmitri Donskoi’s army passed through Kolomenskoye on their way to the Kulikovo battlefield, and it was...

Tours by car

Kremlin, Red Sq., Cathedrals & Armory Tour

The Kremlin is truly a fascinating structure, at the same time it is an ancient tower, the city’s former military fortification, a palace, an armory, the sovereign treasury...

Walking tours

Kremlin, Red Sq., Cathedrals, Armory, Diamond Fund Tour

Old Arbat walking tour

You will be told of the street’s interesting history and view the street’s artisan culture. You will also have the opportunity to view and purchase souvenirs from the...

Tour to Sergiev Posad with transport

Considered by some to be the Russian Vatican, Sergiev Posad is the temporary residence of the Patriarch of the Russian Orthodox Church. The Trinity St. Sergius Monastery (Lavra)...

Tour to Kuskovo with transport

The Kuskovo Estate often called the Moscow Versailles due to its perfectly preserved French park, is an example of an 18th century, luxurious Moscow summer residence. Its history...

Tour to Tsaritsyno with transport

The Tsaritsyno Estate is located in the southern part of Moscow. The estate was constructed for Catherine the Great by the Russian architects Bazhenov and Kazakov in a romantic...

Moscow Metro and Old Arbat Tour

The Moscow Metro is one of the largest and most grandly built metro systems in the world. It was meant to be a showcase of the Soviet Union’s achievements for both the Russians...

Vodka Museum Tour with transport (excursion and vodka tasting)

Vodka is an important component of Russian life, an element of national identity and everyday culture. We invite you to visit the Vodka Museum and feel the atmosphere of long-gone...

Mikhail Bulgakov Apartment Museum

This apartment museum located close to Patriarch Ponds became the prototype of the "bad apartment" described in the novel "The Master and Margarita." Currently the museum's...

Kremlin, Red Sq., Cathedrals & Diamond Fund Tour

The State Museum of Lev Tolstoy Tour

Take this opportunity to learn more about the Russian writer Lev Tolstoy. During the visit to the museum you will see part of a vast collection of exhibits connected to Tolstoy...

Novodevichy Convent Tour with transport

Tour of the Novodevichy Monastery. Founded in 1524 by Grand Prince VasiliIoanovich, the original convent was enclosed by fortified walls and contained 12 towers. The structure...

City Tour with Visit to St. Basils & Red Sq. with transport

Panoramic City Tour. This Moscow tour is a great start to your trip and the best way to get acquainted with many of the city’s major highlights. Our professional guide will...

City Tour of Moscow

Head to the heart of Moscow with a professional guide on a 4-hour private walk through the city center. See Tverskaya and Old Arbat streets, Theatre Square with the world-famous...

Moscow Metro walking tour

Kremlin, Red Square and Cathedrals Tour

KGB Tour with transport

This is a very interesting and insightful tour. You will visit places connected with Stalin’s terror - a time of great repression and fear. You will be shown monuments to...

Soviet and Post-Soviet Moscow Tour

The tour begins with a drive or walk down Tverskaya Street – a Soviet masterpiece. In the years of Soviet power, Tverskaya began to undergo a transformation: it was widened...

Tretyakov State Gallery Tour

This world-famous gallery contains masterpieces of Russian art beginning in the 10th century up until today. You will view exquisite Russian icons and paintings from the 18th and...

Jewish Heritage of Moscow Tour

This tour offers a detailed look into the history and present-day life of the Jewish community of Moscow. On the tour, you will visit sites connected with the cultural and religious...

Vodka Museum Tour with transport (excursion only)

Lena, our guide in Moscow was excellent. She was very knowledgable and could answer any question we had for her. We liked that she could pick up on our interests and take us places we might not have thought of to go. When we realized that one of the places we had chosen to see would probably not be that interesting to us, she was able to arrange entry to the Diamond Fund and the Armoury for us. Riding the Metro with Lena was a real adventure and a lot of fun. In Saint Petersburg we found Anna well versed in the history of the Tsars and in the Hermitage collection. Arkady in Veliky Novgorod was a very good guide and answered all of our questions with ease. Novgorod was perhaps a long way to go for a day trip, but we did enjoy it. Vasily was a great driver to have and kept us safe with good humour and skill. We enjoyed ourselves so much, my daughter says she is already planning to return. We would both have no hesistation to recommend ExpresstoRussia to anyone we know.

Just wanted to let you know that My grandson Bruno and I couldn´t have been more pleased with our week in Moscow (6/15 - 6/21). We were absolutely enchanted with the whole experience, including getting lost a couple of times in the Metro during our free time. Although both our guides (both Eleanas) were excellent, I would particularly commend the first one (she took us to the Tatiakov, the KGB tour, and to that beautiful cemetery where so many great Russian artists, authors, composers, musicians, militarists, and politicians are buried). Her knowledge is encyclopedic; and her understanding of today´s Russia as a product of its past was, for us, truly enlightening. I will be taking another tour in Russia, with my wife, within the next two or three years. I will be in touch with you when the time comes. Meanwhile, I will refer you to other potential visitors to Russia as I meet them.

Tours to Moscow

Our Moscow tours are land only meaning that you arrange your own air travel to Russia and our expert staff meets you at the airport and handles everything else from there. Our online Airline Ticket booking system offers some of the most competitive rates to Russia available on the web so if you need tickets, please visit our Russian air ticket center . Rest assured that you will be taken great care of on one of our Moscow tours. Express to Russia has a fully staffed office in Moscow that will help to make your visit fun, informative and unforgettable. Please remember that of all these tours are private and can be adjusted to your taste. You can add, replace or skip some sights; you can add more days to the package or cut the tour short. Our specialists will be glad to help you create the tour of your dreams!

Moscow, a City Like No Other

Moscow is Russia’s largest city with a population of between 12 and 13 million. It is also Europe’s largest city and when you visit Moscow, you can feel it. The layout and architecture of the city is eclectic, ranging from crooked, ancient streets and alleyways to wide, bustling boulevards, from medieval churches to Stalin skyscrapers and to modern, glass buildings towering over everything and of course in the center of it all is the Kremlin and the magnificent Red Square. Moscow is also home to a fantastic, efficient and very beautiful metro system – each station having its own special design. In fact, Express to Russia’s Moscow metro tours and excursions are some of our most popular attractions that we offer. On our Moscow tours, you will see this and more.

Moscow Tours centering on Russian History

Moscow has a long and interesting history and has been the capital of Russia in many of its different iterations – capital of the Grand Duchy of Moscow , the Russian Empire and of course the Soviet Union (who could ever forget the Soviet Union?). Moscow, was founded in the 12th century by Prince Yuri Dolgaruki (Yuri of the long arms – he really did have long arms!). From that time on, it was home to the Russian Tsars until Peter the Great moved the capital to St. Petersburg in 1703. The city has survived invasions and sieges from the Mongols, the Tartars, the Poles, Lithuanians and Napoleon but has always persevered. Our Moscow tours will enlighten you on this great history and give you insights into Muscovites and their unique culture. Our Moscow tours show you what the city is like today but also brings to life the past. Moscow never seems to sleep and is bursting with energy. A Moscow tour with Express to Russia is truly the best way of getting to know Russia’s largest and most vibrant city.

Frequently Asked Questions From Our Travelers

What is the best time to visit moscow.

Any time of year is fine depending on what you plan to do. Summertime is pleasantly warm, ideal for exploring the city and its vibrant atmosphere, but Moscow will be much busier and accommodation is more expensive. Winter can be quite cold but beautiful nonetheless, and this is unproblematic if you intend to spend most of your trip in museums and galleries. There are also various festivals and events organised throughout the year. For more information about the best time to visit, read our guide

How many days are enough in Moscow?

If you plan your itinerary strategically and aren’t averse to a packed schedule, you can cover Moscow’s main sights over a long weekend. Most popular attractions are in the city centre, and the Moscow Metro allows you to cover much ground in a small amount of time. Ensure that your accommodation is fairly central and book tickets in advance, so that you can make the most of your days. For an informative and well-organised day out, check out our Moscow day tours with options to suit all interests.

Do they speak English in Moscow?

As Russia’s capital city, tourists are well accommodated in Moscow. There should be English-speaking staff in restaurants, bars, hotels, shops and attractions in tourist hotspots, and there are also English-speaking tourist police. Transport services have English translations on their maps and English announcements via intercom; alternatively, order taxis from the Yandex Taxi app (Russian Uber), though it’s unlikely that your taxi driver will speak English. If you get stuck and cannot communicate, it’s fine to use Google Translate.

Is it safe to travel to Moscow?

It is no less safe to travel to Moscow than to any European city if you exercise common sense and look after your belongings. As with every city some regions can be more unsavoury than others, but no tourist attractions are located there. The traffic in Moscow is notorious, so exercise caution when crossing roads. Do not take unlicensed taxis; book in advance or take public transport, which is widespread and perfectly safe. If you encounter any problems, look for the special tourist police who can help you. For more information, read our guide about staying safe in Russia .

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THE 10 BEST Moscow Tours & Excursions

Moscow tours.

• Private Tours
• Walking Tours
• 5.0 of 5 bubbles
• 4.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 3.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 2.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 3rd Transport Ring (TTK)
• District Central (TsAO)
• Garden Ring
• Boulevard Ring
• Good for Big Groups
• Budget-friendly
• Good for Couples
• Good for a Rainy Day
• Good for Kids
• Good for Adrenaline Seekers
• Honeymoon spot
• Hidden Gems
• Adventurous
• Things to do ranked using Tripadvisor data including reviews, ratings, photos, and popularity.

1. Moscow Private Tours

2. Mosstreets

3. Moscow through the Eyes of an Engineer

4. Flotilla Radisson Royal

5. Moscow Free Tour

6. Bridge to Moscow

7. Spanish Guide Moscow - Day Tours

8. Go Russia Travel Company

10. City Pub Crawl Moscow

12. Privilege Tour

13. Moscow Navigator

14. Trans-Siberian Railway Network

15. Put-in Tours

16. Moscow River Boat Tours

17. Walks With Folks

18. Moskovskiye Gulyaki

19. Moscow Bike Tours

20. Real Russia

22. Happy Moscow Tours

23. Tour of Moscow - Day Tours

24. Kremlin Tour

25. Three Whales

26. Guia de Moscú

27. Tsar Visit

28. Sup-Club

29. Excursions in Russia

30. IdeaGuide - Your Personal Guide in Moscow

What travelers are saying

• The Red Arrow
• Put-in Tours
• Spanish Guide Moscow - Day Tours
• Walks With Folks
• Happy Moscow Tours
• IdeaGuide - Your Personal Guide in Moscow
• Moscow Private Tours
• Moscow Bike Tours
• Tour Gratis Moscu
• Moscow Free Tour
• YourLocalGuide Moscow
• Moscow Navigator
• Moscow through the Eyes of an Engineer
• Angel Taxi - Day Tour
• Your Moscow Guide & Driver
• Gulyayem po Moskve
• Tanksdriving
• PandaPark Fili
• Excursions in Russia
• Vadim Pavlov Guide and Driver in Moscow