Panorama across the Las Cañadas caldera from the slopes of Mount Teide

Mount Teide · Tenerife · 3,715 m

The straight answers on visiting Spain's highest peak

Cable car or climb? Do you need the permit? Which tour is worth it? We hiked to the crater at sunrise in July 2026 — this is everything we wish we'd known, in one place.

Independent — not a tour operator Photos from our own summit climb Updated July 2026

Trips & tickets

Four ways up the volcano

All trips →

Teide Cable Car ticket

The classic way up: eight minutes from the base station at 2,356 m to La Rambleta at 3,555 m. Book a timed slot ahead — walk-up tickets regularly sell out.

  • Timed-entry return ticket
  • Pico Viejo & Fortaleza viewpoint trails
  • Optional single legs for hikers
1.5–2 h at the top Most first-time visitors
Check availability →

Cable car + guided summit walk

Ride up, then walk the final 163 m to the crater at 3,715 m with a guide whose group permit covers the Telesforo Bravo trail — the easiest way to stand on the true summit.

  • Summit access permit included
  • Guide + small group
  • Crater rim at 3,715 m
Half day Reaching the top without the permit lottery
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Guided summit ascent on foot

The full climb: Montaña Blanca to the crater with a mountain guide, permits handled for you. Some formats climb overnight to reach the summit area for sunrise.

  • ~1,350 m of ascent
  • Permit + guide included
  • Sunrise-format options
Full day / overnight Fit hikers who want to earn it
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Sunset & stargazing tour

Up the mountain for golden hour, dinner or cava at altitude, then telescopes once the sky goes fully dark. Teide sits above the cloud layer — the skies are genuinely world-class.

  • Sunset above the sea of clouds
  • Guided telescope session
  • Hotel pickup options
Evening (5–7 h) Couples, photographers
Check availability →

Plan it properly

The guides

Teide cable car pylon standing on the volcanic ridge against a deep blue sky, photographed on the walk near the upper station

Teide Cable Car: Tickets, Prices and How It Works

The definitive 2026 Teide cable car guide: verified ticket prices, opening times, wind closures and refunds, summit permit rules and how far ahead to book.

Stony path leading towards the bare summit cone of Mount Teide under a clear blue sky

Teide Summit Permit: How to Book It in 2026 (and What to Do If It's Sold Out)

How to book the Teide summit permit on Tenerife ON in 2026 — new fees, daily quotas, ID checks, the Altavista sunrise route, and what to do if it's sold out.

Walkers descending the rocky crater-rim path near the summit of Mount Teide

Hiking Mount Teide: Routes, Difficulty and What It's Really Like

How to hike Mount Teide in 2026: the Montaña Blanca route, new permits and fees, altitude effects, cable-car descents and the best non-summit walks in the park.

Green laser pointer aimed at a star-filled sky during a night stargazing session on Mount Teide, the group lit red by head torches

Stargazing on Mount Teide: Tours, the Observatory and DIY Spots

Where to stargaze on Mount Teide: observatory tours, sunset-and-stars trips, DIY viewpoints like Minas de San José, moon planning and night driving tips.

First light of sunrise breaking over a rocky volcanic ridge high on Mount Teide

Sunrise and Sunset on Teide: How to Actually See Them

How to see sunrise and sunset on Mount Teide: night hikes to the crater, official sunset cable car trips, DIY viewpoints and the famous shadow — 2026 rules.

Panorama across the Las Cañadas caldera with the park road cutting through the volcanic plain

Getting to Mount Teide: By Car, Bus or Tour

How to reach Mount Teide in 2026: all four mountain roads, driving times from each resort, the once-a-day 342 and 348 buses, parking and winter closures.

Sea of clouds covering the Tenerife coastline far below, seen from high on Mount Teide in early morning light

Best Time to Visit Teide: Month by Month, Weather and Crowds

Month-by-month guide to visiting Mount Teide: temperatures at 2,350 m and the summit, snow closures, calima haze, sea of clouds and when permits sell out.

Wide view across the Las Cañadas caldera in Teide National Park, with pale eroded caldera walls rising above flat volcanic plains

Teide National Park: A Complete First-Timer's Guide

Everything first-timers need for Teide National Park: the geology, TF-21 stops, the 2026 permit and fee changes, park rules, wildlife and a one-day plan.

July 2026, 5:30 am

What the climb actually looks like

Green laser pointer aimed at the stars during a stargazing stop on the night ascent of Teide
Night hiking group on Mount Teide lit by red head-torch light
Hiker looking out over the sea of clouds near the summit of Teide
Pale sulphur-stained rocks at the summit crater of Mount Teide

Every photo on this site is ours, taken on the Montaña Blanca route and at the summit. No stock imagery.

Before you book

Quick answers

All questions →
Do I need a permit to ride the Teide cable car?

No. A cable car ticket takes you from the base station (2,356 m) to La Rambleta at 3,555 m and needs no permit — just book the ticket itself in advance. The permit only applies to the final 160 m of ascent, the Telesforo Bravo trail (no. 10) up to the crater rim. That is a separate booking — see our summit permit guide.

How much does the Teide cable car cost?

At the time of writing, a standard return is €42 for non-resident adults and €21 for children aged 3–13; one-way tickets are €23.50 and €11.75. It runs from 09:00, with the last ascent between 16:00 and 17:40 depending on the season. Book ahead on the official Volcano Teide website — morning slots go first in high season. Full details in our cable car guide.

Does the Teide cable car close because of weather?

Yes, fairly often. Strong wind is the usual culprit — the upper section is very exposed — plus ice and snow in winter. Closures can happen at short notice, sometimes mid-morning after a normal opening. Check the Volcano Teide website on the morning of your visit before driving up, and leave slack in your plans if a summit permit slot depends on the ride.

Who is not allowed on the Teide cable car?

The operator bars children under 3, pregnant women and people with serious heart or cardiovascular conditions, because the cabin climbs to 3,555 m in about eight minutes and the drop in pressure and oxygen is abrupt. Visitors are also asked to limit their stay at the top to around an hour. If you have respiratory problems or any doubts, speak to your doctor before booking.