Another travel secret that you will encounter in the Canary Islands of the Atlantic Ocean is the Teide volcano. It is the 3rd largest active volcano in the world and at the same time the highest mountain in Spain. The Teide volcano is located in Tenerife, the capital of the Canary Islands at an altitude of 3,715m.
Being close to it, was something we had been waiting since we booked our plane tickets. It is a unique experience to be so close to an active volcano and indeed one of the largest in the world. Teide volcano is located at 3,715m. being the 3rd largest, active volcano in the world, with the other 2 standing in Hawaii. Its last eruption occurred in 1909 and of course another eruption is expected in the future.
The route to the Teide volcano
We started from the north, took the shortest route of approximately 1 hour and entered the Teide National Park. Enchanted by the route and the beauty of the landscape that we had not seen before (dark gray soil, green trees, clear blue sky, clouds covering the rest of the city), we arrived at the Teide parking lot. The space is very large, so there is no fear of not finding a parking space. What you should definitely do, is to arrive relatively early in the morning, because later on the queue for the cable car is long and you will lose valuable time.
Approaching the Teide volcano by cable car
Teide volcano an only be reached by cable car, with a cost of 22€ per person. The cable car starts at 2,356m. reaching up to 3,555m. Then you continue hiking on lava paths, an experience that will really fascinate you. You can reach the highest point enjoying the active volcano at 3,015m. i.e. just 700m away from the top. From this distance you will notice the smoke rising from this active giant. Unique experience! You can buy tickets for the cable car here.
What to pay attention to, when planning the climb
Don’t plan the Teide climb during your last days of your trip. The operation of the cable car may be interrupted due to strong winds in the area and your activity may be cancelled. Note,t that this can be known early in the morning of the same day of your excursion. Of course, you won’t lose your money. You have the option to transfer your activity to another date (hoping it won’t have strong winds) or get your money back. Of course, we are writing all this to you from experience, as it happened to us! We had planned to climb the Teide volcano on the 2nd day of our trip. However, the cable car stopped its operation due to weather conditions.
Reaching the top of Teide
Once you get there it’s really worth going up to the top of the volcano. The remaining path is short, requires good physical condition, but is not particularly difficult, since we saw it up close. The bad thing is that to take the path to the top, where you are only allowed to sit for 15 minutes, you need a special permit and of course a guide. In order to anticipate the availability, it is good to apply several months in advance, that is, when you book your flights. Otherwise you will not make it and you will not find available seats.
The climb to the top costs €128 with the guide and includes the cable car. To apply, go to the official site, the only site where you can book for the top of the volcano.
Other activities at Teide Volcano
Other available activities can be found at the Teide volcano, such as astronomical observation at night. A very good activity that we wanted to do, but we didn’t have the time, was to visit the Teide volcano again during the sunset to enjoy it with a glass of wine and then observe the starry sky. More information about this activity can be found here.
Whatever you choose to do, just being there is an experience you will definitely remember! Being above the clouds, stepping on lava paths and looking at a boiling giant is something worth experiencing once in a lifetime!
How does that sound?
Also read about a travel secret in the magical Iceland!!
