The Tenerife Cabildo have announced new regulations from this Friday (29th November) for hiking to the summit of Mount Teide. The island president, Rosa Dávila, confirmed the measures, which include limiting the number of people to 300 per day divided into three time slots.
It will now be mandatory for hikers to register through the "Tenerife ON" app and book on of the following time slots: 9:00am - 4:00pm, 4:00pm – midnight, and midnight to 9:00am, and to ensure safety and compliance, the Teide National Park will deploy 24-hour support staff throughout the year.
Special provisions will apply to active tourism companies and federated mountaineers, who will be allocated 20% of the daily slots, however, violating the regulations will result in a €600 fine, and individuals may be liable for rescue costs ranging from €2,000 to €12,000.
Required Equipment and Controls
Participants must follow strict guidelines regarding equipment, including appropriate mountain footwear, warm clothing, a thermal blanket, water, a fully charged mobile phone, and a headlamp. Several checkpoints will be established along the trails to ensure hikers are adequately prepared.
The routes affected by these rules include:
Access Restrictions During Alerts
When there are active weather alerts, access by the general public will be prohibited between 4:00pm and 9:00am, and in cases of severe alerts, access to the trails will be restricted entirely for 24 hours. Adverse conditions such as ice, snow, or strong winds may also lead to temporary closures.
Special provisions will allow federated mountaineers and active tourism companies to apply for permits to ascend under icy conditions, provided they demonstrate adequate preparation and resources.
Future Ecotourism Fee
While the ascent will remain free for now, Dávila revealed plans to introduce an ecotourism fee in the future, similar to the one implemented at the Masca Gorge. Revenues from this fee will be used for park conservation. Residents of Tenerife will be exempt, while other Canary Islands residents will be eligible for discounts.
Improved Signage and Visitor Experience
To support the new system, the council is investing over €1 million to update more than 2,000 signs across the park. The goal is to provide clearer, multilingual guidance for the predominantly international visitors.
Dávila emphasized that the regulations aim to reduce environmental damage, prevent overcrowding, and mitigate safety risks, including accidents that require costly rescues. “We’re committed to providing a safer, more enjoyable experience for visitors while protecting the natural beauty of the park,” she stated.
Combating Unauthorised Tours
The new measures also target unauthorised guides offering services without permits. By regulating access, the council seeks to eliminate such activities and strengthen the island’s active tourism sector.
The changes mark a significant step toward sustainable tourism at Mount Teide, balancing visitor safety with environmental preservation. Hikers planning to summit are encouraged to familiarise themselves with the new rules and register accordingly to avoid penalties.
For additional details, visit the official Tenerife ON app or the “Volcano Teide” website.
