Visiting the top of Teide will soon cost tourists €25 while Tenerife residents can go for free
The Tenerife Cabildo has officially unveiled its long-anticipated eco-tax for climbing Mount Teide, Spain’s highest peak and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, as part of a wider plan to protect the island’s most visited natural treasure.
The measure, set out in the new Master Plan for Use and Management (PRUG), will come into effect on 1st January 2026. Tenerife’s president, Rosa Dávila, and vice president, Lope Afonso, explained that the initiative aims to balance tourism with environmental conservation, similar to the eco-fee already in place in Masca.
Who Pays What?
Access to the trails to the summit of Teide will depend on residency status and age:
- Free access: Tenerife residents and children under 14
- Reduced rate: Canary Islands residents – €3 to €6, depending on whether they climb on a weekday or weekend
- General rate: Non-residents – €10 to €25, depending on the chosen route and day
- Exemptions: Licensed mountain guides will be exempt from the fee
The tax applies specifically to Trail No. 7 (Montaña Blanca – La Rambleta) and Trail No. 10 (Telesforo Bravo), which leads from La Rambleta to the summit crater.
Visitor Limits and Reservations
To prevent overcrowding, daily access will be limited to 300 people, split into three time slots of 100 climbers each.
All visitors must book in advance via the Tenerife ON platform, which will go live before the new system begins.
The Cabildo estimates that the eco-tax will generate around €650,000 per year, dedicated exclusively to maintaining and conserving Teide National Park.
Rules and Penalties
- No pets are allowed, except for certified guide dogs.
- Fines of up to €600 may be issued for unauthorised ascents or entering without a valid reservation.
Why Now?
President Dávila highlighted that visitor numbers have become “unsustainable”:
- In 2020, around 3.5 million people visited Teide National Park.
- By 2024, the figure had surged to over 5 million, with 89% tourists and only 11% local residents.
This increase has placed growing strain on Teide’s fragile volcanic ecosystem, prompting urgent measures to protect it for the future.
Reinforcing Conservation Efforts
The Cabildo will also strengthen park staffing with 16 new positions, including:
- 8 forest rangers with sanctioning powers
- 8 technical specialists, such as forestry and agricultural engineers
“Teide is not only a symbol of our identity but a natural heritage we must protect responsibly,” said Dávila. “These measures aim to ensure visitors can continue enjoying its majesty while preserving it for generations to come.”
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