Step-by-Step Guide with the New Tenerife ON App
Climbing Mount Teide (3,718 m) is one of the most sought-after experiences in Tenerife, but also one of the most poorly planned by visitors. Final access to the crater is regulated and requires specific permits. In this guide, I explain clearly and practically how to do it correctly using the new official Tenerife ON app.
1. Understand the options: cable car vs. hiking
Before booking, you need to be clear about this:
- Cable car: takes you to 3,555 m (La Rambleta upper station)
- Telesforo Bravo trail (No. 10): the final stretch to the peak
- Access to the peak (crater): mandatory permit required
- Common mistake: thinking the cable car ticket includes access to the peak. It does not.
2. Download the Tenerife ON App
Available on iOS and Android. It is the Cabildo’s official tool for managing access to natural spaces.
What you can do with the app:
- Request permits for the peak trail (Telesforo Bravo)
- Check real-time availability
- Manage bookings
3. Create a Tenerife ON account
- Open the app
- Register with your email
- Verify the account
- Add personal details (ID or passport)
Important: each person needs their own individual (named) permit.
4. Book the Telesforo Bravo trail permit (Teide Peak)
Inside the app:
- Go to Bookings (Reservas) → Teide National Park
- Select Trail No. 10 Telesforo Bravo
- Choose a date and time slot
Fees (2026)
- Tenerife residents: free
- Canary Islands residents: €6
- Non-residents (tourists): €15
Standard time slots:
- 09:00–11:00
- 11:00–13:00
- 13:00–15:00
- 15:00–17:00
Key point: Spots are VERY limited (approx. 200 people/day) and sell out weeks or months in advance.
5. Buy the cable car ticket
This is done separately, on the official Teide Cable Car website.
Options:
- Ascent and descent (round trip)
- Ascent only (if you are hiking down)
Recommendation:
Book the cable car in a time slot that aligns with your trail permit.
Practical example:
- Permit: 11:00–13:00
- Cable car: go up between 10:00–10:30
6. The day of the ascent
Before going up:
- Arrive 30–45 min early
- Bring your ID/passport (they will ask for it at the top)
- Check the wind conditions (the cable car may close)
At the upper station:
- You step out at 3,555 m
- Hike to the peak: 40–60 minutes
- Elevation gain: +163 m
Important: There is an access control point for the trail. Without a permit, you cannot pass.
7. Recommended alternative: go with an accredited guide
If you can’t get a permit or prefer a complete, hassle-free experience, the best option is to hire an accredited Teide National Park guide.
What does this option include?
- Management of the peak trail permit
- Coordinated planning with the cable car
- Interpretative explanations (geology, history, volcanology)
- Advice on safety and altitude acclimatization
Real advantages
- You avoid booking mistakes and lack of availability
- You don’t depend on figuring out the Tenerife ON system
- A much more complete experience (not just “going up and coming down”)
In this case, as a certified and accredited guide in Teide National Park, I can manage the permits and organize the entire ascent so you only have to focus on enjoying the experience.
8. Technical advice (important)
- Temperature: it can be 10–15ºC colder than on the coast
- Oxygen: you will notice a lack of air if you are not accustomed to it
- Footwear: mountain/hiking shoes are essential
- Sun protection: radiation is very high
- If you have cardiovascular or respiratory problems, avoid going up.
9. Common mistakes you must avoid
- Booking the cable car without a permit for the peak
- Not checking the wind (frequent cancellations)
- Arriving with barely any time to spare
- Underestimating the altitude
10. From our vacation home to the Teide Cable Car
If you are staying at our vacation home Tarajal Seaview, getting to the Teide Cable Car base parking lot by rental car is easy and also part of the experience.
There are two main routes from the North.
Option 1: via La Esperanza
The classic route from the metropolitan area and northern Tenerife.
Usual roads:
- TF-5
- TF-24 (La Esperanza road)
- Access to Teide National Park
- Arrival at the Cable Car via TF-21
It is a very beautiful drive up through pine forests and viewpoints, and usually a fast option depending on traffic.
Option 2: via La Orotava (recommended)
This is the option I personally recommend.
Usual roads:
- TF-5
- Exit towards La Orotava
- TF-21 (Teide road)
- Direct access to the Cable Car parking lot
Why do I recommend going up via La Orotava?
Because it allows you to enjoy a much more complete day trip:
- Drive up towards Teide passing through La Orotava.
- Ascent to the peak with the cable car and Telesforo Bravo trail, visiting the viewpoints in Teide National Park.
- Return via La Esperanza with a stop in La Laguna (UNESCO World Heritage Site) to walk around or have dinner.
This way, you turn the excursion into a full-day experience and not just a quick visit to the cable car.
Always check road conditions
Before leaving, especially in winter or with strong winds, I recommend checking the real-time condition of the National Park roads.
The Cabildo de Tenerife offers real-time information on incidents, road closures, and traffic cameras through the Road Information Center (CIC): Centro de Información de Carreteras (tenerife.es)
11. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Do I need a permit to climb Teide peak?
Yes. Access to the crater (trail No. 10 Telesforo Bravo) is limited and requires a prior permit. Without it, you will not be able to pass the checkpoint.
Does the cable car include the peak permit?
No. They are two different things: first you must obtain the permit on Tenerife ON, and then buy the cable car ticket.
Do I have to pay to climb the peak?
Yes, as of 2026, there is a fee for accessing trail No. 10 during cable car operating hours. The amount depends on whether you are a resident or not.
How far in advance should I book?
It is highly recommended to do so several weeks or even months in advance, especially during the high season.
What happens if I don’t get a permit?
The most practical option is to hire an accredited guide, who can manage the permits and organize the entire experience.
Is the hike from the cable car difficult?
It is a short but demanding trail due to the altitude. It is about a 40–60 minute hike with an elevation gain and less oxygen.
Can you climb without the cable car?
Yes, by hiking up Montaña Blanca (trail No. 7), but it is a long route that is also regulated.
Can the cable car close?
Yes. Wind is the main factor. Even with a reservation, it can be canceled on the same day.
Book your guided experience
If you prefer to avoid complications and live a complete experience with professional explanations:
WhatsApp: 0034 609 366 574
Name: Juan Miguel Delporte Benítez
Accredited mountain guide (Teide National Park). Active Tourism TA-4-0026604
I can manage permits, coordinate the cable car, and guide you to the peak safely and with interpretative content.