10 Best Mount Teide Tours in Tenerife in 2024

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If you’re planning a trip to see the tallest peak in both the Canary Islands and Spain, booking an excursion to Mount Teide in Tenerife is an absolute must. Whether you decide to visit Mount Teide on your own or join a guided tour, this iconic volcano will surely be one of the highlights of your Tenerife adventure. In this guide, I’ve rounded up the top tours for visiting Teide so you can choose the best option for your trip.

Teide National Park is more than just one of the impressive attractions in Tenerife—it’s a treasure trove of unique fauna, flora, and stunning geological formations. At an elevation of 12,000 feet, Mount Teide can be seen from almost any part of the island, and it’s hard to resist the pull of this incredible natural wonder.

Whether you’re visiting Tenerife for a few days, or spending an entire week in Tenerife, I highly recommend making time for a tour to Teide.

To help you out, here’s a list of the 10 best tours to Mount Teide!

Best excursions to Teide, Tenerife

I’ve handpicked a selection of the best day trips to Teide, covering a range of preferences, budgets, and starting points. So, no matter what kind of experience you’re looking for, there’s something here for you.

• Option 1: Free tour of Teide
• Option 2: Mount Teide cable car tour
• Option 3: Mount Teide cable car tour with summit permit
• Option 4: Excursion to Las Cañadas, one of the cheapest tours to Mount Teide
• Option 5: Mount Teide hiking tour
• Option 6: Night hiking in Las Cañadas
• Option 7: Teide stargazing tour, one of the best night excursions to Teide
• Option 8: Quad tour on Teide
• Option 9: Excursion to Teide and Masca from Puerto de la Cruz or Playa de las Americas
• Option 10: Teide, Icod, and Garachico, one of the most complete tours to Teide, Tenerife

1. Free tour of Teide

If you’re traveling on a budget but still want to experience Teide, this free tour is an excellent option. It takes you to some of the most iconic spots in Teide National Park, like Las Cañadas, Llanos de Ucanca, and the famous Roque Cinchado.

1. Free tour of Teide

Even though it’s the only free tour to Teide, you’ll be guided by a knowledgeable expert who will share fascinating facts about the park’s formation, volcanic activity, and the unique plants and animals that live there—like the red tajinaste and Teide violets.

This is one of the best excursions in Tenerife, so I highly recommend it.

• Highlights: Hiking in Teide National Park
• Departs from: Roques de García Viewpoint
• Duration: 2 hours
• Price: Free (though tips for the guide are appreciated)

2. Mount Teide cable car tour

If you’re looking for breathtaking panoramic views, this excursion with a cable car ride is perfect for you. Whether you’re in the north or south of Tenerife, this tour includes transportation from hotels in both regions.

Once you arrive at Teide National Park, you’ll hop on the cable car to La Rambleta, which sits at an impressive 11,600 feet above sea level. If you haven’t secured the necessary permit to reach the peak (which isn’t included in this tour), no worries! You can still explore the stunning viewpoints of the Fortress and Pico Viejo via Trail 11 or Trail 12.

2. Mount Teide cable car tour

A Mount Teide cable car tour is an unforgettable experience, especially if you want to enjoy those incredible views of Tenerife.

• Highlights: Mount Teide tour with cable car
• Departs from: Multiple locations, including Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Candelaria, Puerto de la Cruz, Médano, Golf del Sur, Gigantes, Puerto de Santiago, Costa Adeje, Las Américas, and Los Cristianos.
• Duration: 7 hours
• Price: €85/person

3. Mount Teide cable car tour with summit permit

If you’re eager to reach the summit of Mount Teide, you can choose either this tour from the north or this exciting excursion from the south. Just choose the starting point that’s most convenient, and start your journey after visiting the must-see attractions in North Tenerife or exploring all the exciting things to do in South Tenerife.

This excursion includes transportation to Teide National Park, plus access to the cable car that whisks you up to La Rambleta, 11,600 feet above sea level, in just 10 minutes. What makes this tour extra special is that it also comes with the required permit to climb to the very peak of Teide! From La Rambleta, you’ll take Sendero 10 (Telesforo Bravo), the only trail leading to the summit.

3. Mount Teide cable car tour with summit permit

Keep in mind that although the trail is only about 2,000 feet long with a 650-foot elevation gain, the altitude can make it a bit of a challenge. But once you’re at the top, you’ll be rewarded with incredible views and the distinct scent of sulfur in the air. If the weather’s clear, you might even catch glimpses of the neighboring Canary Islands: La Gomera, El Hierro, La Palma, and Gran Canaria. No wonder it’s considered one of the best excursions to Teide.

• Highlights: Mount Teide tour with cable car and permit to climb the peak
• Departs from: Puerto de la Cruz or Costa Adeje
• Duration: 5 hours
• Price: €135/person

4. Excursion to Las Cañadas, one of the cheapest tours to Mount Teide

Las Cañadas, located within Teide National Park at the foot of the volcano, is a fascinating area where volcanic materials have piled up after eruptions. You can explore this striking landscape by booking this tour from the north or this one from the south.

This is the best Teide volcano tour for those who want to discover the desert-like scenery surrounding Mount Teide. You’ll get to see lava rivers and incredible rock formations, like the iconic Roques de García. If you’re lucky enough to visit during the right season, you might also catch sight of the stunning red tajinaste—a plant that only grows on Teide because of its unique environmental conditions.

4. Excursion to Las Cañadas, one of the cheapest tours to Mount Teide – Elfrén Yanes

One of the highlights of this tour is that Teide is always visible, providing you with stunning panoramic views of the volcano from Las Cañadas. Plus, it’s one of the cheapest excursions to Mount Teide without sacrificing any of the magic. So, if you’re looking for memorable things to do from Puerto de la Cruz or a short journey from Adeje, this tour is a fantastic option.

• Highlights: Las Cañadas del Teide
• Departs from: Puerto de la Cruz or Costa Adeje
• Duration: 5 hours
• Price: €35/person

5. Mount Teide hiking tour

For anyone who loves hiking as much as I do, I highly recommend reaching the summit of Teide via Trail 7 (Montaña Blanca). It’s one of the best trails in Tenerife, and the most rewarding way to experience Tenerife’s highest peak. While we did it on our own, you can also book this guided tour to make the trek even more informative and fun.

The magic of this excursion is that it starts in the middle of the night! You begin the hike along the Cañadas Road to reach the summit just in time to watch the sunrise. Trust me, witnessing the sun come up from more than 12,100 feet high is an experience like no other. As the light touches the island, you’ll even see the shadow of Teide projected across the ocean. It’s truly breathtaking and 100% worth the physical effort.

5. Mount Teide hiking tour – Elfrén Yanes

After soaking in the sunrise at the summit, you’ll head back down to La Rambleta, where you have the option to take the cable car for an easy descent. Keep in mind, though, that the cable car ticket is NOT included, but the permit to access the peak is.

One important note: this tour to Teide, Tenerife, is physically demanding and isn’t recommended for pregnant women, people with mobility issues, or those with health conditions that could be affected by altitude or strenuous exercise. We did it without any problem, but you must be in good shape to enjoy the journey.

• Highlights: Hike to the top of Teide to catch the sunrise and the shadow of the volcano
• Departs from: Los Cristianos, Callao Salvaje, Playa San Juan, Los Gigantes, Costa Adeje
• Duration: 10 hours
• Price: €179/person

6. Night hiking in Las Cañadas

If you think Tenerife is beautiful by day, just wait until you see it at night! Taking a Mount Teide night tour is one of the most unique and captivating ways to experience the island’s landscapes under a blanket of stars. The dramatic scenery around Teide changes completely after dark, so I highly recommend booking this night tour of Las Cañadas.

For this tour, you’ll meet your guide at the Parador Nacional de las Cañadas del Teide and embark on a 3 miles-long walk through some of the park’s most iconic spots, including the famous Roques de García. You’ll be walking by the soft light of the moon and stars, with the Milky Way stretching out above you. It’s one of the best ways to enjoy the natural beauty of Teide at night.

6. Night hiking in Las Cañadas – Elfrén Yanes

To make the experience even more convenient, I recommend staying overnight at one of the best paradores in Spain. But if they’re fully booked, there are plenty of other places to stay in Tenerife where you can rest up after your adventure.

• Highlights: Night hike through Teide National Park
• Departs from: Parador Nacional de las Cañadas del Teide
• Duration: 3 hours
• Price: €20/person

7. Teide stargazing tour, one of the best night excursions to Teide

Tenerife is famous for its starry skies, making it a designated Starlight Destination. If you’re searching for an astronomical tour to Teide, I highly recommend this excursion from the north or this one from the south. The only real difference between the two is the starting point, so you can choose the one that’s most convenient for you.

Both tours include transportation to Teide National Park, as well as a guided visit to the Teide Observatory, home to one of the world’s top solar telescopes. The tour kicks off just in time for you to enjoy a stunning sunset over the volcano. Once night falls, your guide will set up the telescopes, and you’ll have the chance to spot constellations, the North Star, and more, all while learning fascinating astronomy facts. If you want to make the evening extra special, you can even add a picnic option.

7. Teide stargazing tour, one of the best night excursions to Teide – Elfrén Yanes

If you’re renting a car in Tenerife and don’t need transportation, you can book just the ticket to the observatory or the stargazing experience on its own, which will save you a bit of money. It’s a fantastic option because driving around Tenerife, day or night, is easy and enjoyable.

And don’t forget to check out our guide on photographing the Milky Way! You’ll definitely want to take advantage of this stargazing experience to capture some amazing photos.

• Highlights: Guided Mount Teide Observatory tour and stargazing in Teide National Park
• Departs from: Puerto de la Cruz or Costa Adeje
• Duration: 8 – 8.5 hours
• Price: €103/person

8. Quad tour on Teide

If you’re looking for a more adventurous and unique way to explore the area, why not try a Mount Teide quad tour? On this exciting excursion, you’ll be driving the quad yourself, so you’ll need to have a valid Class B driver’s license and be over 18. If you’re traveling with kids aged 7 to 17, they can ride with you on a double quad as passengers.

This tour starts in San Miguel de Abona, where you’ll hop on your quad and begin the journey toward Teide National Park. Over the course of the tour, you’ll cover around 56 miles and climb up to 7,900 feet above sea level. You’ll pass through charming spots like Arona and Vilaflor before heading back via Boca Tauce, one of the best viewpoints in the area for enjoying the majestic views of Teide.

8. Quad tour on Teide

This Mount Teide buggy tour is perfect for anyone who wants to experience Teide in a fun and thrilling way, without the need for a strenuous hike. It’s an awesome way to explore the national park in a totally different and unique way!

• Highlights: Quad tour through Teide National Park
• Departs from: San Miguel de Abona
• Duration: 4-6 hours
• Price: €130/person

9. Excursion to Teide and Masca from Puerto de la Cruz or Playa de Las Americas

If you’re looking for a Teide excursion that also includes the stunning village of Masca, you’re in luck! You can join this tour from Puerto de La Cruz, or this tour from Playa de Las Américas. If you’re staying in Las Américas, I’d also highly recommend squeezing in a whale and dolphin-watching tour in Tenerife— it’s one of our absolute favorites.

9. Excursion to Teide and Masca from Puerto de la Cruz or Playa de Las Americas

If you take the day trip from Puerto de La Cruz, you will explore the volcanic formations of the Orotava Valley before visiting Teide National Park. However, from Playa de Las Américas, you’ll stop by Vilaflor, a charming little town, before continuing to Teide. Once you reach Teide National Park, you’ll not only be treated to breathtaking views, but your guide will also explain the volcanic activity that shaped the island. For instance, the Chinyero Volcano eruption nearly buried the village of Garachico!

The adventure wraps up in Masca, a picturesque village situated 2,500 feet above sea level. The stunning Masca Gorge and its sweeping viewpoints were some of my favorite spots on the island. Trust me, this combo tour of Teide and Masca is a must if you want to dive into Tenerife’s volcanic history and natural beauty.

• Highlights: Orotava Valley or Vilaflor, Teide National Park, and Masca
• Departs from: Playa de Las Américas
• Duration: 7 hours
• Price: €64/person

10. Teide, Icod, and Garachico, one of the most complete tours to Teide, Tenerife

If you’re looking for a more complete Mt. Teide excursion, why not book a tour that combines Teide, Masca, Icod de los Vinos, and Garachico? You can choose between this excursion departing from the north or this one from the south of the island. The main difference is whether you depart from Puerto de la Cruz (north) or from La Caleta, Playa de Las Américas, or Playa de Los Cristianos (south). The stops will be the same, but the order might change depending on your starting point.

This tour takes you through the beautiful Las Cañadas del Teide National Park, where you’ll see amazing rock formations and lava flows left behind by ancient volcanic eruptions. From here, you’ll get incredible views of Teide itself.

10. Teide, Icod and Garachico, one of the most complete tours to Teide, Tenerife

You’ll also visit the charming towns of Santiago del Teide and Masca, home to Tenerife’s most famous ravine and one of the island’s top viewpoints, located 2,500 feet above sea level. On top of that, you’ll get the chance to explore the historic town of Garachico and the village of Icod de los Vinos, where you can see the famous Drago Milenario tree, which was declared a National Monument.

If you want to make the most of your time and discover some of Tenerife’s hidden gems, this tour is the perfect way to do it!

• Highlights: Teide National Park, Masca, Garachico, and Icod de los Vinos
• Departs from: Puerto de la Cruz or La Caleta
• Duration: 8-9 hours
• Price: From €39/person

Teide excursions price comparison

To make it super easy for you to compare the different Teide excursions, I’ve put together a handy table that breaks down the prices, duration, departure points, and highlights of each tour.

No matter what your budget or interests are, there’s an excursion that will fit your plans perfectly. And remember, if you’re ever in doubt, our Tenerife map guide is just a click away to help you plan your adventure!

The best time to take a tour of Mount Teide

You can visit Tenerife any time of year due to its pleasant temperatures. In summer, the average is around 77°F (25°C), while in winter, it’s about 64°F (18°C). But if you’re planning a trip up Mount Teide, keep in mind that the temperature can drop significantly due to the altitude. So, no matter the season, pack some warm clothing.

The best time to take a tour of Mount Teide – Elfrén Yanes

The best time to visit Teide is during spring and autumn. Winter can be quite chilly at the summit, and summer heat can make hiking a bit more challenging. Spring and autumn not only offer more comfortable conditions but also help you avoid the peak tourist crowds. If you have the flexibility to plan your trip, these are the best seasons to explore Teide.

FAQ – Best Teide tours

Here are some of the most frequently asked questions about Mount Teide tours:

Now that you’re all set with the details, I hope you have a clearer idea of which Teide tour to book. If you still have any questions, feel free to leave a comment below, and I’ll be happy to help!

Enjoy your trip to Mount Teide, Tenerife!