Practical Information

Accommodation

The only hotel is the Parador de Turismo of the Cañadas del Teide.

Where to eat

If you are going to perform any of the paths of the park, you must carry food and drink.

The weather

The Canary Archipelago enjoys mild temperatures throughout the year. The climate of the park presents the characteristics of a high mountain.

Almost the entire surface of the national park is situated above the 2,000 m, being its climate characterized by large thermal fluctuations, strong winds, low precipitation and high insolation. In general, due to the fact it is located above the sea of clouds (concentration of the trade winds on the island), in the park you can enjoy magnificent blue skies that contrast with the often more cloudy areas of the North and East of the island.

The precipitations are mainly concentrated in the months from October to March and tend to be in the form of snow. The snowfalls cover the Teide and the Cañadas with a spectacular white cloak . Due to the strong thermal fluctuations between day and night (it can be between 10 and 20 º C) the snow usually doesn't last long. Due to the night frosts, it is usual that the landscape dawns white and, as the day goes by, it recovers its habitual colour. During the cold season, it is common to find a strange phenomenon called the cencellada, which consists of large ice crystals up to 15 centimetres that hang on the leaves of plants.

For the visitor, it is important to know this climatic uniqueness and to have in mind that there can be changes, sometimes abrupt, in the climate of the summit. As an example, the appearance of the characteristic sombrerito (little hat) on the peak of Mount Teide may indicate the entry of upper winds or even storms. To this must be added the presence of microclimates, each of them with special thermal characteristics.

It is also very important to take into account the problem of the solar radiation (the highest in Spain), due to the actual number of hours of sunshine and the cleanness of the atmosphere in this area, which makes the radiation index in this place very high.

This rigorous climate made the local flora and fauna acquire especially particular characteristics in order to adapt.

To check the weather forecast:

http://www.aemet.es/en/eltiempo/prediccion/comunidades?k=coo&w=&o=pais

http://www.tutiempo.net/Tiempo-Provincia-Santa-Cruz-de-Tenerife-E38.html.

Rules of Visit

To maintain the park in good conditions, it is necessary to respect the rules of visit

The following actions are not permitted by the Plan Rector de Uso y Gestión, PRUG (Plan for the Use and Management), since they are regarded as contrary to the purposes of conserving the natural and cultural values of the national park, so they are considered as conducts that constitute an infringement.

Collecting rocks, plants and animals, including cutting them down, uprooting, mutilating, destroying or damaging them. The collection or removal of plant propagules and of parts or dispossessions of animals and plants.
The loose, seed or release of plants and animals, both domestic and wild, with the exception of dogs and ferrets in hunting activities duly authorized. These animals must be, in any case, removed at the end of the activity.
Causing discomfort, scaring and pursuing the wildlife.
The removal or alteration of any archaeological object.
Driving with vehicles off the roads and tracks open to the public.
Parking outside of the places that are expressly designed for this purpose.
The dumping of debris and rubbish. These should only be deposited in the places specially designed for this purpose.
Painting the rocks or writing names using them.
Making or causing fires.
Hiking in the reserve areas and trails that require authorization without having it.
Free camping.
The establishment of any point of sale.
Posting all kinds of posters or advertisements.
The use of megaphones, whistles and radios or instruments at a high volume.
The introduction of weapons of any type, except in the case of authorized people for security or hunting purposes, if it is necessary as management activity.
The introduction and release of chemicals or biologically active substances in the environment.
Doing professional commercial activities that involve filming and video, without the authorization of the board of the park.
Installing booths, parasols, sun loungers, tables, chairs or any artefacts that can be useful for the stay in the open air, outside the authorized locations.
The use of items that can stay in the air, such as balloons, kites, model aircrafts, parachutes and similar.

When to come

You can make your visit in any season, due to the mild temperatures on the island throughout the year.

Access

Due to its location in the centre of the island, you can access to the Teide National Park from the North, East or West by roads in good condition.

Gobierno de Canarias