1. Roques de García
Difficulty: Easy – no steep slopes
Location: In front of the Parador Nacional del Teide
Duration: 1.5 - 2 hours (3.5 km loop)
Ideal for: Families, photographers, casual walkers
The park’s most iconic trail. It loops around volcanic formations such as Roque Cinchado, with imposing views of Mount Teide and the Llano de Ucanca. Ideal for an accessible and visually stunning experience.
2. Trail 10: La Rambleta – Pico del Teide (Telesforo Bravo)
Difficulty: High – steep gradient and altitude
Location: From La Rambleta (3,555 m), accessible via cable car
Duration: 40 - 60 minutes (1.3 km uphill only)
Ideal for: Mountaineers, experienced travellers, challenge seekers
This trail leads to the summit of Teide, the highest point in Spain. A prior permit is required. It’s the most sought-after route due to its exclusivity and unmatched views of the Canary archipelago.
3. Trail 7: Montaña Blanca – La Rambleta
Difficulty: High – long ascent with significant elevation gain
Location: Montaña Blanca car park (TF-21)
Duration: 5 - 6 hours round trip (8 km uphill only)
Ideal for: Trained hikers, mountaineers, nature photographers
The classic route to climb Teide on foot. It crosses lava fields, volcanic cones and lunar-like landscapes. Popular among those who prefer a full ascent without the cable car.
4. Montaña Guajara Trail
Difficulty: Medium – steady climb with rocky sections
Location: From the Parador Nacional del Teide
Duration: 6 - 6.3 hours (approx. 12 km)
Ideal for: Intermediate hikers, panoramic view lovers
Guajara is the highest summit of the Las Cañadas amphitheatre. From its peak, you get a sweeping view of Mount Teide and the National Park. Historically, it served as an astronomical observation point.
5. Roques de García to Lava Cascade Trail (variant of Trail nº 3)
Difficulty: Medium – rocky sections with slight slopes
Location: Starting in front of the Parador Nacional del Teide
Duration: 2 - 2.5 hours (approx. 5 km round trip)
Ideal for: Occasional hikers, photographers, volcanic landscape enthusiasts
This route extends the classic Roques de García loop toward the area known as the “Lava Cascade” or “Lava Wall,” a striking vertical lava flow formation. Popular among those looking for a broader experience in a familiar setting with fewer crowds.
📌 General recommendations – Las Cañadas del Teide
El Portillo Visitor Centre: the ideal information point to collect official maps, check trail conditions and learn about the park’s geology and biodiversity.
Recommended equipment: hiking boots, hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, plenty of water, and layered clothing. Above 2,000 m, temperature changes and wind are common, even in summer.
Permits: access to the Teide crater (Trail 10 – Telesforo Bravo) requires a free prior permit, available at www.reservasparquesnacionales.es. Booking several months in advance is recommended.
Teide Cable Car: check the weather forecast and operational status before ascending. It may close without notice due to wind or snow.
Safety: always follow the official signage and stay on marked trails. Avoid walking on recent lava flows or unstable areas. The volcanic environment is rugged and fragile.
Regulations: lighting fires, camping without permission, collecting rocks or plants, and straying off trails are strictly prohibited. Offenders may face high fines.
Altitude: high altitude can affect sensitive individuals (headache, fatigue, nausea). Ascend slowly, stay hydrated, and avoid sudden physical effort if unacclimatised.