New restrictions for accessing natural parks in Canary Islands. As of 30th November, the Cabildo of Tenerife will implement a system to regulate foot access to Teide. This initiative aims not only to enhance visitor safety but also to safeguard the distinctive and abundant natural surroundings of this National Park. How will this limitation be enforced? A maximum of 300 individuals will be permitted to ascend each day, divided into three shifts, and they must possess a permit.
Regulation of access to Teide National Park
Access on foot to the summit of Teide will be restricted to a maximum of 300 individuals daily, divided into three slots of 100 individuals each: from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., from 4:00 p.m. to midnight, and from midnight to 9:00 a.m. This cap will be applicable on trails 7 (Montaña Blanca-Pico del Teide), 11 (Mirador de la Fortaleza), 23 (Regatones Negros), and 9 (Teide-Pico Viejo). The Telesforo Bravo trail, which links La Rambleta to the Teide peak, will still necessitate prior approval.
Active tourism providers will have 20% of the daily slots reserved. The remaining slots will be accessible to the general public via the platform Tenerife On, where electronic requests for access permission must be made. For the time being, bookings will be complimentary, although an ecotax will be introduced with discounts for Canarian residents and varied rates for visitors. This ecotax will function similarly to the system implemented in Masca.
Essential equipment and penalties
To gain access to Teide on foot, it will be obligatory to carry appropriate high-altitude gear. Non-compliance with this requirement, along with the absence of a permit, will incur a penalty of 600 euros, to which the cost of a rescue operation (ranging from 2,000 to 12,000 euros) will be added if needed. Personnel from the National Park will be on duty 24 hours a day at the trail access points to ensure adherence to the regulations.
Aims of access regulation
The Cabildo of Tenerife justifies this initiative by aiming to:
- Minimise risks:reduce carelessness and negligence that may result in accidents and expensive rescues.
- Manage visitor flow:prevent overcrowding on the trails and the subsequent deterioration of the environment.
- Enhance the visitor experience:provide a safer and more rewarding experience to those visiting the Teide peak.
Permit requests and documentation
The application for a permit to access the trails will be submitted through the platform Tenerife On. Once the permit is issued, it must be printed or saved on a mobile device to be shown to authorities at the checkpoints. Adherence to current regulations and the use of suitable equipment will be mandatory.
