The president of the Cabildo of Tenerife, Rosa Dávila, is delighted with the successful outcome of the inaugural week of the new regulation for access on foot to Teide. This initiative, which was enforced on 29 December last year, has effectively managed the influx of visitors, with no incidents reported—a significant improvement compared to earlier weeks that faced critical challenges.
Just prior to the initiation of these measures, rescue teams had to intervene to assist over 180 individuals who had ascended without proper preparation during a single weekend. Many of these climbers exhibited symptoms of altitude sickness, hypothermia, and fatigue, necessitating the deployment of helicopters and emergency personnel for their safety.
“The regulation is proving effective and meeting its primary goal: to mitigate risk situations for individuals. Ascending Mount Teide is a rigorous endeavour that requires adequate preparation and responsibility, and these regulations are enabling us to safeguard both visitors and our natural surroundings,” remarked Rosa Dávila, president of the Cabildo de Tenerife.
Data from the First Week
Throughout the first week, there were 431 managed reservations, permitting controlled access for 1,405 individuals. The daily average reached 180 visitors, representing 60% of the maximum capacity set at 300 patrons per day. The Montaña Blanca pathway remains the most frequented, accounting for over 90% of all visits.
“The safety of individuals and the preservation of Teide remain our foremost concerns. This favourable outcome indicates that the regulations are effectively curtailing recklessness and overcrowding, thereby ensuring a safer and more sustainable experience,” emphasised Blanca Pérez, Minister of Natural Environment, Sustainability, Security and Emergencies.
