The first week of regulating access on foot to the summit of Teide has concluded without any incidents, according to a statement in which the president of the island council, Rosa Dávila, asserts that Teide is “our jewel in the crown and we must safeguard it,” not only as the heritage of Tenerife’s inhabitants but also of all humanity.
The initiative, which took effect on 29 November, has enabled effective management of visitor flow with no incidents reported, marking a significant improvement compared to previous weeks when critical situations arose, the statement emphasises.
The Cabildo of Tenerife reminds us that, just days prior to the implementation of these measures, emergency teams were compelled to rescue over 180 individuals who attempted the climb without appropriate preparation in just one weekend.
Many of these individuals suffered from altitude sickness, hypothermia symptoms, and physical fatigue, necessitating the deployment of helicopters and emergency services to ensure their safety.
The regulation “is functioning and achieving its primary goal: to prevent risky situations for individuals. Ascending Mount Teide is a strenuous activity that requires preparation and responsibility, and these measures enable us to protect both visitors and our natural surroundings,” states the president of the Cabildo de Tenerife.
Throughout the initial week, 431 reservations were processed, allowing for controlled access for 1,405 individuals.
The daily average was 180 individuals, representing 60% of the established maximum capacity of 300 daily visitors, and the Montaña Blanca route continues to be the most favoured, accounting for over 90% of the visits.
“This positive outcome demonstrates that regulation is assisting in preventing recklessness and overcrowding, ensuring a safer and more sustainable experience,” highlights Minister of Natural Environment, Sustainability, Security, and Emergencies, Blanca Pérez.
Blanca Pérez further explains that the regulation includes specific considerations for certain groups, such as qualified tourist guides and registered mountaineers, who have access under particular conditions.
“We have put in place targeted measures to ensure these professionals can perform their duties safely and effectively, always adhering to regulations,” she adds.
The guides have a designated area for their groups, and mountain sports are still recognised as a traditional activity within Teide National Park.
Blanca Pérez has emphasised that the cooperation of the Tenerife Mountaineering Federation has been crucial in this process, noting instances where reckless individuals have jeopardised their safety and that of the rescue teams by failing to equip themselves properly for high-altitude conditions.
For this reason, it is deemed necessary to mandate minimum equipment for individuals wishing to ascend the designated trails.
