Teide, with its impressive stature and immeasurable significance, embarks on a new chapter defined by the initial bold and decisive actions taken by a governing body to ensure its safeguarding. This emblem of identity for Tenerife, recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2007, stands as the tallest peak in Spain and serves as one of the primary ambassadors for the Canary Islands globally.
The preservation of this marvel is a top priority for the president of the Cabildo of Tenerife, Rosa Dávila, who has approved a pioneering regulation in Spain for accessing this 3,718-metre giant on foot. Alongside the Minister for the Natural Environment, Sustainability, Security and Emergencies, Blanca Pérez, a series of initiatives has already been set in motion, prominently featuring the future implementation of an eco-tax for tourists, aimed at harmonising visitor enjoyment with the protection of its fragile ecosystems.
For Rosa Dávila, “Teide is a one-of-a-kind location in the world of which all residents of Tenerife proudly boast, yet it also holds global significance, prompting our duty to safeguard what we regard as our crown jewel.”
Each year, countless visitors are drawn to the uniqueness of Mount Teide, but this increasing popularity has introduced significant challenges, including overcrowding, hazards stemming from the recklessness of certain tourists, and the impact on its delicate ecosystems.
In response to these challenges, the area of Natural Environment, Sustainability, Security and Emergencies of the Cabildo, headed by Blanca Pérez, has enacted an unprecedented regulation in Spain for a high-altitude natural area, aiming to “prioritise, above all, the safety of individuals and prevent overcrowding in a park that attracts millions of visitors each year.”
Blanca Pérez explains that “the new regulation will be adjusted over time, but we could not afford to delay any further. It was essential to implement it in light of the recklessness we witness daily, which compels us to activate our rescue teams constantly.”
The Councillor for Natural Environment, Sustainability, Security and Emergencies of the Cabildo, Blanca Pérez, aims to enhance control and surveillance measures within Teide National Park / The Day
Requirements and key measures
The new regulation, effective from the end of November 2024, sets forth a series of measures to manage access and ensure the safety of visitors. Notably, 24-hour controls will be implemented at the entrances of established trails, where guards will confirm that hikers are registered on the Tenerife On platform and possess the required equipment. Those who cannot provide their registration or are not properly equipped will be prohibited from continuing the ascent.
Moreover, the regulations mandate minimum equipment for visitors, which encompasses sturdy footwear, warm clothing, a thermal blanket, water, a mobile phone with a charged battery, and a headlamp, alongside other essential items. These provisions aim to mitigate hazardous situations in a high-altitude environment that can experience sub-zero temperatures and strong winds.
Blanca Pérez emphasises that “the restrictions include a cap of 300 daily visitors spread across designated time slots, in order to prevent congestion on the most frequented paths, such as Montaña Blanca. Temporary trail closures will also be instituted during weather alerts, a measure prioritising safety and minimising potential harm to the park.”
Blanca Pérez is dedicated to a holistic management model that seeks to harmonise the enjoyment of Teide with the responsibility of upholding its remarkable natural value.
Additionally, a new feature, as highlighted by the Minister for the Natural Environment, entails access control for cable car users. “Individuals purchasing a lift-only ticket must register on the platform Tenerife On, ensuring that they adhere to safety protocols when descending on foot.”
Conversely, the president of the Cabildo notes that the efforts in information dissemination and awareness that we are initiating are crucial to guarantee a secure and respectful experience within this extraordinary space. “Tenerife is an island of contrasts, where one can transition from enjoying the beach to standing atop Mount Teide amidst snow within a matter of kilometres,” states Dávila.
In this regard, the collaboration between the Natural Environment Area and Tenerife Tourism aims to effectively inform visitors of the rules and requirements.
Rosa Dávila asserts that “this regulation signifies a landmark achievement and establishes a new era in the management of Teide, facilitating the safety of visitors while ensuring the preservation of its extraordinary natural value. The regulations exemplify how to sustainably manage a high-altitude area experiencing heavy tourist traffic.”
Responsible management
The Cabildo of Tenerife is committed to a comprehensive management model that ensures not only the preservation of Teide as a world heritage site, but also the safety of its visitors. Through measures such as 24-hour monitoring, access restrictions, and the promotion of awareness, the objective is to ensure that this natural landmark remains a source of pride for Tenerife and serves as an international model for how to responsibly protect and enjoy a unique location in the world.
A titan of 3,718 metres that demands respect and preparation
Tenerife is an island of contrasts where one can shift from the warm beaches of the Atlantic to a snow-covered landscape at the summit of Mount Teide within a few kilometres, which, at an elevation of 3,718 metres, attracts thousands of visitors annually for its stunning vistas. “Nonetheless, this exquisite nature poses considerable risks, particularly for those who underestimate the extreme conditions prevalent in high-altitude areas,” cautions the advisor for Natural Environment.
During December 2023, a tragic incident transpired within Teide National Park. A 59-year-old woman and her 69-year-old husband were discovered deceased in the Pico Viejo region. The circumstances suggest that low temperatures and adverse conditions could have been pivotal in their demise. This incident underscored the pressing need to exercise extreme caution when visiting this high-altitude territory.
In November 2024, another alarming episode brought attention to the hazards faced by visitors who are inadequately prepared. Over the course of a weekend, emergency teams executed the evacuation of 130 individuals amid extreme weather conditions. Some of those rescued exhibited signs of severe hypothermia after having foolishly ventured into restricted areas due to weather alerts. These occurrences emphasise the vital importance of adhering to the regulations and warnings issued by park authorities.
More recently, on December 6, 2024, four French tourists were rescued after being trapped at the top station of the cable car, which was closed at the time. These visitors lacked appropriate clothing and equipment to cope with the low temperatures and activated emergency services when they were unable to make their descent.
This incident once more highlighted the repercussions of disregarding schedules and neglecting to foresee the dangers linked to high-altitude conditions.
It is crucial to recognise that Teide is a natural giant which necessitates thorough preparation, appropriate gear, and respect for its unique features. “Weather conditions can shift abruptly, and subzero temperatures paired with strong winds can jeopardise even the most seasoned hikers,” remarks Blanca Pérez. She further comments that “these and numerous other instances of imprudence, and at times even folly, underscore the significance of the measures established by the Cabildo of Tenerife, such as regulating access and the stipulation of minimum equipment required, to ensure the safety of visitors and the preservation of this exceptional heritage.
A visit to Teide is an unforgettable opportunity, but it also comes with responsibilities. This volcanic behemoth, which epitomises Tenerife’s natural abundance, necessitates admiration and enjoyment with consideration, readiness, and an understanding of the risks that accompany its grandeur.
J. Carlos Herrero, a member of the Association of Mountain Guides of Spain, expresses appreciation for the Cabildo of Tenerife’s resolution to regulate access to Teide. According to Guerrero, this decision was vital given recent incidents that have revealed a concerning overconfidence in physical abilities and a lack of planning among some visitors, thereby endangering lives. Drawing from his experience, Guerrero underlines that these regulations strengthen one of the foundational aspects of his profession: safety. “We can only endorse and promote these measures, as they are for the benefit of everyone,” he asserts.
J. Carlos Herrero
— Member of the Association of Mountain Guides of Spain
José Ángel Castro, Environmental Agent of Teide National Park, commends the Cabildo of Tenerife for its courageous step in implementing access regulations to Teide. He considers the measure, although not entirely favoured, essential for preserving “our crown jewel” and ensuring safety in a high-altitude environment. Such actions safeguard both visitors and the personnel who, in rescue scenarios, are required to confront extreme and fluctuating weather conditions. Since the regulations were enacted, incidents have diminished to almost zero, which for Castro signifies an initial triumph, though he emphasises the need for ongoing improvements.
José Ángel Castro
— Environmental Agent of Teide National Park
Guardians of the Crown Jewel
Wolfredo Wildpret, Professor of Botany and a fervent advocate for Teide, staunchly supports the decisions made by the Tenerife Cabildo. It was time to implement control measures for accessing what makes up the symbol of the Canary Islands, our stratovolcano, Teide! He believes that “its internationally recognised landscape, cultural and scientific significance merits greater respect and care, particularly as current circumstances are leading to considerable deterioration.” He has consistently argued that “ascending the cone in large numbers is an affront to the splendour of a monument that is unparalleled on the planet.”
Isidoro Sánchez, former curator of the Teide National Park, has devoted much of his life to the conservation of this extraordinary space. For him, Teide is not merely a scenic view, but “a connection between earth and sky that unites people with the purest nature.” He has emphasised that its preservation requires a collective effort involving both institutions and the public.
