The Teide National Park is a protected area, so conservation is fundamental. Always respect the rules! Don't litter, follow the marked trails and protect the local flora and fauna. Remember that your actions contribute to preserving this unique environment for future generations.

Find out more about how to protect the Teide National Park in our Teidelover Manual.

A complete guide to protecting this World Heritage Site

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An introduction to the Teide National Park and its World Heritage site

The Teide National Park is one of the most well-known natural landscapes in Spain and Tenerife's main landmark.

Declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 2007, it has a unique volcanic landscape with great biodiversity and geological importance.

Mount Teide, at 3,715 metres, is the highest peak in Spain and the third highest volcano in the world from its base at the bottom of the ocean. The National Park is the most visited in Spain and Europe.

The importance of conservation at Teide

Conservation at the Teide National Park is an important, ongoing task. Its biodiversity, with more than 200 plant species (58 endemic to the Canary Islands), and its geological wealth require responsible environmental management.

The park is home to unique species such as the Teide violet and the Red tajinaste, which grow in extreme conditions and are threatened by invasive species and humans.

Conservation involves the protection of flora and fauna, ecological restoration and the elimination of invasive exotic species. Every little gesture counts, and with your help, we can keep this heritage site alive for future generations.

If you would like more information on how the Teide volcano was formed and the ten most iconic species in Las Cañadas del Teide, you'll love this page about Mount Teide: What is Mount Teide?. 

Visitor rules: Dos and don'ts

What NOT to do to ensure the conservation of the National Park:

  • Don't collect stones or plants, or feed any animals, so as not to damage the environmental balance.
  • Don't remove or alter archaeological objects.
  • Don't drive vehicles off the roads and tracks open to the public, or park outside the designated areas. Doing so puts the flora and fauna at risk.
  • Don't dump rubbish or debris.
  • Don't paint rocks, write names on them, or make piles of stones, so as not to disturb the ecosystem.
  • Don't build or set fires.
  • Don't travel through reserve zones or on restricted trails without permission. To find out which trails require permission, visit the TenerifeOn page. 
  • No free camping.
  • Don't release exotic animals or introduce chemical or biological substances.
  • NO professional videos or film activity without authorisation.
  • Don't use radios or similar devices at a high volume.

What TO DO:

  • Use marked trails without leaving their designated routes and respect restricted areas.
  • Dispose of rubbish and cigarette butts in the containers provided or take all waste back with you.
  • Respect the flora and fauna, observe it without disturbing, feeding or collecting anything.
  • Respect the geological heritage without altering it.
  • Follow instructions on the information panels and those given by park staff.
  • Report any incidents or risks to park staff or call 112, the emergency telephone number.
  • Respect information from park staff at all times.

Recommendations for visitors

  • Wear suitable clothing and footwear: hiking boots and warm, weatherproof clothing, as the weather can change quickly.
  • Use all the mandatory equipment: for accessing the trails leading to the Refuge on foot and for sleeping in the Refuge itself
  • Protect yourself from the sun: wear sunglasses, a cap or hat and sun cream.
  • Take enough waterfor the walks, as there are no drinking water or refreshment points until you reach the Refuge.
  • Plan your visit in advance and check the weather forecast and the state of the trails. 
  • Avoid walking the trails alone.
  • Due to the difficulty of the access trails to the Refuge, you need to be in good physical shape to undertake the demanding journey on foot.
  • Since the main access to the Refuge is via the Montaña Blanca trail, which is very challenging, people with heart, respiratory or mobility problems cannot stay overnight at the Altavista Refuge, in line with the access restrictions for this trail.
  • Similarly, pregnant women are not allowed to stay overnight due to the health risks posed by the altitude and the inherent risks of the Montaña Blanca trail.
  • Beware of ice and snow at certain times of the year. Should the Montaña Blanca (number 7) and Telesforo Bravo (number 10) trails be closed because of a decision to introduce preventive measures due to ice and snow, access will only be permitted to expert mountaineers who sign a declaration of responsibility (which can be downloaded at TenerifeOn). Technical winter clothing, crampons and ice axes will be required. More information at TenerifeON. 
  • Avoid using the car at busy times and use public transport where possible.

The Teide National Park is a jewel of nature and a cultural treasure that transcends borders. Its conservation depends on the commitment of all parties involved: visitors, management and society as a whole.

Respecting the rules, following the recommendations and acting responsibly are essential to ensure that future generations can enjoy this world heritage site.

Help us to protect Mount Teide!