The trails on Mount Teide that lead to Altavista Refuge are challenging, difficult trails at a high altitude (some are over 3,000 metres high in several sections). They are not suitable for people who have no mountain experience, nor for pregnant women or people with heart, respiratory or mobility problems. Using the trails requires a certain amount of skill and experience due to steep slopes, unstable surfaces and areas where there is a fall risk. In addition, there is a high probability of sudden temperature changes, which together with the low oxygen pressure can cause extreme fatigue, dizziness and general illness.

The Altavista Refugeprovides the basic equipment for a comfortable overnight stay, including: dormitories, heating, kitchen, toilets and vending machines. However, to walk the main trails that lead to or from the Refuge, you will need to have the minimum mandatory equipment. This applies to footwear, warm weatherproof clothing and other additional safety equipment to protect against the risks of the mountains in winter.

Don't forget your personal identification (ID card, NIE or passport) and proof of booking for your overnight stay at the refuge, the latter will also give you access to trail number 7 (Montaña Blanca) and trail number 10 (Telesforo Bravo).

Remember that, in line with current regulations, Park staff will require you to have the mandatory equipment to be able to walk the trails, if you do not have it they will be forced to prevent access. Make sure you check the list when packing. Make sure you check the list when packing.

Always check the weather and status of the facilities and follow the instructions of park staff.

Essential equipment and safety guide for visitors to Mount Teide and the Refuge

Index

Mandatory and recommended equipment

Mandatory equipment for an overnight stay at Altavista Refuge

Please note the mandatory equipment required by TenerifeON to walk trails number 7 (Montaña Blanca) and number 10 (Telesforo Bravo to the summit of Teide):

To access the main routes and especially the ascent to Pico del Teide (the summit), you must have the following equipment:

  • Suitable hiking boots: The volcanic and stony terrain requires sturdy shoes with good grip. To access the Teide trails, you must to wear appropriate footwear. In other words, it is essential to wear hiking boots, ideally high-top ones, or closed-toe trekking shoes with good grip and support, and a non-slip, grippy sole. For safety reasons, it is expressly forbidden to wear heels, wedges, platforms, loafers and shoes with smooth soles or open-toes/heels.
  • Sufficient warm clothing: Temperatures can drop sharply, even in summer. Warm, weatherproof clothing and a thermal blanket are compulsory. It is also compulsory to bring a thermal jacket or equivalent and have long trousers (wear or carry them in your bag), even in summer, plus a hat and gloves in winter. The weather can change suddenly.at high altitude on the Teide. Low temperatures, strong wind and extreme sun exposure are common, even on seemingly stable days.
  • Sufficient water: Dehydration is one of the most common risks. Carry at least 1.5 litres per person. It is recommended you bring some food with you for energy.
  • A fully charged mobile phone: It is your main tool in an emergency.
  • Torch or head torch with spare batteries: Essential if you’re planning to go for a walk at dawn, at dusk or at night.
  • Dormitories at the Refuge do not have any bedding for hygiene and environmental reasons: a sleeping bag is compulsory.
  • Personal identification (DNI, NIE or passport) and the booking confirmation for your overnight stay in the Refuge and to access mountain trail no.7 Montaña Blanca and trail no. 10 Telesforo Bravo.

Recommended equipment

In addition to the mandatory equipment listed above, it is advisable to bring:

  • Sunglasses and a cap or hat to protect you from the sun, even on cloudy days.
  • High protection sunscreen.
  • A lightweight backpack, filled with just the essentials.
  • Hiking poles (optional but useful on steep sections). If you are planning to use hiking poles, please note that, under the Teide National Park Master Plan for Use and Management (PRUG), poles with metal tips are not permitted anywhere within the park, even when the tips are covered with rubber caps or similar protective materials.
  • Coins or debit/credit cards for the vending machines for water, hot drinks and non-perishable food at Altavista Refuge (banknotes cannot be used).

Specific rules for access to Pico del Teide

  • Telesforo Bravo trail number 10 is the only permitted route for accessing Pico del Teide.
  • Your booking to stay overnight at the Refuge includes access to the Telesforo Bravo trail (number 10) between 6 am and 9 am the morning immediately after your overnight stay. You must leave the trail by 9 am.
  • Maximum simultaneous capacity: 50 people on the trail, 10 in the crater.
  • You are not allowed to walk the entire edge of the crater, nor to enter it.
  • You must carry the mandatory equipment required to walk this trail.

Specific rules for access to Montaña Blanca trail number 7

  • You will reach the Refuge via the Montaña Blanca trail.
  • The reservation to stay overnight at the Refuge includes access to the Montaña Blanca trail (number 7) between 3 pm and midnight on the day of your reservation (ascent), and between 9 am and 12 pm on the morning immediately after your overnight stay.
  • You must carry the mandatory equipment required to walk this trail.

Please note that, if Montaña Blanca (number 7) and Telesforo Bravo (number 10) trail are closed because of a decision to introduce preventive measures due to ice and snow, access will only be permitted for expert mountaineers. Participants must sign a declaration of responsibility and wear technical winter clothing, 10- or 12-point crampons suitable for the footwear being worn, and ice axes. Further information is available at TenerifeON. 

Be prepared, respect the rules and enjoy a unique experience on Mount Teide!