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 accordance with current regulations, Park staff will require you to have the mandatory equipment to be able to walk on the trails, if you do not have it they will be forced to prevent access. 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 following mandatory equipment required by TenerifeON for trails number 7 (Montaña Blanca) and number 10 (Telesforo Bravo to pico del Teide):

To access the main routes and especially the ascent to Pico del Teide, 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, you must have hiking or closed-toe sports shoes with a non-slip sole. For safety reasons, it is expressly forbidden to wear heels, wedges, platforms, loafers and shoes with smooth soles or open-toes/heels.
  • Warm, weatherproof 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: This is your main tool in case of emergency.
  • A torch or headlamp with spare batteries: Essential if you plan to walk at dawn, dusk or during the 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).
  • 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 no. 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 area
  • You are not permitted to walk all the way around the edge of the crater or enter the crater.
  • 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.
  • Your booking to stay overnight at the Refuge includes access to Montaña Blanca trail (number 7) between 3 pm and midnight on the day of the booking (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 who have a signed a declaration of responsibility (which can be downloaded at Tenerife On). Technical winter clothing, crampons and ice axes will be required. More information at TenerifeON.

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