Mount Teide: Half-Day Summit & Sky-High Views Adventure

The tour was a major disappointment as the cable car did not run. We had already been at Teide, some years ago, when we travelled Tenerife by car, and that time we did not get onto the cable car because we did not buy cable car tickets in time and all were sold out. However, we got to walk around the amazing landscape for hours instead, in our own tempo, and really enjoyed it anyhow. It was also totally our own fault as we were too slow in buying the tickets. This time, I travelled alone with my son so I decided to take a tour with the Volcano Teide company instead of renting a car to drive the curvy roads. The driver was amazing, so calm, safe and secure, and the guide also told a lot of interesting things about the flora and fauna I did not know about. I had carefully followed the weather forecast and picked a clear day with little wind. The days before, the cable car had been open despite more clouds in the forecast and even some rain. I was fully aware that it might close down in bad weather and if so clients will be repaid the cable car ride/ticket. What I had not done, however, was to find out what the alternative is (the website does not specify), and perhaps asked more questions about the weather and the cable car. Like: what is the maximum wind (gusts) before the cable car closes down? Is the cable car in service? Etc. The only reason we went this time was namely to do the ride up - and not look around in the park, as we had already done that before. We were informed as late as when we arrived at the station that the cable car was closed, so unfortunately no ride up on Teide. What a disappointment. Instead we were “pushed” into the exhibition which I must say is not super interesting even though parts are probably quite appealing for kids. The tourist shop is disproportionately big and expensive, as they often are. Coffees and staff in the cafeteria are both very nice, but not really worth the long bus tour (esp to a place you have already been to). In fact, this whole “alternative” during approx 40 minutes around the cable car station did not feel very thought through. After that we got onto the bus again and drove just a bit to the real (?) tour alternative, ie Roques de Garcia. It is a very cool rock formation from the former summit. You can walk around and/or up a bit of it or take a longer hike. But we were of course not alone since everybody went there instead, so we did not get the real nature experience with a line of tourists queuing on the paths. Also, we were only given up to an hour there, which was not enough for a longer hike in the volcano landscape. That would have been nice though. After this we started the bus return to Puerto de la Cruz. On the way to the volcano we stopped at Papillon restaurant for a quick breakfast, and now we stopped at the place opposite, 7 Canadas. I actually liked both places. Even if they are along a real touristic route, the menus and food/snacks (at least what we had) are good and not too pricey. We were back in P de la Cruz after the estimated 7 hours - without the cable car tour. All in all, the tour was a disappointment. The reason we went this time was to get up on Teide. The alternatives could be more thought through and presented to clients before, so they can take a more informed decision. If the cable car is so sensitive to wind, this must happen all the time, especially as it happened to us on a relatively still day. Maybe Volcano Teide could present some statistics on their website: x days out of y, the cable car has been open/closed due to z. Then you can calculate for yourself. PS. What I do wonder is also if the cable car was actually closed because of the weather this very day, or if it was being repaired or fixed. When we were at the cable car station there were namely maintenance staff working on the cable car. Of course, they might take the opportunity if the weather does not permit rides, but it could also be that they refer to weather conditions while in fact it is closed down of other reasons…

It was a very very long day, the cable car was fine and we read the small print and wore suitable footwear so went up and had a walk around and some lunch in the cafe. The biggest disappointment was the almost 6 hours we spend on the coach. The host on the coach was great and very informative but they just need to plan a bit better and only do pick ups from close areas. I word of a lie, just shy of 6 hrs on a coach with a 2 hour stop at the volcano in between. It’s just way too long and dampened our mood knowing we’d have the same 3 hour journey back. I wouldn’t bother going again, it seems hiring a car and trying to park would be equally as difficult.

The actual trip and tour was nice but we had difficulty hearing the lady in the coach. The sound system was not clear and some people around us were talking so we missed some of the information. Some of the information wasn’t very clear either, where the coach will be parked and meeting point.

Excellent from beginning to end, great tour, great guide too. If you don’t do any other tour do this one. Very reliable, stopped at lovely restaurant for drinks in the way and lunch on the way back. Service food and staff were great.

Ot was good until someone fell of her seat and every one had to try snd give her room. We think there was to many people in carage

We considered it a little pricey. Also, you were told you had 2 hours at the top, then were given a slot for the cable car, but you had to queue for 50 minutes for. On the way back despite bringing it to the attention of the tour guide and coach driver the journey was insufferable, as the air con wasn't working.

the coach collected us from our hotel - early start so we had to make a picnic breakfast. Took a while to collect all the other passengers from various resorts but interesting as we had not seen much outside of our area. Enjoyed the drive up the mountain - beautiful views. Rest stop halfway up - be aware they charge 1 euro to use the toilet. The landscape changes quite a bit, and the guide was very good explaining about the local area and what we could see. We really enjoyed seeing the volcanic environment, the lava flows etc as it is something that interests us. Stopped at the coloured rocks and again - lots of amazing photo opportunities. Set time slot for the cable car. I think it is definitely worth going up - what an amazing view. Had been warned that it was cold up top, so we had packed lots of layers. Wasn't actually too bad (10 degrees) but very windy. Be aware that you do feel the effects of altitude so take things slowly - don't rush. You must wear sensible foot wear and they won't let you onto the cable car if your shoes are not appropriate. The paths are very rocky and uneven. Only allowed an hour at the top - my recommendation is to choose which view you want to explore (right or left!) as depending on how the altitude affects you, you may not have time to fully do both paths. Visitor centre at the bottom is very busy. Super hot when we got back to the coach (43 degrees!!) so again make sure you bring and drink plenty of water. Drove back a different way so got to see more of the volcano and the second cone. Had another photo stop there. A very enjoyable trip.

Very informative and a beautiful fun way to see the island and learn more about it. The guide was very friendly and welcoming

Was staying in Puerto de la Cruz; so mountain close by but a steep climb to get to on the coach - you end up above the clouds where never rains. Really stunning and on a clear day great views; cable car well worth adding as otherwise you don't get to the top. Lunch wasn't included but they did a stop at a local cafe omn the way up where you can get sandwiches and drinks.

Here's the part nobody, not even the Fodor's guidebook, tells you (or at least nobody told us): YOU NEED TO PURCHASE CABLE CAR TICKETS IN ADVANCE, ONLINE (volcanoteide.com). So don't just show up at the cable car station, expecting to purchase a ticket and stand in line, as you can do at virtually every other similar facility around the world. All you can buy on-site is a 1-Euro ticket to use the bathroom. Once you do have a ticket, the view up-top is nice -- bring a jacket, it's cold -- but it's not really the top. If you want to climb the rest of the way to the summit and look into the volcano's crater, you need a permit for that. Only 200 are granted per day. You purchase those online too. It's only 0.6km each way, but at altitude, so you need to be in shape. Parking is at a premium, like everywhere else in the national park. Don't leave any valuables in your car -- thefts have been reported.