The top of the Teide, where Spain touches the sky
Many times you ask yourself questions like: Will I be able to climb that mountain? Will I be ready? Do I have the necessary equipment? And the truth is, you start to think, there’s nothing that can’t be tried, especially when it comes to being in touch with nature.
This is what happens when you face Teide Peak, the highest mountain in Spain, located at an altitude of 3,718 meters. The most experienced climb to the crater of the volcano in just one day, but although this can be very exciting, it is also advisable that you stay one night in the refuge of «Altavista del Teide», located at a height of 3,260 meters and equipped with comfortable rooms. All you need to carry is food and a backpack with your personal items, and from there you can leave very early in the morning to continue the rise of the Teide. Making this night stop will not only make the road more bearable, but in this place you will have a really spectacular panorama of the celestial vault and you will see the stars so close that you will find that you can touch them with your fingers. In addition, you will have the opportunity to share the night in the refuge with the other hikers who opt for the same option, in an atmosphere of camaraderie and collective love for nature. In the early morning you will have to start walking, even at night, to end up sitting soon after sitting at the peak of the majestic Teide in the magical culmination of the tour, enjoying the sunrise.
As we said, you don’t have to go up in one run. Actually, you have two options: either exit from Montaña Blanca, at kilometer 40.7, and take from there the path number seven that is signposted on the edge of the Road of the Cañadas del Teide, or climb the Teide Cable Car, located at kilometer 43, and take from there the path seven that departs from the viewpoint of La Fortaleza and start a route of about an hour to the refuge. For the first option it is advisable to go in a group, as well as be used to long walks, since the duration ranges between four and five hours. Also, some people may feel the lack of oxygen, so it is advisable to be cautious. The second alternative option is not very much effort and is a more comfortable and simple route.
Visitors to Tenerife appreciate the beauty of teide already from the plane. Getting to know this majestic volcano is a unique experience in which you will invest little time and get huge perks in return.