More about the National Park del Teide
The volcano's slopes are home to an incredible
variety of flora and fauna, some which are unique to Tenerife.
There is a huge variety of plants, including the Teide violet,
which due to its ability to grow all the way up to the summit, is
the highest flowering plant in Spain.
Some of the most important species in the park, however, are the insects, birds and lizards. There are more than 700 species of insect alone.
Birdwatching is a particularly rewarding pastime in the Parque National del Teide: organised tours are possible, though it is equally as easy to go off the beaten track with a pair of binoculars and try a spot of twitching for yourself.
Look out for kestrels and vultures circling over the open slopes, or hunt for the rare blue chaffinch in the pine forests.
It is also possible to take a stroll through the strange volcanic landscape. The jagged dried lava runs and volcanic cones give an other-worldly, moon-like impression – so much so, that some of the original Planet of the Apes movie was filmed here.
There are several visitor centres within the park, from which maps and hiking information can be obtained.
Some of the most important species in the park, however, are the insects, birds and lizards. There are more than 700 species of insect alone.
Birdwatching is a particularly rewarding pastime in the Parque National del Teide: organised tours are possible, though it is equally as easy to go off the beaten track with a pair of binoculars and try a spot of twitching for yourself.
Look out for kestrels and vultures circling over the open slopes, or hunt for the rare blue chaffinch in the pine forests.
It is also possible to take a stroll through the strange volcanic landscape. The jagged dried lava runs and volcanic cones give an other-worldly, moon-like impression – so much so, that some of the original Planet of the Apes movie was filmed here.
There are several visitor centres within the park, from which maps and hiking information can be obtained.
The Parque Nacional del Teide (Teide National
Park) is made up of Tenerife's volcano, Mount Teide, and the
surrounding area. The park was founded in 1954 and designated a
World Heritage Site in 1997.
It is the most visited park in the Canary Islands, with around 2.8 million people enjoying its stunning environment each year. Covering an area of 18900 hectares, much of the Teide National Park is covered in dense pine forests.
The park can be accessed by the main road which runs through it.
There is a public return bus service which runs once a day from
both Playa de las Americas and Puerto de la Cruz. There is also a
hotel, or parador, within the park boundary.
Mount Teide itself is of course one of the principal features of the park, and probably the most popular. The volcano is currently dormant, the last eruption occurring in 1909. A cable car takes visitors almost to the summit, carrying 38 people and taking 8 minutes to reach the top.
A visit to Mount Teide is a real must for the first time visitor to Tenerife, but there are a couple of important points to note. The cable car is extremely popular, particularly in high season, and as a consequence the queues can sometimes be long. Also, at 3555m above sea level, altitude sickness is a possibility.
It is the most visited park in the Canary Islands, with around 2.8 million people enjoying its stunning environment each year. Covering an area of 18900 hectares, much of the Teide National Park is covered in dense pine forests.
Mount Teide itself is of course one of the principal features of the park, and probably the most popular. The volcano is currently dormant, the last eruption occurring in 1909. A cable car takes visitors almost to the summit, carrying 38 people and taking 8 minutes to reach the top.
A visit to Mount Teide is a real must for the first time visitor to Tenerife, but there are a couple of important points to note. The cable car is extremely popular, particularly in high season, and as a consequence the queues can sometimes be long. Also, at 3555m above sea level, altitude sickness is a possibility.
Car hire National Park del Teide, Tenerife
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