Tenerife might be best known for its seaside resorts, but it’s also home to some gorgeous scenery. The most popular destination for holidaymakers seeking a day away from the sand and sea is Teide National Park, which includes the highest peak in all of Spain and its territories, rising 3,718m above the island.
Millions of people visit the park every year, but hikers will soon need to pay an ‘eco tax’ in order to access Teide's most popular walking routes. This includes the path leading to the volcano at the centre of the grounds, and Trail 10 (Telesforo Bravo), which leads to the summit.
The cost will range from €10 to €25, and will depend on the route and whether you are going with a guide or not. Solo hikes will cost more: a non-guided walk on Trail 10 will cost €15, whereas the guided version is only €10. Locals won’t have to pay for access, and Canary Islands residents will pay a reduced fee.
It’s a similar idea to the daytripper fees that have been introduced as an effort to reduce overtourism in some towns and cities across Europe – most notably Venice.
The authorities say that this cash will go towards conserving the biodiversity of the park, and making the trails safer for everyone. Rosa Dávila, the president of the island’s council, said to The Telegraph that the measures ‘seek a balance between visitor enjoyment and the conservation of a fragile and unique ecosystem’. She added that ‘We must prevent [Teide’s] degradation, and any tool that helps conserve it will be studied’.
That’s not the only measure the council have brought in to protect the national park: strict limits on the number of people who can access each route per day have been introduced. For instance, only 300 visitors per day will be allowed onto Trail 10. You’ll also need to bring along some specific gear including a charged phone, a torch, and more if you plan to spend the day on a trail.
If you’re caught without the right permit or the correct equipment, you could be fined up to €600, so it’s definitely worth paying the initial fee. Plus, there are some benefit to tourists, as more information about the park will be accessible, and there will be more staff stationed on each route in case something goes wrong.
You can purchase a pass on Tenerife ON, which is a website and an app.
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