4.8 (5)•High-mountain hike and viewpoint•Teide National Park, Tenerife
A proper high-caldera hike to 2,715 m, where Teide, Pico Viejo and the whole floor of Las Cañadas spread out on the other side of the climb.
Alto de Guajara is not a drive-up viewpoint. The useful visitor plan starts at Cañada Blanca near the Parador and links the Siete Cañadas approach with PNT 05 and PNT 15. The classic out-and-back is about 13.8 km and five hours. PNT 15 itself covers only the final climb from Degollada de Guajara: roughly 2 km and 1 hour 30 minutes to the 2,715 m summit. That distinction matters when reading a trail sign or map.
The reward is one of the clearest wide views in the park: Teide, Pico Viejo, Montaña Blanca, Llano de Ucanca and the south of Tenerife in one sweep. Near the top are remains of the shelter used by French astronomer Jean Mascart while observing Halley's Comet in 1910; keep away from the unstable walls. There is no water on the route and almost no shelter from sun, wind or cold. Start early, take enough water, proper footwear and layers, and check the live trail status. No Teide summit permit is normally required, but this is still a long high-altitude hike for prepared walkers.
Altitude changes the day quickly here. Check weather, clothing and route order before you drive up.
Today
22°
Partly cloudy
3 km/h15%
Sun 2 Aug
33°22°
Rain
100%
Mon 3 Aug
35°24°
Rain
90%
Tue 4 Aug
35°25°
Rain
85%
7-day forecast
Blog context
Useful planning notes connected to this place: weather, transport, routes, and nearby decisions.
A practical 2026 hiking guide for choosing Tenerife walks by effort, booking, exposure, weather and group confidence instead of chasing the hardest route.
A field-tested Tenerife outdoor guide for 2026: how to choose between Teide, Anaga, Masca, coastal walks, wild beaches and easier nature days without turning the island into a rushed checklist.
Traveler photos
Guest review summary
Commonly mentioned by visitors.
Hikers value the broad summit view over Teide, Pico Viejo, Montaña Blanca and the Las Cañadas caldera.
The route feels like a real high-mountain objective without needing Teide summit access.
Marked paths, nearby parking and possible circular variations make it manageable for prepared walkers.
Altitude, sun, wind and exposed terrain make the hike more serious than its distance suggests.
Weather can change quickly in Teide National Park, and the route has little shelter.
Late starts are risky if you plan a loop or sunset descent; darkness requires lights and experience.
Recommended reviews
Michał Fabjanski
Source: Google Maps
6 months ago
A beautiful trail with stunning views of Mount Teide. The hike is rewarding from start to finish, and the panorama from the top is absolutely breathtaking. A must-do for anyone who loves mountain trails and dramatic landscapes!
Sergueï Belov
Source: Google Maps
3 months ago
Easy hike with nixe view on Teide mountain and the south coast of Tenerife. The trail is well marked and easy to follow. There is a parking nearby. It's better to come early in the morning to be sure that there idle parking lots.
Tomas Netrval
Source: Google Maps
8 months ago
Great hiking to the top. Its actually better to do it in a circle from east to west. We hiked to catch the sunset and then went down in dark with lights. It was magical! With view of Teide and all colours around. We felt like in the movie with visual effects
Krzysztof Nosek
Source: Google Maps
9 months ago
One of the most surprising hikes during our holiday in Tenerife. What was supposed to be an acclimatizing exercise before El Teide turned out to be an adventure on its own, thanks to the acid-western scenery, surrounding views, and dramatic descent.
Michaela Vašová
Source: Google Maps
10 months ago
Great trail. Go ask about the trail in the tourist info center near the restaurant. They will give you directions. During the hike we met no more than 10 people. Amazing Teide views from the top
No. The viewpoint is the reward for a high-altitude hike; the practical start is Cañada Blanca near the Parador.
Some listings describe only PNT 15 from Degollada de Guajara to the summit. The full visitor route also includes the approach and return.
Not normally for Alto de Guajara, but check the current trail status before setting out.
No reliable water and very little shelter. Carry enough water, sun protection, warm layers and proper footwear.
The broad caldera view and the remains of Jean Mascart's 1910 Halley's Comet observation shelter.
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