The President of the Tenerife Cabildo, Rosa Dávila, has announced new measures to regulate access to Mount Teide. A permit, already required for those climbing on foot to the peak, will now also be mandatory for visitors using the cable car and descending on foot.
This decision comes in response to the recent rescue of four French nationals stranded on the upper slopes of the mountain.
The group, unprepared and unequipped with adequate clothing, equipment, or food, became isolated late last Friday night. The rescue operation, which lasted for several hours, narrowly avoided a tragic outcome due to what Dávila described as "recklessness."
To ensure safety and manage access sustainably, the Cabildo has imposed a daily limit of 300 climbers for the ascent on foot. Non-residents will be required to pay a fee to secure their permits via the ‘Tenerife ON’ app and website. Additionally, hikers will need to carry appropriate equipment and check in at designated control points.
These changes were outlined during a press conference where Dávila detailed agreements reached in the latest Governing Council meeting. Discussions involved representatives from Gesplan, emergency services, the Teide National Park, and the cable car operator Teleférico del Teide.
Since the policy's implementation on 30th November, the system has recorded 1,367 individual bookings, alongside reservations from active tourism companies. Despite the cap of 300 people per day, the limit has yet to be reached. Meanwhile, the ‘Tenerife ON’ platform has seen over 36,000 users register.
The introduction of these measures highlights efforts to balance tourism, safety, and environmental preservation on Tenerife’s most iconic landmark.
