Route No. 10 (Telesforo Bravo) to the Crater of Mt Teide

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The route to the crater of Mt Teide takes you to Spain's highest peak. You start out at the upper station and follow the rocky path to La Fortaleza Vantage Point. Shortly, you see a path to your left that begins to climb steeply towards the summit. You can only begin the ascent if you are in possession of a permit issued by the offices of the national park. The altitude and the strong smell of sulphur given off by the numerous fumaroles in the area make progress difficult. It is wise to climb slowly, making the most of short stops to feel the island throbbing beneath your feet and breathe in the icy air around you.

The path switchbacks up the southeast slope, drawing ever closer to the narrow lip from where you can contemplate the mysterious crater. Once at the top, the yellowy-green depths of the crater conjure up violent eruptions of the past, while in the distance you can make out the other Canary Islands: La Palma, El Hierro and La Gomera to the west, and Gran Canaria, Fuerteventura and Lanzarote to the east. We recommend you stay the night at Altavista Refuge, rise before dawn and climb up to the peak to observe the first rays of sun and the gigantic shadow of Mt Teide projected over the sea.
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