Fake Permit Lands Tourists in Trouble at Mount Teide
Two French tourists were stopped in Teide National Park for using a fake permit to access the summit, marking the first major incident since new access checks were implemented.
Last Wednesday, park rangers in Tenerife stopped two French tourists in the La Rambleta area of Teide National Park. The tourists had a fake permit from Tenerife ON, the official system for booking access to the island's summit.
The rangers filed a report and stopped the tourists from going any further. This is the first major incident since new checks were put in place earlier this month in this protected area. The incident happened at 3,531 meters above sea level, at the start of Trail 10, which is named after the Tenerife scientist and conservationist Telesforo Bravo and leads to the peak.
The tourists presented the fake permit at the checkpoint on Wednesday morning. The document clearly looked like it had been changed or was not genuine. When the rangers checked the reservation list for that day, they found no booking under the tourists' names. The tourists cooperated fully with the rangers. The rangers have started the process of issuing a fine for a possible violation of the national park's rules.
Blanca Pérez, the island's Environment Councillor, said, "I know people used to climb to the peak without permission, but it's much harder now." She emphasized that this first case since the checks were introduced involves the falsification of an official document. The councillor added, "The important thing is that we have control, and now only the permitted number of people will climb Teide after registering through the app."
Blanca Pérez also mentioned that when controls began on the slopes of Teide last November, "there was some resistance, but we stood our ground, and I think we were right." She highlighted that "now we also have park rangers up there, not just information staff during the morning. We've increased our presence, and it's starting to make a difference."
Trail 10, which completes the climb to the peak, has a limit of 300 people per day. Visitors to the summit of Teide must have the required permit and wear long trousers, warm clothing, and suitable hiking boots. They should also bring sun protection, energy snacks, and water. It is also essential to carry a mobile phone with a charged battery. Not following these rules can result in fines of up to 600 euros.