Teide Eco-Tax Generates €34K, 3,000+ Visitors Pay in Early Weeks

In its first few weeks, a new eco-tax for accessing trails in Teide National Park has seen over 3,000 tourists pay the fee. The new system, which applies to trails PNT 10 Telesforo Bravo and PNT 7 Montaña Blanca - La Rambleta, began on January 19, 2026.

In just two weeks, the eco-tax brought in 34,090 euros. Of this, 18,490 euros were collected from January 19 to 25, and another 15,600 euros came in between January 26 and 28.

Rosa Dávila, president of the Tenerife Island Council, praised these early results. She noted that for the first time, visitors are directly helping to protect one of the island's most important natural sites. Ms. Dávila explained that the fee aims to protect the environment and manage visitor numbers in the Park. "We are regulating access to Teide, easing pressure on its most delicate trails, and making sure this area remains sustainable for the long run," she stated.

Pedro Millán, the island's director of Natural Environment, added that the eco-tax helps "control and improve" services. It allows for hiring more park rangers, potentially making Teide Spain's "most monitored and cared-for" mountain. Mr. Millán also pointed out that the fee has stopped "ghost bookings." Previously, when it was free, many people booked spots but didn't show up, preventing others from visiting the peak. He added that most bookings are for the Telesforo Bravo trail, suggesting that visitors mainly use the Cable Car to go up.

Out of the 3,101 spots booked on the Telesforo Bravo and Montaña Blanca - La Rambleta trails, the vast majority (2,917 people, or 94.06%) were visitors from outside the Canary Islands. Tenerife residents took 126 spots (4.06%), and residents from other Canary Islands accounted for 32 users (1.03%). Professional guides used 26 spots (0.8%). Children under 14, who don't pay the fee, were also part of the bookings, mainly for the Telesforo Bravo trail. This highlights that access to Teide National Park is both family-friendly and regulated.

Mr. Millán reminded visitors that climbing Teide currently has restrictions due to snow, requiring specific mandatory equipment. He warned that even with a paid booking and authorization, rangers will deny access if visitors don't have the proper clothing and equipment for ice and snow.

Looking at bookings by trail, 84.15% of spots on the Telesforo Bravo trail were taken by non-Canary Islands residents. For the Montaña Blanca - La Rambleta trail, this figure was even higher at 93.355%.

Between January 29 and February 22, there was high demand for spots on the Telesforo Bravo trail for individuals without a guide during Cable Car operating hours, showing how popular this route is. However, spots for guided tours and for professional guides are still available, so this method of visiting is recommended. The Montaña Blanca - La Rambleta trail consistently has over 50 available spots each day, helping to spread out visitors more evenly.

The booking system uses the Tenerife ON platform, which already has 172,192 registered users. This platform is considered "key" for managing demand and ensuring organized access to Teide National Park.

When booking, you'll need a credit or debit card and the details of everyone in your group. Once confirmed, bookings cannot be changed (including attendees, dates, or times) or canceled, and they are non-refundable. The only exceptions are if trails close due to bad weather, other unusual situations, or if the Teide Cable Car isn't running. Refunds will also not be given if you are denied access for not having the required minimum equipment, details of which can be found on the Tenerife ON website.

While the booking system is still on the Tenerife ON platform, for now, bookings can only be made through the website www.tenerifeon.es, not via the mobile app. Each Monday at 7:00 AM (local time), a new week of spots opens up, keeping a 28-day booking window available. To use the system, you must be registered and validated on the platform.