Teide National Park Zones Set Strict Protection Rules

Teide National Park has several types of zones, each with specific rules to protect its unique environment.

Strictly Protected Reserve Areas These areas are extremely fragile or hold special ecological and scientific value. They include places like El Riachuelo, Llanos de Guajara, Chavao, Montaña del Cedro, Los Regatones, and Narices del Teide. To protect these sensitive ecosystems and vital natural processes, entry is strictly limited. Only individuals involved in scientific research, environmental management, rescue operations, surveillance, or policing are allowed, and only for their specific duties. No new roads or tracks can be built here, and any facilities must be absolutely essential and designed to have the smallest possible impact.

Areas with Restricted Motorized Access In zones like Cumbres de Ucanca, Boca Tauce, Montaña de Los Tomillos, Alto de Guamaso, Yegua Blanca, Siete Cañadas, Corral del Niño, Montaña de Guajara, and Ladera del Teide, motorized access is not open to the public. It is reserved only for park management, rescue teams, researchers, and surveillance personnel. Visitors can explore these areas on foot, but only by sticking to authorized trails. While no new buildings will be constructed, existing structures can be renovated. However, their size cannot be increased, and their original purpose must remain the same.

Areas for Traditional Activities and Free Pedestrian Access This category allows for traditional activities that are compatible with conservation efforts, such as beekeeping. Visitors are also welcome to walk freely in these areas. Examples include Llano de Ucanca, Cañada Blanca, Minas de San José, Samara, El Portillo-Izaña, Los Guancheros, Altos de Guajara, and Sanatorio. Motorized vehicles are only permitted on public roads or designated tracks. New facilities for visitors, research, or environmental management are allowed in these zones.

Public Use and Service Areas Across Teide National Park, free motorized access is generally not permitted, except on designated roads. This category covers key public areas and essential park services, such as the Altavista Refuge, car parks, viewpoints, and main roads (TF-24, TF-21, and TF-28). It also includes Portillo Bajo, Cañada Blanca, cable car base stations and towers, Portillo Alto, Juan Évora, and La Rambleta. Pedestrian access is free in these areas. Any new constructions must be designed to blend into the natural environment, using traditional materials and minimizing their visual impact. The park prioritizes integrating these structures into the landscape and reducing their overall footprint.