Montaña Guajara
A challenging hike to Tenerife's third-highest peak, offering breathtaking caldera views and dramatic volcanic landscapes.

Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Magical light, stunning colors
Montaña Guajara
Best Time
Magical light, stunning colors

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A challenging hike to Tenerife's third-highest peak, offering breathtaking caldera views and dramatic volcanic landscapes.
"One of the most surprising hikes during our holiday in Tenerife. An adventure on its own!"
🥾 Wear Sturdy Hiking Boots
The terrain is rocky and uneven. Good grip is essential for a safe and enjoyable hike .
💧 Carry Plenty of Water
Hydration is key at this altitude. Bring more than you think you'll need, especially on longer routes .
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Summit Views of Teide
Summit of Montaña Guajara
Panoramic vistas of Mount Teide and the surrounding caldera. Unforgettable 360-degree scenery.

Dramatic Volcanic Landscape
Trails around Montaña Guajara
Explore an otherworldly terrain with unique rock formations and stark beauty. A photographer's dream.

Sunrise/Sunset Spectacle
Montaña Guajara summit
Witness the sky ablaze with color as the sun rises or sets over the Canary Islands. Truly breathtaking.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Conquer Montaña Guajara: Essential Prep
Timing Your Ascent for Epic Views
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🥾 Wear Sturdy Hiking Boots
The terrain is rocky and uneven. Good grip is essential for a safe and enjoyable hike.
💧 Carry Plenty of Water
Hydration is key at this altitude. Bring more than you think you'll need, especially on longer routes.
☀️ Sun Protection is Crucial
The sun is intense at altitude. Pack sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses.
🧥 Layer Up for Temperature Swings
Mornings can be cold, but it warms up quickly. Be prepared for changing conditions.
Tips
from all over the internet
🥾 Wear Sturdy Hiking Boots
The terrain is rocky and uneven. Good grip is essential for a safe and enjoyable hike.
💧 Carry Plenty of Water
Hydration is key at this altitude. Bring more than you think you'll need, especially on longer routes.
☀️ Sun Protection is Crucial
The sun is intense at altitude. Pack sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses.
🧥 Layer Up for Temperature Swings
Mornings can be cold, but it warms up quickly. Be prepared for changing conditions.
🗺️ Get Trail Info at Parador
Tourist info near the restaurant can provide excellent directions and trail advice.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Montaña Guajara is hailed as a must-do hike in Tenerife, praised for its stunning volcanic scenery and rewarding summit views of Mount Teide. While challenging, the trek is considered well worth the effort, offering a unique adventure and unforgettable panoramas. Some visitors note the trail can be demanding, requiring good fitness and preparation.
"One of the most surprising hikes during our holiday in Tenerife. What was supposed to be an acclimatizing exercise before El Teide turned out to be an adventure on its own, thanks to the acid-western scenery, surrounding views, and dramatic descent."
Krzysztof Nosek
"Great trail. Go ask about the trail in the tourist info center near the restaurant. They will give you directions. During the hike we met no more than 10 people. Amazing Teide views from the top"
Michaela Ovčariková
"An absolute must when in Tenerife. Great trekking, not too difficult"
Łukasz Sznura
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Montaña Guajara is located within the Teide National Park on Tenerife. The most common starting point for hikes is near the Parador de Cañadas del Teide. You can drive to the park and park near the Parador or other designated parking areas. Public transport options are limited, so a rental car is often recommended for flexibility.
While direct public transport to the specific trailhead is scarce, you can take buses to the Teide National Park area. From there, you might need to arrange a taxi or walk a considerable distance to the starting point of the Montaña Guajara hike. Checking local bus schedules is advised.
Most hikers start from the vicinity of the Parador de Cañadas del Teide. There are parking areas available, but they can fill up during peak times. Arriving early is recommended to secure a spot.
Yes, several tour operators offer guided hikes to Montaña Guajara and other parts of the Teide National Park. These tours can be a great option if you prefer not to navigate on your own or want to learn more about the area's geology and history.
While you can drive from La Laguna to the Teide National Park, Montaña Guajara is a significant hike once you are in the park. The drive itself takes about an hour. The hike is a separate activity from the journey to the park.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, there is no specific ticket required to hike Montaña Guajara itself. However, entry into the Teide National Park is free. If you plan to use the Teide Cable Car, that requires a separate ticket and advance booking is highly recommended.
The Teide National Park does not have an entrance fee. You can drive or take a bus into the park without charge. The only costs involved would be for parking (if applicable in certain areas) or for specific attractions like the cable car.
Montaña Guajara is an outdoor natural attraction, so it doesn't have set opening or closing hours. The Teide National Park is generally accessible at all times, though it's best to hike during daylight hours for safety and visibility.
Yes, hiking Montaña Guajara does not require a permit. Permits are only necessary for specific activities, such as ascending to the summit of Mount Teide itself via certain routes, which is a different hike altogether.
If you intend to use the Teide Cable Car, it's crucial to book your tickets well in advance, especially during peak season. Tickets can sell out weeks or even months ahead. Book directly through the official Teleférico del Teide website.
🎫 🥾 Onsite Experience
The hike to Montaña Guajara is considered challenging due to its elevation gain and the rocky, sometimes exposed terrain. It's often described as a demanding but rewarding trek, suitable for those with good fitness levels.
Montaña Guajara stands at an impressive 2,718 meters (8,917 feet) above sea level, making it one of the highest points in the Teide National Park and Tenerife.
The duration of the hike can vary depending on the chosen route and your pace. A circular route from Cafeteria los Roques is around 10-11 km and can take 4-6 hours to complete, including stops for photos and rest.
Expect breathtaking 360-degree panoramic views. You'll have unparalleled vistas of Mount Teide, Pico Viejo, the vast caldera, and on clear days, you can see other Canary Islands like Gran Canaria, La Palma, El Hierro, and La Gomera.
There are very limited facilities directly on the hiking trails. You'll find a cafeteria near the starting point (Cafeteria los Roques), but once you're on the trail, it's essential to be self-sufficient. Carry all your food and water.
📸 📸 Photography Tips
Sunrise and sunset offer the most dramatic lighting for photography, casting long shadows and vibrant colors across the volcanic landscape.
Golden hour light is particularly stunning. Midday can be harsh, but still offers clear views.A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the vast landscapes and the scale of Teide. A telephoto lens can be useful for isolating details or capturing distant islands. Don't forget a sturdy tripod for low-light conditions during sunrise/sunset.
The summit itself provides the most iconic panoramic shots. Look for interesting rock formations along the trail for foreground interest. The views looking back towards the caldera and Teide are also spectacular.
Include a person in your shots to give a sense of scale. Use leading lines from the trail or rock formations to draw the viewer's eye towards the grand landscape. Experiment with different perspectives from various points on the trail.
The Teide National Park is a designated Starlight Reserve, offering incredibly dark skies. If you stay for sunset and are equipped, Montaña Guajara is an excellent spot for astrophotography, with the Milky Way visible on clear nights.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
If your family is experienced with hiking and your children are older and accustomed to challenging terrain, the adventure can be rewarding. Ensure everyone is well-hydrated, protected from the sun, and equipped with appropriate footwear. The sheer scale of the landscape can be awe-inspiring for older kids who appreciate nature's grandeur.
💰 Budget Travelers
To save money, pack your own picnic lunch and snacks. Avoid purchasing items at the limited park facilities, which can be more expensive. If you're not renting a car, research bus routes and schedules carefully, as they are the most economical public transport option to reach the park's vicinity.
💑 Couples & Adventure Seekers
This hike is ideal for couples who enjoy a physical challenge and appreciate stunning natural beauty. The sense of accomplishment after conquering the ascent together, coupled with the unparalleled vistas, makes for a truly memorable adventure. It's a chance to connect with nature and each other amidst one of Tenerife's most iconic landscapes.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Legend of Guajara
The name itself, 'Guajara,' is believed to have Guanche origins, reflecting the deep historical roots of the island. While concrete historical records are scarce, these legends are passed down, weaving the mountain into the cultural fabric of the Canary Islands. For visitors, understanding these stories can enrich the experience, transforming the stark volcanic landscape into a place of legend and ancient power.
Many visitors find the 'acid-western scenery' and dramatic descent particularly memorable, suggesting the mountain's unique character is tied to its geological features and the stories it inspires. It's a place where nature's grandeur meets the echoes of the past.
Hiking Montaña Guajara: Routes and Challenges
The terrain is characterized by loose scree, rocky paths, and some exposed sections, requiring sturdy hiking boots and a good level of fitness. The ascent can be demanding, especially at altitude, so acclimatization is advised. The effort, however, is consistently rewarded with breathtaking views that many describe as a highlight of their Tenerife visit.
Redditors and hikers often emphasize the importance of checking trail conditions and seeking advice from local tourist information centers, such as the one near the restaurant, for the most up-to-date guidance on routes and safety. The dramatic descent is also frequently mentioned as a memorable part of the experience, offering a different perspective on the volcanic landscape.
Capturing the Majesty: Photography at Guajara
For the most striking images, timing is key. Sunrise and sunset are particularly magical, bathing the mountain and the surrounding caldera in warm, ethereal light. The long shadows cast by the unique rock formations add depth and texture to photographs. Astrophotography is also a possibility here, given the park's designation as a Starlight Reserve, offering incredibly dark skies for capturing the Milky Way.
When photographing, consider using a wide-angle lens to encompass the grand scale of the landscape and a telephoto lens to focus on specific geological features or distant islands. Including a person in your shots can effectively convey the immense size of the mountain and the surrounding environment. Remember to protect your gear from dust and wind, and always prioritize safety when navigating the trails.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit