Pico Viejo Viewpoint
Hike to a vast volcanic crater with stunning panoramic views of Mount Teide and Tenerife's unique landscapes.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, clearer views
Pico Viejo Viewpoint
Best Time
Fewer crowds, clearer views
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Hike to a vast volcanic crater with stunning panoramic views of Mount Teide and Tenerife's unique landscapes.
"The views of the crater, Teide and surrounding area were well worth the effort."
👟 Sturdy Footwear is Key
High-top hiking boots are recommended for the rocky and dusty trails. :athletic_shoe:
💧 Hydration is Crucial
Bring plenty of water, more than you think you'll need, as there are no facilities on the trails. :droplet:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Pico Viejo Crater
Teide National Park
Witness the vast, ancient caldera of Pico Viejo, a breathtaking testament to volcanic power.
Panoramic Island Views
Summit trails
Enjoy sweeping vistas of Tenerife's diverse landscapes, from volcanic plains to the distant ocean.
Teide's Majestic Presence
Near Mount Teide
Experience the awe-inspiring scale of Mount Teide, Spain's highest peak, from this unique vantage point.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Prepare for Altitude and Weather
Hiking Routes and Timing
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
👟 Sturdy Footwear is Key
High-top hiking boots are recommended for the rocky and dusty trails. :athletic_shoe:
💧 Hydration is Crucial
Bring plenty of water, more than you think you'll need, as there are no facilities on the trails. :droplet:
🧥 Layer Up for Chills
Even on warm days, it gets windy and chilly at higher altitudes. Pack a jacket or hoodie. :cloud:
☀️ Sun Protection Essential
A hat and sunscreen are vital due to the strong sun at this elevation. :sunwithface:
Tips
from all over the internet
👟 Sturdy Footwear is Key
High-top hiking boots are recommended for the rocky and dusty trails. :athletic_shoe:
💧 Hydration is Crucial
Bring plenty of water, more than you think you'll need, as there are no facilities on the trails. :droplet:
🧥 Layer Up for Chills
Even on warm days, it gets windy and chilly at higher altitudes. Pack a jacket or hoodie. :cloud:
☀️ Sun Protection Essential
A hat and sunscreen are vital due to the strong sun at this elevation. :sunwithface:
🗺️ Trail Markers are Helpful
Trails are generally well-marked with metal plates, but a map or GPS can be useful. :world_map:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about the breathtaking, otherworldly landscapes and the immense scale of the Pico Viejo crater. The challenging hike is widely considered worth the effort for the spectacular panoramic views of Mount Teide and the surrounding volcanic terrain. Some find the distance and elevation gain demanding, and advise thorough preparation for weather and hydration.
"To get there one way is to start in parking lot Mirador de la ruleta (it's crowded so either be early or be patient :) a lot of people come only for mirador so it's like 30min rotation for them). Hike both ways is about 14 km (can be extended to 17 if you decide to go back next to LA cathedral) with 1000m attitude gain. It's about 4-5hr long (there and back), doest not require permit. Path is marked on the way with metal plates and quite easy visible where it goes. There are no hard climbing parts, just constant attitude gain, both hard rocks and gravel. easy hike, the only difficulty might be distance. No shops or restaurants on the way ( last one is in parking lot). Make sure to get water, stay hydrated, and bring jacket or hoodie, after 75% way it starts to get windy and really chilly, no mater how hot it is at the beginning."
Tomasz Tommy
"To reach the summit you need to traverse 3 routes, 3, 23 and part of 9. I started hiking the route from the Visitor centre after getting off the 342 bus at 11am. It’s a challenging hike, considering the altitude. Thee are very few flat or downhill sections and there is a tricky big rocks section near the top. I didn’t go around the crater ridge as I was short on time to get back down for the 4pm bus back to Los Cristianos. It took me just under 5 hours including a 15 minute break at the top (I ran about 10% of the route back down). The views of the crater, Teide and surrounding area were well worth the effort."
Steven Wellman
"The whole track and the path are really cool. When you get a nice weather you will see incredible view of Mt. Teide and around.
Be good prepared, the path is quite dusty and long. I went from parking Mirador de Samara to the top and back, almost 20km.
Don’t forget high shoes, definitely a hat because the sun is very strong, warm clothes and the most important thing-plenty of water. Rather more than less!"
Jakub “Jay”
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
You can reach Pico Viejo by hiking from various parking lots like Mirador de la Ruleta or Mirador de Samara, or from the Visitor Centre. The 342 bus also stops near some trailheads. Be prepared for a significant hike with elevation gain.
Yes, parking is available at trailheads like Mirador de la Ruleta, but it can get crowded. Arriving early or being patient for a spot is advised.
While you can drive to parking areas near trailheads, the final approach to the viewpoint is typically on foot via hiking trails.
Many hikers start from Mirador de la Ruleta or the Visitor Centre, utilizing trails like route 9 and 23. The choice depends on your desired hike length and difficulty.
Yes, the 342 bus route can take you to points near the hiking trails, allowing access to Pico Viejo without a car.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No permit is required for the standard hiking routes to Pico Viejo, making it accessible for independent exploration.
Pico Viejo is located within Teide National Park, which generally does not have an entrance fee for day visitors. Hiking trails are also free to access.
As an outdoor viewpoint and hiking area, Pico Viejo is accessible at all times. However, hiking during daylight hours is strongly recommended for safety.
While the most rewarding experience involves hiking, some viewpoints offer distant glimpses. However, to truly appreciate the crater and surrounding landscape, hiking is necessary.
The Teide Cable Car goes to near the summit of Mount Teide, not directly to Pico Viejo. You would still need to hike from the cable car station or other trailheads.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
The hike is considered challenging due to constant elevation gain and rocky terrain, with distances around 14-20 km round trip. It's doable with good preparation.
Expect the hike to take approximately 4-5 hours round trip, not including breaks. Some may take longer depending on their pace and chosen route.
The views are spectacular, offering panoramic vistas of the vast Pico Viejo crater, Mount Teide, and the unique volcanic landscape of Tenerife.
No, there are no shops or restaurants on the hiking trails. The last facilities are typically found at the starting parking lots.
Wear sturdy hiking boots, comfortable clothing, and bring layers for changing weather. A hat and sunglasses are also essential.
📸 📸 Photography Tips
Early mornings offer soft light and fewer people, while late afternoons provide dramatic golden hour hues. Sunsets can be stunning if you time your descent carefully.
Capture the immense crater, the rugged volcanic terrain, panoramic island views, and the imposing presence of Mount Teide.
The rim of the Pico Viejo crater offers dramatic perspectives. Look for elevated points along the trails for wider landscape shots.
A wide-angle lens is great for landscapes, while a telephoto lens can capture details of Mount Teide. A tripod can be useful for low-light conditions. :camerawithflash:
Include a person or a recognizable object in your frame to give a sense of scale against the vastness of the crater.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
For families looking for a less intense experience, visiting the Teide Cable Car area offers stunning views with less physical exertion. While not directly at Pico Viejo, it provides a taste of the park's dramatic volcanic scenery. Always check weather conditions and pack accordingly for a comfortable family outing.
🚶 Budget Travelers
Pack your own food and plenty of water to avoid purchasing expensive items at limited facilities. The main 'cost' is your time and physical effort, making it an incredibly rewarding and affordable experience for those who enjoy hiking and natural landscapes.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Hiking Pico Viejo: Trails and Challenges
Hikers often follow routes that incorporate parts of trails 3, 9, and 23. The difficulty lies primarily in the distance and the sustained ascent, rather than complex navigation. It's crucial to be well-prepared, carrying ample water, snacks, and appropriate clothing layers due to the potential for rapid weather changes and strong winds at altitude.
The Volcanic Landscape of Pico Viejo
Beyond the crater, the Teide National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage site renowned for its extraordinary volcanic scenery. From Pico Viejo, you can also admire the imposing Mount Teide, Spain's highest peak, which dominates the skyline. The park's diverse geological features, including lava flows, rock formations, and the unique flora adapted to this harsh environment, make it a fascinating destination for nature lovers and photographers alike.
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