Teide Trail Ecotax Generates Significant Revenue for Conservation
The Cabildo de Tenerife (Tenerife Island Council) has registered over 3,000 tourists through the new ecotax for access to trails in Teide National Park during its first weeks of operation. The fee system for the PNT 10 Telesforo Bravo and PNT 7 Montaña Blanca – La Rambleta hiking paths came into force on 19 January 2026. According to the council, the implementation has generated €34,090 in just two weeks. Of this total, €18,490 was collected during the week of 19-25 January, with a further €15,600 received between 26 and 28 January.
Direct Contribution to Protecting a Natural Heritage Site
The President of the Cabildo de Tenerife, Rosa Dávila, welcomed the data from the system’s initial weeks. She highlighted that, “for the first time,” those visiting the island are “contributing directly to caring for and protecting one of its greatest natural heritage sites.” Dávila stated that the measure aims to conserve the environment and manage visits to the Park. “We are regulating access to Teide, reducing pressure on the most sensitive trails, and ensuring this space remains sustainable in the long term,” the island president affirmed.
Eliminating ‘Ghost’ Bookings and Enhancing Surveillance
The island’s Director of the Natural Environment, Pedro Millán, added that the ecotax allows for the “control and improvement” of services, including hiring additional staff for surveillance duties. He suggested that Teide may now be “the most watched-over and cared-for mountain in Spain.” Millán pointed out that the fee has eliminated ‘ghost’ bookings, which occurred when “it cost nothing and we later found that people who had booked did not show up on those days, taking a spot away from another interested person.” He added, “The vast majority book for the Telesforo Bravo path, which indicates that people are primarily ascending via the Cable Car.”
Visitor Profile: Over 94% Non-Residents
Of the total 3,101 booked slots on the Telesforo Bravo and Montaña Blanca – La Rambleta trails, the majority correspond to visitors not resident in the Canary Islands, with 2,917 people (94.06%). Residents of Tenerife occupied 126 slots (4.06%), while residents from the rest of the Canaries accounted for 32 users (1.03%). Professional guides accessed 26 slots (0.8%), and children under 14, who are exempt from payment, were included in bookings primarily for the Telesforo Bravo trail, reflecting the family-friendly and regulated nature of access to Teide National Park.
Current Conditions and Mandatory Equipment
Millán reminded the public that ascent to Teide is currently subject to restrictions “because the area is still snowy,” meaning a minimum mandatory equipment kit is required. “Regardless of whether you have paid and have authorisation, if you do not have the proper clothing and ice and snow equipment, the wardens will not let you pass,” he added.
Trail Demand and Availability
Regarding booking data, on the Telesforo Bravo trail, 84.15% of slots were taken by people from outside the Canaries, while on Montaña Blanca – La Rambleta this percentage rises to 93.35%. Concurrently, between 29 January and 22 February, there has been high demand for slots on the Telesforo Bravo trail during cable car operating hours for people unaccompanied by a guide, highlighting the popularity of this route. In contrast, slots for visiting with guides and slots for the guides themselves remain available, and using this method is recommended. The Montaña Blanca – La Rambleta trail maintains availability of over 50 free slots daily, encouraging a more balanced distribution of visitors.
Booking System and Key Rules
The booking system is supported by the Tenerife ON platform, which already has 172,192 registered users. This tool is seen as “key” for channelling demand and facilitating orderly access to Teide National Park. During the booking process, a credit or debit card is required, along with details for all participants. Confirmed bookings cannot be modified, cancelled, or have attendees, dates, or times changed. They are non-refundable except in cases of trail closure due to weather, other exceptional circumstances, or if the Teide Cable Car is not operational. Refunds will also not be issued if access is denied for failure to meet the mandatory minimum equipment, which can be checked on the Tenerife ON website.
How to Book Your Teide Trail Access
The booking system remains on the Tenerife ON platform. However, temporarily, bookings can only be managed via the website www.tenerifeon.es and are not available on the mobile app. Every Monday at 7:00 am (local time), a new week of slots becomes available, with a 28-day booking window always open. To access the system, users must be registered and validated on the platform.
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