Ascent to Pico del Teide

We start the exit from the bus stop Montaňa Blanca, where the bus leaves in the morning from the town of Los Cristianos (the largest city near the South Airport). The ascent begins in the desert landscape and during the whole day it does not change even at an altitude of 3,260 m above sea level. The ascent itself takes about 6 hours, while it is necessary to display enough water because the temperature does not fall below 30 ° C and the only reason why we wear long clothes is that the sun is too aggressive and we are afraid of getting burned. During the whole day, in addition to the high temperature, it is also strenuous that we just climb and climb during the whole day.

Throughout the day we walk through desert areas, which are significant mainly from the beginning of the trek.

Throughout the day we see the beautifully exposed peak of Pico del Teide, the destination of our journey.

The road winds and we gradually climb higher and higher.

After the first hour and huge heat, more than 30 ° C, we are surprised by such a small ice field, which is located near the road (April 2016).

About halfway up the ascent opens a view of the ocean surrounding the entire island.

In the end, we will be surprised by the steep climb, while the reward is beautiful views of the surroundings.

Finally, after 6 hours of tiring ascent, we get to the cottage. The most difficult thing about the whole day was not to overcome the altitude and the ascent itself, but the fact that the outside temperature during the whole day is around 30 ° C.

The evening view from the cottage is fascinating and definitely worth the effort.

In the case of this alternative of ascent, it is necessary to arrange accommodation in advance, while the price of accommodation is 25 euros per person per night and this price also includes a permit for the ascent to the top. The cottage opens at 19:00 and it is necessary to leave the cottage in the morning until 7:00 and then lock the cottage so it is necessary to take all things with you. It is also possible to buy water at the cottage and use the local cuisine, but the price of mineral water was around 5 euros per half liter, so it is better to get enough water for both days.

We leave the cottage at 4:30 and gradually climb to the top, as we do not want to return the same way, so we take all things with us. We reach the top before sunrise around 7:00 and enjoy a beautiful sunrise that lasts about 20 minutes. Then I gradually descend to the station of the cable car, where we divide into two groups, one that goes down the cable car and the other that still does not have enough and set off on a longer journey down, which passes around the volcano Pico Viejo (3,135 m) to which also then we perform. The way down will take us most of the day and we get to the bus stop exhausted, but especially dry around 15:00.

The sun begins to show its first rays and gradually.

As the sunrise approaches the top, people are starting to increase, there are about 50 of us in total.

Not only the sunrise is a huge attraction but a very nice moment is shown on the other side where we also see the whole volcano.

And finally, the sun shows us in all its beauty, the only downside is the continuous clouds, so we pack things and descend.

Before the descent, we enjoy the last views of the surrounding countryside.

During the descent, we look at the desert center of the island, which is entirely formed by one huge crater.

The lower but more massive caldera of Pico Viejo.

Throughout the day, we feel as if we haven't even moved around the Earth, but as if we're walking on Mars, at least that's how we imagine it.

View of the crater Pico Viejo

A country like from Mars second, or would it be from another planet?

A popular tourist attraction, which is crowded with a huge number of tourists, as it is located just minutes from the parking lot and restaurants, which is the goal of our trip.