The Telesforo Bravo trail is one of the many wonderful trails you’ll find on Mount Teide—and it’s the most popular because whoever completes it succeeds in ascending to the peak of Mount Teide.
Today we present in detail one of the routes which boasts the most spectacular views: the trail to the crater of Mount Teide, or Telesforo Bravo. Its high level of difficulty is worth overcoming because the path itself is the prize, offering unique experiences every step of the way.
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The wonders on the trail to the Teide crater
Walking along the Teide National Park’s trail No. 10, or Telesforo Bravo, you can observe:
- The lava canal which descends from the edge of the crater
- The Mirador del canal viewpoint
- The Telesforo Bravo Path: a winding path which at certain spots takes you to the interior edge of the canal on the slope. At different points there are also emanations and Mount Teide fumaroles.
- The crater of Teide, covered by white dust from the fumes from the fumaroles that are to be found there. You will also notice some yellow shades in the landscape, proceeding from sulphur deposits.
- The summit: Spain’s highest peak. This is your goal if you opt for this wonderful trail at the summit of Teide!
- And the cotton-like mantle which covers the island, also known as the ‘Sea of clouds’.
Below you’ll find a video of the ascent to the peak with cable car so you can get an idea of what the Telesforo Bravo trail on Mount Teide is like:
I want to ascend to the peak and conquer the summit of Mount Teide!
Interesting facts about the Telesforo Bravo trail
The Telesforo Bravo trail leads to Spain’s highest peak along the inside and the side of a lava canal.
Surely you’ve been told that this trail, which culminates on the edge of the Teide crater, makes an impression due to the smell of the sulphur emanating from the fumaroles and also because of the astonishing beauty of the landscape that surrounds it.
If you are considering climbing to the Teide crater, you are probably aware that access is restricted for conservation reasons and that you need a special permit which can be booked online through Teide National Park’s reservation page for free.
If you would prefer a guide to accompany you on this climbing experience to the highest peak of Spain and explain absolutely everything to you, check out our hiking tours. Some of them include the pass to the crater!
Technical Information about the Telesforo Bravo route
- Trail length: 614 metres
- Accumulated elevation during ascent: 173 metres
- Type of trail: linear
- Trail start point: La Rambleta at 3,555 m
- Trail end point: peak of Mount Teide at 3,718 m
- Duration of journey: around 40 minutes
- Difficulty level: high
- Access type: permit required, issued by the National Parks Central Booking Office.
The trail to the crater of Mount Teide has a high difficulty level and is therefore not recommended for people with cardiovascular problems. If that doesn’t apply to you and you’d like to perfectly coordinate your access permit with your cable car tickets and be joined by a guide who will tell you all about the trail, guaranteeing a worry-free experience, we recommend ascending to the peak on our guide hike with cable car. That way, you’ll make the most of your activity and learn all the secrets of the volcano.
Also, don’t forget that we have a fantastic activity with a medium-low difficulty level that is perfect for all the family: a guided tour to the Pico Viejo Viewpoint. This experience give you the chance to enjoy amazing views from an altitude of over 3,500 m that take in three of the Canary Islands across the ocean and the Pico Viejo crater.
Book the guided tour to the Pico Viejo Viewpoint
Must-see stops on the trail to the crater of Mount Teide
Let's get to the point!
We present the must-see spots you should stop at if you choose to walk this path of great scenic and volcanological interest.
On the Telesforo Bravo trail you will start walking along the inside of a lava canal, you will then continue walking around the crater following the Telesforo Bravo path to arrive at the highest peak in Spain accompanied by the most spectacular views in Tenerife.
We present 3 of the 6 must-see spots that you will want to stop at while ascending the Telesforo Bravo trail to the Teide crater.
Do not leave your camera at home!
Stop 1 on the Telesforo Bravo trail: The lava canal.
This is the starting point of an experience that you will remember for the rest of your life!
The walk starts at the heart of the lava canal that descends from the edge of the Teide crater.
Focus on its unusual shape that resembles an open tunnel. Notice that most of the lava wall is smooth.
The reason for this is that the canal might have been filled with lava with certain regularity at some point.
This way, the spurts of magma came to seep from the sides and lava flows gushed out causing the edges of the canal to grow.
Along the Telesforo Bravo trail you will observe some natural sections which perfectly reflect the phenomenon of layers.
If you’d prefer, you can hike the trail independently by booking our cable car ticket with audio guide. On this activity, you follow the trail while using your mobile phone to listen to information about the most emblematic points along this sensational route. All you have to do is quickly and easily download the audio guide to your Android or Apple device using your booking reference number and then you’ll enjoy a contactless experience on high!
Get your cable car ticket with audio guide
Stop 2 on the trail to the Teide crater: The viewpoint of the canal
You’ll know when you’re at the viewpoint of the canal (Mirador del canal) because this stop coincides with a landing just after you cross to the other side of the canal to continue on the trail to Teide’s peak.
By the way, did you know that before Teide’s last erupted crater there had been yet another crater?
We’re talking about the ancient crater of La Rambleta which you will be able to spot to the right of the Teide Cable Car’s upper station.
Be careful because from this point on the level of difficulty of the ascent of the crater starts increasing and you must be in good physical shape.
So, take your time to enjoy the views and the geological wonders on the trail to the Teide crater.
Stop 3 on the Telesforo Bravo trail: The Telesforo Bravo Path
Here, the Telesforo Bravo trail winds and approaches the interior edge of the canal at various points on the slope.
Pay attention, because from this point on the trail you will be able to see yet again overlapping layers of lava.
Did you know that it used to be that once you reached this point there were several paths between the rocks, but following the suggestion of the geologist Telesforo Bravo a unique trail was created to climb to the crater of Mount Teide?
The proposal of this geologist, after whom the trail to the peak of Teide was named, has ensured the safety of the visitors and managed to minimise the environmental impact.
Your effort will soon be rewarded because from this point on the trail you can already spot some emanations and deposits from Mount Teide fumaroles.
And the impressive Pico Viejo!
This channel runs upwards to the edge of the crater itself. There’s not long to go now until you reach your goal: the crater of Mount Teide!
Don’t wait to hear about it from others. Experience this incredible challenge first-hand on your next holiday to Tenerife!
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