Description
Make your dream a reality and enjoy the Universe in a professional way in one of the best places for a stargazing experience in Tenerife: on Mount Teide.
The history of the Teide astronomical observatory began in 1856, when the Titania set sail from England and arrived in Tenerife. On board were the astronomer Charles Piazzi Smyth and a cargo of instruments for astronomical observation. Smyth undertook a scientific expedition to the mountain peaks of Tenerife, climbing above the clouds to spend 63 days on Mount Teide and Mount Guajara setting up astronomical observatories on both peaks. He set up his bases for observing the stars high on the mountains—to take advantage of the climate and the clarity of the sky above Las Cañadas.
On the day of his departure from the island, he wrote that he wondered “how long the enlightened world would wait before establishing a station there with the potential to contribute so much to the advance of this most sublime of the Sciences”. A hundred years later, his dream would come true with the setting up of the Teide Observatory, one of the finest observatories in the world.
Laying claim to the legacy of Piazzi Smyth, certified astronomical guides will wait for you during this Mount Teide stargazing experience to unravel the mysteries of the Universe for you using professional telescopes, which will allow you to see up close and for your own eyes those fascinating celestial objects that you have longed to see for many years, under the pure and clear sky of the Teide National Park, where it is possible to observe 83 of the 88 officially recognised constellations and where, in the summertime, you can enjoy perfect visibility of the Milky Way.
A fascinating stargazing experience in Tenerife to enjoy the most starry side of Mount Teide
Have you always wondered what star or celestial object is that shiny point, either big or small, that you can see in the sky?
Our Starlight guides will clear all your doubts as they will be there to unravel the mysteries of the Universe for you during this stargazing experience on Teide by night.
Do you find it fascinating that ancient civilisations oriented themselves using the stars? Have you always wanted to be able to do it as well?
But as the stars cannot be seen in the daytime, the mariners of old still needed the sun and geographical landmarks to orientate themselves and to plot their course. For centuries, sailors who ventured out to sea used Mount Teide as one of their landmarks. It was known as the lighthouse of the Atlantic, as it could be seen on the horizon from many miles away and so became a reference point for navigation. The strange thing is that back then, when the Phoenician and Roman sailors, and later the Europeans, used Mount Teide as a lighthouse, it appears that the Guanches (the original inhabitants of Tenerife) knew nothing of navigation. To them, Mount Teide, or Echeyde as they called it, was the dwelling-place of fire.
In pre-Hispanic times, Las Cañadas and Mount Teide were a communal territory not ruled by any of the Guanche kingdoms, or Menceyatos, that made up Tenerife. The Guanches were shepherds, and they used the high mountain peaks as communal grazing land during the summer, when pasture was scarce at lower altitudes. They would live on the mountains with their flocks, and then when the weather turned colder, they would gather their flocks and bring them down again. A large number of archaeological sites across the National Park show evidence of human presence in those times. The Guanches used the mouths of volcanic tunnels, caves and hollows as dwellings, and even as burial tombs where they laid the mummies of their dead.
But at night there are stars... Lots of them. Our guides will show you how to guide yourself thanks to the sky. Furthermore, if Greek mythology and constellations have always been your passions, during this stargazing experience on Teide you will enjoy discerning the elements of Hellenic mythology, which are hidden behind the constellations and the relationship between them.
Use our state-of-the-art telescopes to discover planets, galaxies or clusters as you have always dreamt of doing, and stargaze in one of the three best places on Earth to do it.
Not only will you be able to use these machines during this stargazing experience on Teide by night to take a tour through the night’s most interesting celestial objects but also our monitors will provide you with relevant information about the objects that you will see through the lens.
Get closer to the stars with the professional telescopes on your Teide Astronomical Tour
This stargazing experience on Teide by night lets you observe the clear, starry sky from the car park of the cable car base station (at an altitude of 2,536 m), using long-range, professional telescopes.
We are sure that the astronomical instrumentation that you will have at your disposal during this stargazing experience on Teide by night, along with the quality and transparency of the sky over the Teide National Park in Tenerife, away from the light pollution produced by big cities, will give you a unique experience, which will feel as if you’re close to the stars.
Mount Teide stargazing experience in Tenerife also on full moon nights
It’s inevitable. The moon passes through different phases during its 29-day cycle, that is to say, lunation.
This is why, at least once a month, the potent glow of the Earth’s natural satellite will dim the faint light of the distant celestial bodies.
If you book our astronomical observation on Teide and enjoy it on the night of the full moon, you will take advantage of its radiant appearance and be delighted with its splendour: craters, mountain ranges and other lunar wonders.
You may ask, which ones? You can find the Montes Teneriffe, Mons Pico and the crater Piazzi Smyth on the moon.
If this is news to you, and you’re wondering why they have these names, write this question down so that you can ask our guides on the night of your stargazing experience in Tenerife.
Highlights...
- Use professional equipment during a stargazing experience on Teide by night
- Let certified astronomical guides unravel the sky’s mysteries for you
- Enjoy a unique Mount Teide stargazing experience among volcanoes
- Our stargazing experience in Tenerife is held in the car park next to the Cable Car base station at 2,356 m
What's included...
- Professional observations of the Universe
- Long range telescopes
- Starlight guide in Spanish, English or French
What's not included...
- Transfer
- Starlight guide in other language than Spanish, English or French
Book
- Round-trip transportation from a meeting point near your hotel in southern Tenerife
- Professional observation of the Universe using long-range telescopes
- Certified Starlight guide in Spanish or English
- Sunset from a viewpoint before the astronomical observation
- Starlight guide in other language than indicated
- Picnic
- Teide Cable Car tickets
- Round-trip transportation from a meeting point near your hotel in northern Tenerife
- Professional observation of the Universe using long-range telescopes
- Certified Starlight guide in Spanish or English
- Sunset from a viewpoint before the astronomical observation
- Starlight guide in other language than indicated
- Picnic
Teide Cable Car tickets
- Professional observations of the Universe
- Long range telescopes
- A French-speaking Starlight guide
- Transportation
- Starlight guide in other language than French
- Professional observations of the Universe
- Long range telescopes
- A Spanish-speaking Starlight guide
- Transportation
- Starlight guide in other language than Spanish
- Professional observations of the Universe
- Long range telescopes
- An English-speaking Starlight guide
- Transportation
- Starlight guide in other language than English
+ Information
The start time of the activity Astronomical observation on Teide varies depending on the time of year, as it is adjusted to the sunset time. When making your reservation you will be able to select the day and time of the activity.
To make the most of your astronomical observation on Teide, please follow our recommendations:
- Wear warm, comfortable clothing and proper footwear.
- If you have health problems, consult with your doctor before undertaking this activity.
- Take plenty of water on hikes.
Children under 8 are not allowed to participate in the astronomical observation activity. Documentation will be required for proof of age. Pets are not allowed.
All our guides are astronomical guides certified by the StarLight Foundation.
IT IS NECESSARY TO PRODUCE A COPY OF THE BOOKING VOUCHER, EITHER PRINTED OR ON YOUR MOBILE PHONE.
Reservations may be cancelled or the date of the activity may be changed free of charge up to 24 hours prior to the activity. After this period, 100% of the amount will be charged.
With regard to astronomical observation, in the event that weather conditions impede stargazing, the amount paid for the activity shall be reimbursed.
Date changes are valid for 1 year provided that the vouchers have not been redeemed. Up to 3 changes are permitted.
Check our Terms and conditions for information on other reasons for cancellation.
In case of tickets which include a discount for children or local residents, a supporting document is required to prove entitlement to discount.
Where to find us
Meeting point
Teide Cable Car base station, at km 43 of the TF-21 motorway. Please, wait for a member of the Volcano Teide team to welcome you at the closed access gate.
Click on the following link to Google Street View to see the exact spot.
Coordinates: 28.254448, - 16.625747
Street: TF-21 motorway, km 43 - Teide National Park
Postal code: 38300 Municipality: La Orotava
Teide Cable Car is well connected by roads, and can be easily reached from any point of the island of Tenerife.
If you are in the northern part of the island
- Take the TF-21 motorway which connects La Orotava with El Portillo de la Villa and crosses the Teide National Park. The Cable Car is at km 43. (N28º 15' 17" W16º 37' 33")
- Take the TF-23 motorway from Boca de Tauce to Chío, which connects with TF-21.
If you are in the southern part of the island:
- Take the TF-21 motorway from Vilaflor to Teide National Park, the route of access for the tourist areas of Playa de Américas and Los Cristianos.
If you are close to Santa Cruz or La Laguna
- Take the TF-24 motorway from La Laguna to Portillo de la Villa (La Esperanza Motorway), which connects with TF-21 that will take you to the base station of the cable car at km 43.
Distances
Mt. Teide is approximately an hour’s drive from any point on the island.
- Santa Cruz: 64 km
- La Laguna: 55 km
- Puerto de la Cruz: 45 km
- Los Gigantes: 52 km
- Los Cristianos: 47 km
Frequently asked questions
Check out our weekly calendar of activities and excursions on Mt Teide which we have prepared so that you can view at a glance all the information you need about our activities.
In this article about ascending Mount Teide by car on our blog, you’ll find an interesting guide with the most important points of interest along each route to Mount Teide. However, we recommend not using a car and choosing collective transportation because it is important that together we do what we can to counteract overuse of the vehicle parking areas in the National Park. As a conservation measure, they have been kept to a small size, and they cannot be extended. If you ultimately decide to come by car, it’s a good idea to arrive after 1.00pm.
No. It will be conducted outdoors with portable telescopes and the Starlight guides.
Approximately 60 minutes.
The telescopes that we use for astronomical observation are: Celestron CPC 9.25″ Schmidt-Cassegrain telescope and Dobson Sky Watcher, 30 cm with Newtonian reflector.
No, pets are not allowed.
Is it possible to combine this activity with a stay in the Altavista Refuge or at the Parador hotel?
Since our astronomical observation finishes late and the Refuge closes at 10pm, it won’t be possible for you to spend a night in the highest refuge in Spain on the same day on which you enjoy this activity, because you won’t have enough time to reach the refuge before it closes.
If you wish to stay at the Parador hotel, there should be no problem. However, you will have to make a reservation at the hotel yourself.
No, it’s not necessary. You can download it and display it on the screen of any mobile device (phone, tablet, etc.).
Reviews
Excellent explanation of basic astrology, the guide seemed an expert and talked about most of the shown stars. Driving there in dark hours was easy, even though the road had no lights.
This was a great experience! The guide was very knowledgeable and shared his passion with great enthusiasm! And he was fun to be with! Thank you
Great to have the chance to view stars and clusters with the telescopes and have explanation of the Greek naming of star formations
I thought, one hour would be too short for a whole group to look through the telescopes, listen to the explanations and raise all of our questions. But ***managed it perfectly. Even though I personally would have enjoyed staying a little longer (1,5 hours), I am happy with what was shown to us and the information given. A real PLUS is that Lucas is a really good explainer. He listened carefully and answered every question comprehensivly. Both guides were charming, motivated and proficient and made this an enjoyable - and as far as I am concerned: exceptional - event. I would definitely book more Teide tours.
Lovely experience. We saw Jupiter, Saturn, plenty of stars, and the Moon at its best.
The tour guide is very knowledgeable, we enjoyed his presentation and the telescopes. The sky is incredible! Be sure to bring something warm to wear, even in July it was chilly. Be prepared to stand on the asphalt and look up for an extended period (good shoes, etc).
The guides were friendly and very kind. All the info were given in a very professional way. The guide was willing to kindly reply to all the questions given to him. Thank you for the beautiful experience!
An amazing experience for any one who has the slightest interest in looking up at the heavens and the stars and planets. The Guides are so knowledgable and keen to explain what is being seen and giving background. The explanation in English was exceptional and spoken like a native Englishman. The time went far too quickly we could happily spent twice as long marvelling at what was visible. We have done this trip several times before but in December but this was even more spectacular
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A wonderful and unique experience.
activity began later without any clear reason overcrowded, too large group
As per previous comments - fantastic experience!
Very professional team and a pleasant night experience among the moon and the stars and Teide foothills
Really helpful tour of the constellations by Orris.
Great experience!
Too little time with the telescopes and too long with the constellations. More objects should be shown with the telescopes.
Excellent experience, highly recommended!
Nunca había visto un cielo tan estrellado. Esta ha sido una de mis noches favoritas. Se ve hermosísimo, el guía explica todo muy bien y toda la experiencia fue muy enriquecedora :)
very bad
It was amazing for all family (adults and teenagers)! Hope to be back next year!
****
It was a nice experience, not as good as the one I did in New Zealand. The guide was knowledgable and the information was interesting. Very disappointed that they couldn't wait 5 minutes to turn the light back on to take a couple of photos of the stars. Luckily I already had my camera set up, so I managed to take one photo. That was one of the main reasons I took this tour and in my opinion it would be a nice thing to let people do after the talk, even just for 5 minutes (because you're not allowed to use your camera during).
****
Excellent. Highly recommend anyone interested in seeing the variety of topography on the island as well as night sky. Top three destinations to see our cosmos without light pollution.
Brilliant trip. We have never seen so many stars so clearly. Highly recommend
*****
The program is excellent: sunset view from Teide is fascinating, and after the starry sky also. Our guide was well preapared, with interesting knowledge about the island, volcanos and also about astronomy. The timing was good: we arrived to the viewpoint in a very good time to see the sunset. After that, the dinner time and the skywatching were also very good both in timing and the experience itself. The transfer was quick and correctly planned. We really enjoyed the whole program, it absolutely worth its price!
In general I was disappointed and regret spending over 7 hours of my holiday on this tour. It all started with pick-ups, where we were driving around in bus for almost 1,5 hours and looking for people in smaller villages. Then we were bought to enjoy to some parking space to "enjoy sunset" - when we asked the tour guide in bus, what should we do here - his reply was look into the sun. During our driving he have no information whatsoever and was only discussing with the bus driver the whole day. Would been much more interesting 2,5 hours drive up in case he gave some facts etc etc. Up on Teide we were put in some room to wait - nobody understood what should we do there? For how long? Some people were eating their sandwich, but most were just looking in phones. Then the part started which was OK - why I rated 2 stars. The guide showing the stars was on good level - the jokes and the text were memorized well. ONLY PROBLEM - over half of people were really freezing outside. Why cannot you supply/rent/sell some simple blankets to keep people warm. After 15 minutes half of group was jumping and hoping to get to the bus soon again.... So it was a relief when finalized, when we could start heading back - again almost 2 hours and the guide all way speaking with the bus driver in Spanish..... I hope you get some ideas from this, how to improve your service on this tour!
Uninspiring. No cable car included or possible. Bring a sandwich.
Great excursion! Will try do this again in summer when *** Way is visible. Pity the two most interesting objects (***) weren’t visible. Very good choice of objects for telescopes (Orion nebula, Misar binary, cigar galaxy and open star cluster). Would have liked a bit more information on the telescopes used. Very good show! *** (Molecular Biologist)
I was noticed only one day before the activity that they can not luckily from my hotel. The hotel was in the pickup list when I booked the activity. The star observation location is not the best. The cliff on the side blocked 1/3 of the sky.
The pick-up was supposed to be at 4 pm initially. Then it was changed (via email) to 4:40 pm. Ultimately the bus came 45 minutes late, at 5:25. This made us miss the sunset (which was supposed to be at 6:15) on the way to the volcano. There should be less stops for the bus or instead of picking up everyone from the hotel a few meeting points in the city so that guest can walk there from the hotel and be picked up by the bus. This should make the bus be always on time. Also the goups of guests could be smaller.
The experience was just amazing. The guides were very competent and passionate, they gave the impression that they could give explanations under any sky. I loved their way of pointing to constellations with lasers and telling stories about them. The observations with the telescopes were breathtaking, I didn't expect you could see the rings of Saturn with such level of detail! And they are right when they say that the night sky on the Teide is special, you really see a lot (even with the full moon as in my case). I totally recommend the experience! (Just make sure to cover yourself because it's really cold up there.)
The overall experience was great. I just have one improvement to suggest. When the star gazing experience is over and all the lights outside are turned back on, it takes a while to adjust your vision after standing in complete darkness for about 1h. The side walk on to the teleferic is very dangerous when your sight is not fully recovered and since there are several groups doing the activity, after it's over, some people are going to the buses, others to the bathroom or the cafeteria so there is a lot of movement and people can easily bump into each other/stumble or fall off the cliff (from the left side of the road). During the day it's less dangerous but at night this is a great risk. My mother stumbled upon the sidewalk when people were moving around with their telephone lights on and if she were taller, she might have gone down the cliff. I would recommend not letting people stand over that side of the road after the experience is over. Thank you and keep up with doing this amazing activity.
