Volcano Teide Astronomical observation on Teide

4.51 (54)
Languages
ES · EN · FR

Duration approx.
01:00 Hrs Approx.

Difficulty
Low
From
 €40.00
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Astronomical observation on Teide Astronomical observation on Teide Astronomical observation on Teide Astronomical observation on Teide Astronomical observation on Teide Astronomical observation on Teide Astronomical observation on Teide Astronomical observation on Teide Astronomical observation on Teide Astronomical observation on Teide

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Astronomical observation on Teide

Languages
ES · EN · FR

Duration approx.
01:00 Hrs Approx.

Difficulty
Low

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

What's included...
  • 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
What's not included...
  • Starlight guide in other language than indicated
  • Picnic
  • Teide Cable Car tickets
What's included...
  • 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
What's not included...
  • Starlight guide in other language than indicated
  • Picnic
  • Teide Cable Car tickets

What's included...
  • Professional observations of the Universe
  • Long range telescopes
  • A French-speaking Starlight guide
What's not included...
  • Transportation
  • Starlight guide in other language than French
What's included...
  • Professional observations of the Universe
  • Long range telescopes
  • A Spanish-speaking Starlight guide
What's not included...
  • Transportation
  • Starlight guide in other language than Spanish
What's included...
  • Professional observations of the Universe
  • Long range telescopes
  • An English-speaking Starlight guide
What's not included...
  • 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

Map

 

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.

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

2023/06/19

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.

2023/04/23

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

2023/02/28

Too little time with the telescopes and too long with the constellations. More objects should be shown with the telescopes.

2021/10/26

Excellent experience, highly recommended!

There are no reviews yet
2023/09/02

very bad

2023/07/11

It was amazing for all family (adults and teenagers)! Hope to be back next year!

2023/04/30

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!

2023/03/31

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!

Every day
Every day
Los Cristianos, Playa de las Américas, Costa Adeje: every day
Los Gigantes, Puerto Santiago, Callao Salvaje, Playa Paraíso: Mondays
El Médano, Golf del Sur, Costa del Silencio: not offered
Free changes and cancellations
Request a refund or change the date at no extra cost up to 24 hours before. You have 1 year to enjoy your booking.
Availability subject to change
The activity may be suspended for meteorological or organisational reasons.
Puerto de la Cruz: every day
Free changes and cancellations
Request a refund or change the date at no extra cost up to 24 hours before. You have 1 year to enjoy your booking.
Availability subject to change
The activity may be suspended for meteorological or organisational reasons.
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We recommend the excursion Mount Teide Night Tour during which you’ll also enjoy a magical sunset in the National Park.

Let’s go!
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There’s no availability?

We recommend the excursion Mount Teide Night Tour during which you’ll also enjoy a magical sunset in the National Park.

Let’s go!
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There’s no availability?

We recommend the excursion Mount Teide Night Tour during which you’ll also enjoy a magical sunset in the National Park.

Let’s go!

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Minimum booking: persons

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Children under 8 are not allowed to participate
Children under 8 are not allowed to participate
Children under 8 are not allowed to participate
Children under 8 are not allowed to participate
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