Teide National Park Introduces Ecotax for Sustainable Visitor Management

Teide National Park, renowned as the most frequented natural site in the Canary Islands, is set to implement an ecotax for the first time in its history. This initiative, aimed at managing visitor numbers, will take effect in 2026.

With an impressive annual visitor count exceeding 4 million, Teide National Park stands as a significant natural landmark facing increasing tourist pressure. The park’s breathtaking landscapes, including the stunning views from Montaña Blanca and La Rambleta, highlight the need for a careful balance between tourism and conservation efforts.

The Cabildo of Tenerife is spearheading this ecotax initiative, which has been a topic of discussion for several years. The Government Council of the island has officially approved this measure, which will feature a fee structure based on residency status, the number of days visited, and the specific trails chosen.

Rosa Dávila, the president of the island, described the introduction of the ecotax as a courageous step towards safeguarding the National Park, which is a shared heritage of the local community. The primary goal is to prevent the degradation of this unique environment, recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, ensuring its preservation for future generations.

This decision follows extensive discussions and scientific evaluations, as well as the successful implementation of a similar ecotax in the Masca natural area, which has served as a model for managing visitor impact.

The ecotax will initially target two heavily trafficked trails: the Telesforo Bravo trail and the Montaña Blanca-Rambleta trail.

Details of the Ecotax Implementation

The newly approved regulatory framework by the Cabildo of Tenerife emphasizes that the ecotax is not merely a toll for park access. Instead, it serves as a contribution towards providing environmental education and interpretation services on the most sensitive trails within the park.

Initially, the ecotax will apply to two key routes facing significant tourist pressure: the Telesforo Bravo trail, which provides access to the crater, and the Montaña Blanca-Rambleta trail. Residents of Tenerife will be exempt from the fee, while Canary residents will pay €4 with a guide and €6 without. Non-residents will incur a fee of €15 without a guide and €10 with one. For the Montaña Blanca-Rambleta trail, it will be free for Tenerife residents, while Canary residents will pay €3 on weekdays and €5 on weekends and holidays. Non-residents will be charged €6 on weekdays and €10 on weekends and holidays.

These fees are designed to promote sustainability and enhance visitor experiences through responsible land use practices.

Blanca Pérez, the councillor responsible for Natural Environment, Sustainability, Security, and Emergencies, stated that the ecotax is a vital tool for protecting the fragile ecosystem of Teide. The commitment to conservation extends beyond rhetoric, as it involves making significant decisions to ensure the long-term viability of the region’s natural spaces.

Access Regulations for Key Trails

Access to the Telesforo Bravo trail, which leads to the crater, will be subject to strict regulations. Only 300 visitors will be allowed per day, with reservations made exclusively through the official platform, Tenerife ON.

Visitors must present either a printed or digital permit along with identification. Notably, up to 80% of morning permits will be reserved for those staying overnight at the Altavista Refuge, promoting a more respectful approach to mountain tourism that aligns with the natural environment.

To manage visitor flow, time slots will be implemented, allowing a maximum of 50 people per slot, particularly during peak hours for sunrise and sunset.

Regulations for Other Scenic Trails

The regulations will also encompass trails leading to the Teide–Pico Viejo stratovolcano, one of the park’s most picturesque routes. Trails numbered 7, 9, 23, and 28 will follow a reservation system akin to that of the crater, limiting daily access to 300 visitors divided into segments of 100 people. An additional charge may be introduced to cover information and safety services.

Visitors will be required to carry proof of reservation and identification, either digitally or in print. These measures aim to strike a balance between visitor numbers and the preservation of the park’s natural beauty.