New Eco-Tax for Climbing Mount Teide: €25 for Tourists, Free for Residents

The Tenerife Cabildo has officially announced the introduction of an eco-tax for those wishing to climb Mount Teide, Spain’s highest peak. This new initiative is set to take effect on January 1, 2026, and aims to promote sustainable tourism while protecting the island’s natural environment.

Details of the Eco-Tax

The eco-tax is part of a comprehensive initiative designed to safeguard the island’s most visited natural site, as detailed in the newly developed Master Plan for Use and Management (PRUG). This tax will specifically apply to two popular trails: Trail No. 7 (Montaña Blanca – La Rambleta) and Trail No. 10 (Telesforo Bravo), both of which lead climbers to the summit crater of Mount Teide.

Under this new regulation, tourists will be required to pay a fee of €25 to access these trails, while residents of Tenerife will continue to enjoy free access. This measure is intended to strike a balance between the influx of tourists and the need for environmental conservation, mirroring the eco-fee already implemented in the picturesque village of Masca.

Visitor Limits and Booking Requirements

To effectively manage the number of climbers and minimize environmental impact, daily access to the trails will be limited to 300 individuals. This limit will be divided into three time slots, allowing 100 climbers per slot. All visitors will be required to book their slots in advance through the Tenerife ON platform, which is expected to be operational prior to the official launch of the eco-tax.

The Tenerife Cabildo estimates that the implementation of this eco-tax will generate approximately €650,000 annually. Importantly, these funds will be exclusively allocated for the maintenance and conservation of Teide National Park, ensuring that the park remains a pristine environment for both visitors and local wildlife.

Reasons for the Initiative

Tenerife’s president, Rosa Dávila, has highlighted the urgent need for this initiative, stating that the increasing number of visitors has become “unsustainable.” This surge in tourism has placed significant pressure on Teide’s delicate volcanic ecosystem, which is home to unique flora and fauna. Dávila emphasized that this initiative is part of a broader strategy to ensure the preservation of this natural heritage for future generations.

In addition to the eco-tax, the Cabildo plans to bolster park staffing by adding 16 new positions dedicated to supporting conservation efforts. Dávila remarked, “Teide is not only a symbol of our identity but a natural heritage we must protect responsibly.” This commitment to enhancing conservation efforts reflects a growing recognition of the importance of sustainable tourism practices.

Community Response and Future Implications

The announcement of the eco-tax has sparked a variety of responses from both residents and tourists. Many residents have expressed support for the initiative, recognizing the need to protect their natural surroundings while still allowing access for visitors. Tourists, on the other hand, have shown mixed feelings, with some appreciating the effort to preserve the environment, while others are concerned about the additional cost.

As the implementation date approaches, the Tenerife Cabildo is expected to engage in further outreach to educate both residents and visitors about the importance of this eco-tax. By fostering a greater understanding of the environmental challenges facing Mount Teide, the Cabildo hopes to encourage responsible tourism practices that benefit both the local community and the natural landscape.

Key Points

• The eco-tax for climbing Mount Teide will be €25 for tourists starting January 1, 2026.
• Tenerife residents will continue to have free access to the trails.
• Access will be limited to 300 climbers per day, divided into three time slots.
• Reservations must be made in advance via the Tenerife ON platform.
• The eco-tax is expected to generate around €650,000 annually for park conservation.
• New staffing positions will be created to enhance conservation efforts at Teide National Park.