Things to do in Parque Nacional Del Teide
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Roque Cinchado
A few kilometres south of the peak, across from the parador, lies this geological freak show of twisted lava pinnacles with names like the Finger of God and the Cathedral. Known as the Roques de García, they are the result of erosion of old volcanic dykes, or vertical streams of magma. The hard rock of the dykes has been bared while surrounding earth and rock has been gradually swept away.
The weirdest of the rocks, the Roque Cinchado, is wearing away faster at the base than above, and one of these days is destined to topple over (so maybe you shouldn't get too close). Spreading out to the west are the otherworldly bald plains of the Llano de Ucanca. This is the most pop…
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Cable Car
The Cable Car provides the easiest, most popular and most expensive way to get up to the peak of El Teide. If you don't mind paying up, the views are great - unless a big cloud is covering the peak, in which case you won't see a thing. On clear days, the volcanic valley spreads out majestically below, and you can see the islands of La Gomera, La Palma and El Hierro peeking up from the Atlantic. It takes just eight minutes to zip up 1200m.
A few words of warning: those with heart or lung problems should stay on the ground, as oxygen is short up here in the clouds. It's chilly, too, so no matter what the weather's like below, bring a jacket. The cable cars, which each hold …
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Restaurante Casa Pana
If you're driving and want to round off your hike with a memorable dining experience, continue for around 25km until you reach the pretty agricultural town of Vilaflor. Just off the lovely main square, flanked by handsome buildings, seek out Restaurante Casa Pana, run by the lovely Miryn in her grandmother's former home.
Each room is painted a different colour, while outside the tables are set under pomegranate trees and grape vines, an ideal setting for a long, leisurely lunch. The white wine is made here and excellent, as is the traditional cuisine.
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Servicio de Uso Público
The key to climbing the summit from the top of the cable car is to plan ahead. There's a permit scheme in force that restricts the number of visitors who can climb to the summit to 150 a day. Until recently, anyone who intended to make this climb had to go in person to the national park office in Santa Cruz. Now, if you plan ahead by at least one week you can reserve your place by contacting the Servicio de Uso Público either by fax or email.
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Pico Viejo
With a name meaning 'old peak', Pico Viejo is the last of Tenerife's volcanoes to have erupted on a grand scale. In 1798, its southwestern flank tore open, leaving a 700m gash. Today you can clearly see where fragments of magma shot over 1km into the air and fell pell-mell. Torrents of lava gushed from a secondary, lower wound to congeal on the slopes. To this day, not a blade of grass or a stain of lichen has returned to the arid slope.
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Guided Walks
Park rangers host Guided Walks up the mountain in both Spanish and English. The pace is gentle and there are frequent information pauses. Even though you'll huff and puff rather more than usual because of the high altitude, the walks are suitable for anyone of reasonable fitness (including children aged over 10). Walks last about two hours. Groups are small, so it is essential to call ahead and reserve a spot.
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Dulcerí Vilaflor
For dessert, pop up the road for a homemade torta de almendra (made with almonds, eggs and fresh lemon) at Dulcerí Vilaflor .
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