Guided visit to the Teide Observatory

It's essential to be ready for varying weather conditions, including both high heat and intense cold, depending on the season you choose to experience this excursion.

Purchase of this service to visit the Teide Observatory implies that you have read and accepted all the points described in the following section:

RECOMMENDATIONS AND WARNINGS FOR VISITORS

We appreciate your interest in visiting the Teide Observatory (OT) and we hope that you enjoy your visit.

The Teide Observatory is not responsible for the difficulties or discomfort caused by not following these recommendations.

The arranged visits will only be carried out when the weather and the operating status of the telescopes permit. Due to adverse weather conditions, especially during winter, which may affect the safety of the roads leading to the Tenerife Observatory (snow, ice, falling rocks) visits may be unexpectedly cancelled.

Before visiting the Teide Observatory

Health and altitude

The Teide Observatory (TO) is located at an altitude of approximately 2,400 meters above sea level, an altitude at which oxygen diminishes. Groups will move about within the Tenerife Observatory on gravel paths. For this reason, the visit is not recommended for people with general health problems (anaemia, breathing or heart problems, etc.). If you are not sure if you should visit, consult your doctor first.

The Teide Observatory is not responsible for any health problems that can be caused by the altitude or by not following these recommendations and warnings.

The Tenerife Observatory does not have medical assistance within its facilities.

Bear in mind that the closest hospital is approximately one and a half hours away by car.

If you show symptoms of dizziness, nausea, shortness of breath, ringing in your ears, plugged ears or headache during your visit, please,immediately inform the guide in charge of the tour of the Teide Observatory.

Recommended equipment for a Teide Observatory guided daytime visit

Protect yourself from the sun. It’s recommended that you use hats, sunglasses and sunscreen.

Due to the low levels of humidity that are common in the Tenerife Observatory, bring sufficient liquid (water or juices) to prevent dehydration.

Bring comfortable clothes and adequate footwear (avoid sandals and heels).

Bring some warm clothes in case the weather changes abruptly and to enter the interior of the telescopes. 

Transportation and punctuality 

We ask that you be very punctual. Bear in mind that the Observatory is located at an altitude of 2,400 m and that you must travel on high mountain roads to reach it. Therefore, please make sure that you calculate well the time needed to reach the Tenerife Observatory.

YOU MUST ARRIVE AT THE TO’s GATE AT LEAST 30 MINUTES BEFORE the scheduled time of the Teide Observatory visit. Upon your arrival, you will be instructed by the personnel attending the visitors to the Teide Observatory where to go.

If you arrive late, the Teide Observatory visit will be cut short (but it will never be extended) by the same amount of time, andcan even be cancelled if the delay is considerable and it causes problems for later scheduled visits.

During your Teide Observatory guided daytime visit

What should I do when I arrive?

When you arrive at the Tenerife Observatory, centre personnel will be waiting for you at the access gate to let you know what to do with the car(s) or couch(es). Please always follow the instructions you receive.

Remember that there is no need to ring the bell, and please do not block the entrance. You may park in the designated parking spaces while you wait.

Please do not forget to bring identification (ID card or passport) and a copy of your reservation to confirm access. If you are unable to produce identification and/or the booking confirmation, the TO/IAC does not guarantee your Teide Observatory visit.

Warnings during the Teide Observatory guided daytime visit

For security reasons, proper operation and care of the environment, the Teide Observatory administration asks you to closely follow the following rules during your Tenerife Observatory visit:

Since the visits of the Teide Observatory are subject to time limits and schedule constraints, the time to use the toilet is before the visit starts. Please leave the toilet as clean as you found it!

Please be respectful of the surroundings as the Tenerife Observatory is located in a National Park. It is prohibited to:

-       Smoke and eat

-       Throw away rubbish except where indicated

-       Leave the established paths.

For your own safety, please remain with your assigned group throughout your Teide Observatory guided daytime visit and follow the instructions given by the guide at all times.

In case you are given suits or safety equipment in the facilities area, they should be properly used and cared for.

It is absolutely prohibited to leave the safety area or touch anything inside the buildings.

It is absolutely necessary to produce the booking confirmation, either printed or displayed on a mobile device.

Remember that you must arrive at the gate to the Observatory at least 30 minutes before the scheduled time of the visit. Upon your arrival, you will be instructed by our personnel where to go.

• Children under 8 are not allowed to participate in the Teide Observatory guided daytime visit.
• The Observatory is not recommended for people with poor general physical health (anaemia, heart disease, respiratory problems, and so on), nor for individuals with reduced mobility as the tour requires the use of paths and stairs.
• In order to access the Tenerife Observatory it is necessary to either have own transport or book our transfer service.
• If you plan to arrive to the Tenerife Observatory by taxi, please take into account that the driver will have to wait outside its installations until the end of the activity.
• It is not allowed to access the premises by bicycle.
• Please bear in mind that you must have a sufficient knowledge of the language in which the Teide Observatory guided daytime visit is held in order to be able to correctly follow the explanations of the guide.
• Pets are not allowed.
  

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.

If it is not possible to access the Teide Observatory due to technical reasons or adverse weather conditions, the amount paid for the activity shall be reimbursed. In case of cloud cover conditions in the Observatory, the usual itinerary of the Teide Observatory guided daytime visit may be modified.

Date changes are valid for 1 year provided that the vouchers have not been redeemed. Up to 3 changes are permitted.