Mount Guajara is a 2,718 m mountain on Tenerife, in the Canary Islands, and the third-highest peak of the island and of the archipelago after Teide and Pico Viejo. It rises from the southern wall of Las Cañadas, the great crater at the centre of Teide National Park, which is crossed by road. An astronomical observatory stands on a ridge at the crater's eastern end. Trails climb to the summit from the Parador inside the crater and from the village of Vilaflor to the south.
Mount Guajara
Volcanic peak of 2,718 m on the rim of Las Cañadas, with a marked trail and a full view of Teide.
- Entrance
- Free: there is no ticket, and no permit is needed to climb.
- Accessibility
- A mountain trail over rough volcanic ground; not accessible by wheelchair or for anyone with limited mobility.
- Parking
- Two free car parks, about 1.6 km and 1.75 km from the summit in a straight line. They fill up, so arrive early.
- Difficulty
- From the Parador, up to two hours to the 2,718 m summit on a marked trail; accounts range from an easy hike to a challenging, exposed one. From Vilaflor, starting at around 1,400 m, at least four to five hours and considerably harder.
- Transport
- Bus stop Parador del Teide (7684), about 1.7 km from the summit in a straight line, served from both the north and the south of the island.
- Advance booking
- No booking or permit needed.
- Hours
- Open mountain ground with no gate, accessible at any hour.
- Address
- Mount Guajara, 38300, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Spain
What makes it special
From the top, Teide fills the view to the north: the whole cone stands across the caldera floor with Pico Viejo beside it, and on the other side the land drops away to Tenerife's south coast.
The climb crosses old lava and pumice in rust, ochre, cream and black, colours that make the slopes look like a western film set. The descent is the dramatic part. At sunset the colours deepen across the whole caldera.
Guajara is the third-highest peak in the Canaries and a far quieter climb than Teide, and it works well as an acclimatisation walk before going up Teide itself.
Good to know
- There are no toilets or drinking water on the mountain, and none nearby. Carry all the water you need.
- The car parks near the Parador fill up. Arrive early in the morning to be sure of a space.
- The summit can be walked as a loop, going up one side and down the other, from east to west.
- Staying for sunset means coming down in the dark. Bring a head torch.
- The slopes are bare with no shade, and the air cools fast at this height. Pack sun protection and a warm layer.
Getting there
The usual start is the Parador, the hotel inside the Las Cañadas crater. Roads reach it from four sides of the island, and buses from both the north and the south stop at Parador del Teide, about 1.7 km in a straight line from the summit. Two car parks sit about 1.6 km and 1.75 km from the summit, also in a straight line.
From the Parador the marked trail climbs to the top in up to two hours.
The longer approach starts in Vilaflor, on the south side, at around 1,400 m above sea level. From there the summit takes at least four to five hours, and the route is considerably harder for all the extra height.
Best time to visit
Best: early morning, while the car parks still have space and the sun sits low over the caldera; or late afternoon for sunset, with a head torch for the way down.
Avoid: the middle of a summer day, and winter after snowfall, when ice can lie on the upper trail.
On bare ground at over 2,700 m there is no shade from the midday sun, and cold arrives quickly once it sets.
Sun & daylight
Nearby Places
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Mount Guajara on the map
The upper trail is exposed, the ground is loose volcanic rock, and in winter it can carry ice and snow. Keep to the trail, carry water and warm layers, and start down with daylight to spare or a head torch.
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Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to climb Mount Guajara?
From the Parador inside the crater, up to two hours to the summit. From Vilaflor, which starts at around 1,400 m, at least four to five hours.Do I need a permit to climb Mount Guajara?
No. There are no restrictions or permits for climbing Guajara.Can I reach the trail by bus?
Yes. Buses from both the north and the south of the island stop at Parador del Teide, about 1.7 km in a straight line from the summit.Is there water or a toilet along the way?
No. There are no toilets or drinking water on the mountain or near it, so bring everything you need.What can you see from the summit?
Teide across the Las Cañadas caldera to the north, and the south coast of Tenerife on the other side.