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Teide Volcano | A UNESCO World Heritage Site
Formation of Tenerife and Mount Teide
Tenerife started to form around 12 million years ago. It began with the construction of a shield volcano near Teide. Volcanic activity continued for almost 8.9 million years. After it ceased, erosion caused a few of its collapses. Tenerife's three shield volcanoes combined make up almost 90% of the island. Because the lavas are basalts, shield volcanoes have their distinctive shape. Volcanic activity peaked at the first shield volcano, approximately 3.5 Mya. The renewal phase has begun, generating the volcano Las Cañadas. Additionally, during this time, radial cracks caused by the thrust of magma from the core volcano developed the island's rifts. This was the start of volcanic activity. At first, Las Cañadas' eruptions were simple. But as time went on, they separated, which made way for increasingly powerful eruptions. The Las Cañadas caldera was formed when the volcano's top was wiped away in a massive landslide that occurred approximately 200,000 years ago.
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The stratovolcanoes Teide and Pico Viejo are the latest active centres on Tenerife, the largest and highest island in the Canaries. Tenerife has a complex volcanic history, forming in five stages. The island's development and the current Volcán Teide resulted from these stages. Tenerife formed from large shield volcanoes. Three developed quickly, creating most of the island. These volcanoes date back to the Miocene and early Pliocene eras and are now seen in three eroded massifs: Anaga, Teno, and Roque del Conde. After 2 to 3 million years of inactivity, volcanic activity concentrated in Las Cañadas and Anaga. This dormant phase is common among the Canary Islands. The volcanoes, Las Cañadas II and III, formed and collapsed, shaping the caldera. Around 160 to 220 thousand years ago, the Las Cañadas volcano collapsed, forming a caldera. From 160,000 years ago to the present, Volcano Teide and Pico Viejo stratovolcanoes formed within this caldera.
History of Eruptions
- Teide’s last eruption occurred in 1909 from the El Chinyero vent.
- Historical eruptions are linked to vents along the Santiago or northwest rift.
- The 1706 Montañas Negras eruption devastated Garachico and nearby villages.
- In 1798, Teide and Pico Viejo had activity from the Narices del Teide.
- The Las Cañadas caldera was filled with material from multiple eruptions.
- The last explosive eruption was from Montaña Blanca around 2000 years ago.
- The 1798 Narices del Teide eruption produced mainly strombolian lava.
- In 1942, Christopher Columbus reported a "great fire" in the Orotava Valley.
- The last summit eruption of Teide was around 850 AD, producing "Lavas Negras."
- A massive eruption 150,000 years ago created the Las Cañadas caldera.
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Facts About Mount Teide
Mount Teide Major Climbs
- 1626: Sir Edmund Scory visited the island and described the Teide experience in his publication. He detailed the appropriate routes to the summit and the challenges posed by the volcano’s height. He suggested that access to the volcano might have been different before the 17th century.
- 1715: English explorer J. Edens and his group completed the ascent of Teide. Edens documented their findings in the London-based Royal Society magazine.
- Post-Enlightenment Era: Teide became a significant goal for many East African and Pacific expeditions due to its prominence and allure.
- 1792: Lord George Macartney, George Staunton, and John Barrow's expedition faced severe weather challenges, including a snowstorm and rainstorm.
- Early 19th century: German scientist Alexander von Humboldt detoured to Tenerife during his South American journey. He climbed Teide with Aimé Bonpland and local guides.
- 1894: German explorer Hans Heinrich Joseph Meyer visited Teide as part of a Kilimanjaro expedition to study the volcano's ice conditions.
- November 2017: Gema Hassen-Bey became the first wheelchair-bound Paralympian to ascend 3,000 meters on Teide using her arms. Weather conditions prevented her from reaching the summit.
What To Do At Mount Teide?
Exploring the Teide Observatory offers an exclusive opportunity to experience one of the best stargazing sites in the world. Situated on Mount Teide in the Canary Islands, the observatory offers breathtaking sky views. Visitors can also opt for guided tours that promise unique insights about the celestial observations.
Roques de García is a unique rock formation located in Teide National Park that visitors love to explore. Here, you can take a look at the geological formations shaped over time by erosion and volcanic activity. Moreover, it's a great place to click stunning pictures with incredible backgrounds.
Volcano Teide is also famous for being home to adventurous hiking trails like Minas de San José. Enjoy hiking along a rugged landscape as you uncover stories about the mining terrain in the area. Get a chance to learn about the historical context of the place as well.
The Telesforo Bravo Visitors' Centre, located in Teide National Park, is a great place to learn more about the significance of the area. Visitors can attend a variety of informative displays and interactive exhibits at the centre or even opt for a guided tour.
One of the most popular activities at Teide Volcano is stargazing at the Cable Car Base Station. Minimal light pollution and the high altitude of the site make it an ideal place for looking at the starry skies. Enjoy spotting planets, constellations, and stars with the help of experts here.
Travelers from different corners of the world visit Mount Teide to experience the scenic cable car ride to the top. Enjoy gliding to the summit as you admire the stunning views of the surrounding landscapes at a height of more than 12,000 feet.
Hiking to the top of Volcano Teide is among the top things to do for travellers. Situated at a height of around 12,198 feet, the mountain offers a unique trail through volcanic rock formations. It's a challenging hike, but it provides stunning views of the Canary Islands.
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Mount Tiede's Cable Car Station houses a cosy cafe where visitors can relax after a day full of exciting activities. Enjoy a variety of light snacks and warm beverages with a beautiful view of the volcanic landscape all around.
Things to Know Before You Go
Location:
- Volcano Teide is located on the island of Tenerife in the Canary Islands, Spain.
- It is situated within Teide National Park, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Best Time to Visit:
- Spring (March to May): Mild temperatures, blooming wildflowers, and fewer crowds.
- Autumn (September to November): Comfortable weather and less tourist traffic.
- Winter (December to February): Clear skies for stargazing and the possibility of snow at the summit. However, it's colder and some areas might be inaccessible.
- Avoid Summer (June to August): Hot temperatures and peak tourist season.
How to Reach:
- By Air: Fly into Tenerife South (Reina Sofía) or Tenerife North (Los Rodeos) airports.
- By Car: Rent a car from the airport and drive to Teide National Park. The park is accessible via well-marked roads from all parts of the island.
- By Bus: Public buses (TITSA) operate from major towns like Santa Cruz, La Laguna, and Costa Adeje to the park.
- By Cable Car: The Teide Cable Car (Teleférico del Teide) takes you close to the summit. The lower station is accessible by car or bus. Note that a permit is required to hike to the summit from the upper station.
1. Obtain a free permit in advance if you plan to hike to the summit, as access is restricted.
2. Purchase Teide Cable Car tickets online ahead of time to avoid long queues.
3. Wear layered clothing, including a jacket, as temperatures can vary significantly between the base and summit.
4. Apply sunscreen and wear a hat or sunglasses due to strong sun exposure at high altitudes.
5. Be aware of altitude sickness; ascend gradually, stay hydrated, and avoid overexertion.
6. Consider rest stops at the cable car’s lower station or Montaña Blanca to acclimatize.
7. For stargazing, visit at night when the skies are clear; bring warm clothing as temperatures drop.
8. Wear sturdy hiking boots with good grip for the rocky trails.
9. Carry sufficient water and snacks, as facilities in the park are limited.
10. Respect the environment by staying on marked paths and not disturbing the natural surroundings.
FAQs
What is Teide Volcano?
Teide Volcano is a volcano in Tenerife in the Canary Islands, Spain. It is the third-highest and most active volcano in the world. It is the highest point in all of Spain and the Canary Islands.
Where is Teide Volcano located?
Volcano Teide is located at the centre of Tenerife Island in Canary Island, Spain. At a height of 3,715 meters (12,188 feet), it is the highest point in Spain and the Atlantic islands.
How tall is Teide Volcano?
Volcán Teide is approximately 3,715 meters tall. It is both Spain's highest point and the highest point in the Atlantic islands above sea level. With a height of 7,500 meters, Teide is the third-highest volcano in the globe, when measured from the ocean floor.
Is Teide Volcano active?
Yes, Teide Volcano is an active volcano. Its most recent eruption occurred in 1909 from the El Chinyero vent. The United Nations Committee for Disaster Mitigation has classified it as a Decade Volcano due to its history of devastating eruptions and closeness to towns.
Can visitors hike to the summit of Teide Volcano?
Yes, visitors can hike to the summit of Mount Teide via Trail No. 10, Telesforo Bravo. The trail begins at La Rambleta. However, entry to the trail is restricted, and hikers must present a permit to the National Park rangers to proceed.
Are there any safety precautions visitors should take when visiting Teide Volcano?
Yes, there are some safety precautions you should follow. Starting from Wearing comfortable clothes and footwear, as the terrain can be rough. Stay hydrated and bring plenty of water, especially in summer. Additionally, check weather conditions before your visit. By following these precautions, you can make your Volcano Teide experience memorable.
How can visitors reach the summit of Mount Teide?
Visitors can reach Volcán Teide's summit by opting for a cable car ride that goes to the upper station. Upon reaching, there's a short hike of about 200 meters that takes you to the peak. For those looking for an adventure, a guided hiking trail is also available from the base of the cable car station.
How can visitors reach the summit of Mount Teide?
Visitors can reach the summit of Volcán Teide via a cable car ride that runs from the base station to the top station. Upon reaching the top station, a short hike takes you to the summit. A guided hiking trail is also available from the cable car base station.
What is the climate like at Mount Teide?
At the base, temperatures are usually mild, while at higher altitudes, it's cold. The average temperatures range roughly between -5 and 10 degrees. Teide Volcano also experiences occasional snowfall during the months of winter.
When was Mount Teide's last eruption?
The last time that Mount Teide erupted was in 1909 at the Pico Viejo crater. It was during this time that the lava flows created a unique landscape all around the region. Since then, the volcano has shown no signs of activity and remains dormant.
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