Teide Observatory

Our guided visit will allow you to get to know the Observatory, and the daily activity of the researchers who work there, in an enjoyable way.
Along with Chile and Hawaii, the Canary Islands are one of the three best spots in the world to observe the sky. The Teide Observatory is the largest solar observatory in the world, and it is equipped with many solar and nocturnal telescopes owned by different European countries.

Visit days:
Guided tours in ENGLISH: Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays

Included:
-Guided visit of the Teide Observatory
-Starlight Guide

Not Included:
- Food or drinks -Transfer

Location:
The Teide Observatory is located at an altitude of 2,390 m, in Izaña, on the island of Tenerife (Spain). The entrance is located at km 1 of the TF-514 motorway, which can be accessed from km 37 of the TF-24 motorway. It takes approximately two hours to reach the Teide Observatory from the south of the island, an hour and a half from Santa Cruz, and an hour from Puerto de la Cruz. Not recommended for children under 8.

Recommended equipment for a visit of the Teide Observatory:
-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.

Important:
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 tour of the Teide Observatory. 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 visit of the Teide Observatory 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.

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 visit of the Teide Observatory.

Changes and cancellations:
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 visit may be modified.
Reservations may be cancelled or the date may be changed free of charge until 3pm on the day prior to the activity. Same day or later changes/cancellations incur a charge of €6 per person.
Date changes are valid for 1 year provided that the vouchers have not been redeemed. Any change of date or cancellation must be made within a period of no more than 30 days from the date of the initial booking. Up to 3 date changes are permitted.

Children Aged:
Free of charge for children between 8 and 16 years.Children under 8 are not allowed to participate in the guided visit of the Teide Observatory.