Guided Visit of the Teide Observatory
Our guided visit will allow you to get to know the observatory and the daily activity of the researchers who work there.

The Canary Islands is one of the three best spots in the world to observe the sky, along with Chile and Hawaii. The Teide Observatory is the largest solar observatory in the world and it contains many solar and nocturnal telescopes owned by various European countries.

If you would like to make your own way to the Izaña Observatory for your guided visit, you must arrive at least 20 minutes before the tour is scheduled to start. Visits are carried out on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays at 12:00 h and 14:00 h in Spanish. English visits are carried out on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays at 12:00 h. German visits are held on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays at 14:00 h.

The Teide Observatory is located at an altitude of 2,390 m, in the area of Izaña. The entrance of the observatory is located at Km. 37 of the TF-24 highway.

Pick up points for the 12:00 visit in Spanish and English on Wednesdays:

• 08:35 h. Riu Arecas
• 08:45 h. Isla Bonita
• 09:00 h. Bouganville
• 09:10 h. Tropical Playa
• 09:15 h. Best Tenerife
• 09:30 h. Princesa Dácil
• 10:50 h. Cable car

Pick up points for the 14:00 visit in Spanish and German on Wednesdays:

• 10:35 h. Riu Arecas
• 10:45 h. Isla Bonita
• 11:00 h. Bouganville
• 11:10 h. Tropical Playa
• 11:15 h. Best Tenerife
• 11:30 h. Princesa Dácil
• 12:50 h. Cable car

Observatory for Educational Centres
If you represent a group of students of an educational centre in the Canary Islands and you wish to visit the Teide Observatory, please fill out the following questionnaire and we will contact you as soon as possible. Visits are available between April and October.

Highlights

• Guided Visit of the Teide Observatory
• You must be at the entrance to the Observatory at least 20 minutes before the visit begins. If you do not arrive on time and the visit has already started you will not be able to enter the Observatory and you can visit on another day.

What’s included

• Guided visit of the Observatory
• A Guide
• Transportation available on Wednesdays from Costa adeje and Los Cristianos

What’s not included

• Transportation on Mondays and Fridays from the southern part of the island
• Transportation from northern part of the island

Additional Information
Purchase of this service, or filling out the reservation form in the case of students in the province of Tenerife, implies that you have read and accepted all the points described in this section.

RECOMMENDATIONS AND WARNINGS FOR VISITORS

We appreciate your interest in visiting the Teide Observatory 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 operation of the telescopes permit. Due to adverse weather conditions, especially during winter, which may affect the safety of the roads leading to the Observatory (snow, ice, falling rocks) visits may be unexpectedly cancelled.

Before visiting us

Health and altitude

The 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 TO on gravel paths. For this reason it is not recommended that people with general physical problems (anaemia, cardio-pathologies, respiratory problems, etc.). If you are not sure if you should visit, consult your doctor.

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

The TO does not have medical assistance within its facilities.

Keep 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 or plugged ears or headache during your visit, please let your guide know immediately.

Recommended equipment

• Be careful to 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 TO, come prepared with sufficient liquid (water or juices) to prevent dehydration.
• Bring comfortable clothes and adequate footwear (avoid sandals).
• Bring some warm clothes in case the weather changes abruptly and to enter the interior of the telescopes.

Transportation and punctuality for visits that do not include pick-ups

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

PLEASE ARRIVE AT LEAST 20 MINUTES BEFORE the scheduled time of the visit at the TO’s gate. When you arrive you will be instructed where to go.

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

During the visit

What should I do when I arrive?

When you arrive at the TO, centre personnel will be waiting for you at the access gate to let you know what to do with the car or bus. Please always follow the instructions you receive.

Please do not forget to bring identification (DNI or passport) and a print out of your reservation to confirm access. If you are unable to present identification and/or the reservation, the TO/IAC does not guarantee your visit.

Warnings during the visit

The TO asks you to closely follow the following rules for your visit, for security reasons, proper operation and care of the environment:

• • Due to time and limits the organization of the visit, the time to use the rest room is before the visit starts. Please leave them the way you find them!

Please be respectfu

• l of the surroundings as the TO is located in a National Park. It is prohibited to:

-Smoke or drink

-Throw away rubbish except where indicated

-Leave the established paths

• For your own security, please remain with your assigned group at all times 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 used and cared for.
• It is absolutely prohibited to leave the safety area and touch anything inside the buildings.