Bivouacking in Tenerife

Do you like to sleep under the stars without any kind of tent?

Then you are in luck.

If you give prior notice (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.), you can bivouac in the Teide National Park, always at altitudes of more than 2500 metres above sea level and in areas of moderate use.

Recommended areas for bivouacking in Teide National Park

Degollada de Pico Viejo Bivouac Area

Located at an altitude of approximately 3050 metres with sheltered spots.

The area can be reached from the PNT 09 trail (Pico Viejo).

Teide Bivouac Area

Located at more than 3500 metres above sea level with spots that are sheltered by a lava field.

The area can be reached from the PNT 07 trail (Montaña Blanca).

Puesto de Mulas de Montaña Blanca Bivouac Area

This area is open, with a lava flow that offers some shelter on one side, and is located at an altitude of more than 2700 metres.

You can reach this area from the PNT 07 trail (Montaña Blanca).

Alto de Guajara Bivouac Area

In this area, located at an altitude of approximately 2700 metres, there are remains of an astronomical observation building that you should avoid as it is in danger of collapsing due to lack of maintenance. However, you will find several sheltered spots amongst the lava flows.

You can reach this area from the PNT 15 trail (Altos de Guajara).

Bivouac regulations on the island of Tenerife

Remember that if you wish to bivouac you need to request prior authorisation from the Park Administration (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.)

If you bivouac without the corresponding permit or without complying with the conditions specified in the permit, you will be committing an offence punishable by a fine of 150 – 600 euros.

Rules for bivouackers

Bivouacking is only permitted at altitudes above 2500 metres above sea level and preferably in recommended sites.
Camping is not permitted anywhere in the Park. Camping is defined as the setting up of a camp in the open countryside with or without a tent and/or mobile shelter between sunrise and sunset.
Whenever you bivouac, you must respect the following conditions:
1. You can only bivouac between sunset and sunrise of the following day, and you must pack everything up within 60 minutes after sunrise.
2. Remove all waste from your bivouac area and leave no trace.
Please note that you are not allowed to make fires or bonfires, with the exception of gas stoves, provided that you take the necessary precautions to avoid damage to the environment or other people.
Remember that you are carrying out an activity inside a National Park, so you must respect all its regulations to avoid damaging, altering or disturbing the area and the living beings that inhabit it.
Both the applicant and their companions are required to show their ID card or passport, as well as the corresponding bivouac permit, to the Park staff. If this condition is not fulfilled, the bivouac permit will be cancelled immediately for the applicant and for all the people accompanying him/her.
You can bivouac away from the trails, in the Restricted Use Zones designated for this purpose. However, even if the authorised area is close to a Reserve Zone, remember that you are not allowed to enter it.
As an authorised bivouac user, you are responsible for all damages that you may cause directly or indirectly during your activity. You shall also be responsible for all risks derived from accidents that may occur when passing through the area.
The Teide National Park is exempt from any liability that may arise from your activity.