Astronomy Tour with a visit to the Teide Observatory, dinner and stargazing in Tenerife

Purchasing the Astronomy Tour experience, which includes a visit to the Teide Observatory, implies that you have read and accepted all the details set out in this section: 

RECOMMENDATIONS AND WARNINGS FOR VISITORS 

We appreciate your interest in visiting the Teide Observatory (OT) and we hope that you enjoy your visit. 

The Teide Observatory cannot be held liable for any difficulties or discomfort caused by not following these recommendations. 

The planned tour will only be carried out when the weather and the operating status of the telescopes permit. Visits may be cancelled at short notice due to adverse weather conditions, especially during winter, which may affect the safety of the roads leading to the Observatory (snow, ice, falling rocks). 

Before your visit  

Health and altitude 

The Teide Observatory (OT) is situated at an altitude of around 2,400 metres above sea level. At this altitude, there is less oxygen available, and visitors must walk around the site along gravel paths. For this reason, this tour is not recommended for people with certain medical conditions, such as anaemia, heart disease, respiratory problems, and others. If you have any doubts as to whether this activity is suitable for you, we recommend that you consult your doctor beforehand. 

The Tour Operator accepts no liability for any health problems arising from the altitude or from a failure to follow the recommendations and warnings provided. 

Please note that the Teide Observatory does not provide medical assistance on its premises. 

Furthermore, the nearest hospital is about an hour and a half’s drive away, so it is important to bear this distance in mind before visiting. 

If, during the tour, you experience symptoms such as dizziness, nausea, shortness of breath, ringing in the ears, a feeling of blocked ears or a headache, please inform your guide immediately. 

Recommended equipment 

• Take the necessary steps to protect yourself from the sun. We recommend wearing a cap or hat, sunglasses and applying sun cream. 

• As humidity levels at the Teide Observatory can be low, it is important to bring plenty of fluids, such as water or fruit juice, to prevent dehydration. 

• Wear comfortable clothing and suitable footwear for the walk, please don’t wear sandals. 

• Do also bring some warm clothing, both in case of a sudden change in the weather and so that you can go inside the telescopes. 

During your visit  

What should I do when I arrive? 

Please do not forget to bring identification (ID card or passport) and a copy of your reservation to confirm your access. If you are unable to produce identification and/or the booking confirmation, the TO/IAC cannot guarantee entry. 

Precautions for your visit 

The Teide Observatory (TO) asks that visitors observe the following rules during their visit, which are designed to ensure visitor safety, the smooth running of the activity and to protect the environment: 

• Due to the duration and schedule of the tours, please use the toilets before the tour begins. Try to leave theses facilities in the same condition as you’d like to find them. 

Please respect the natural environment, the Observatory is situated within a National Park. During your tour, the following are prohibited: 

• Smoking or eating. 

• Disposing of waste outside the designated areas. 

• Straying from the marked paths and trails. 

For safety reasons, you must stay with your assigned group at all times and follow the guide’s instructions throughout the tour. 

If you are provided with any protective clothing, equipment or accessories during your visit, you must use them correctly and take proper care of the items. 

It is strictly forbidden to enter the designated security areas or to handle or touch any items located inside the buildings. 

During the Astronomy Tour at the Teide Observatory visitors usually see the Carlos Sánchez telescope or, if that’s not possible, the IAC-80. 

For solar observation, the Teide Observatory uses an H-Alpha telescope to observe the chromosphere and a Skywatcher ED80 with a white-light filter for the photosphere. 

If you have mobility issues, please bear in mind that part of this tour takes place outside the building. In addition, there are stairs and the terrain is hilly. We do not recommend this tour for people with mobility issues. 

It is not possible to visit the inside of the telescopes at the Teide Observatory, as we cannot interrupt the work of scientists at the facility. The guide will set up a portable solar telescope outside. 

The following telescopes are used in astronomical observation: A Celestron CPC 9.25" Schmidt-Cassegrain telescope and a Sky-Watcher 30 cm Dobsonian Newtonian telescope. 

No. Stargazing takes place outdoors at the Teide Cable Car base station accompanied by Starlight guides using portable telescopes.  

No pets allowed, apart from guide dogs and therapy dogs.