El Teide is Tenerife`s highest peak and most of the ascent to the 12,195 foot summit can be made by cable car. This volcanic mountain last erupted in 1898 and before the Spanish conquest it was revered by the Guanche people. The landscape around it is covered with volcanic debris and the 540 foot ascent from the cable car to the top is over loose scree. Permits are required for the final climb.
