Teide by Night: Sunset & Stargazing with Telescopes Experience

Exploring Teide National Park after sunset, combined with a captivating stargazing session, makes for a truly memorable Tenerife experience. This tour, costing $103.11 per person, lasts approximately 9 hours and offers an immersive journey through natural beauty and celestial wonders. With local pickup included and a delicious meal in the park’s highest restaurant, it caters to those seeking a mix of scenic views, educational insights, and relaxation amidst Tenerife’s stunning landscapes.

This tour is highly recommended by 92% of travelers, with a 4.5 out of 5 rating from over 1,300 reviews. It’s ideal for anyone interested in outdoor photography, astronomy, or simply enjoying breathtaking sunset views. While it involves a long day and some physical activity at high altitude, the experience’s highlights make it well worth considering.

Key Points

• Comprehensive experience combining sunset views, stargazing, and dinner within Tenerife’s Mount Teide National Park.
• Professional guides share detailed stories about the park, the stars, and local legends.
• Spectacular sunset with rich pink, red, and purple hues, viewed from multiple scenic stops.
• Telescopes and laser technology enable close-up star and planet observation, including Jupiter and Saturn.
• Includes local taxes, bottled water, dinner, and pickup from your hotel—no hidden costs.
• Weather-dependent activity; clear skies enhance star visibility but may cause some disappointment if clouds appear.

Teide by Night: An Immersive Sunset and Stargazing Experience in Tenerife

The Teide by Night tour offers a well-rounded adventure for lovers of natural beauty and astronomy alike. Priced at $103.11, this 9-hour experience departs from Tenerife with hotel pickup and drop-off included, making access easy and convenient. A professional guide leads you through Mount Teide National Park’s stunning landscapes, with multiple scenic stops to take in the impressive rock formations and panoramic vistas.

As the sun begins to set, travelers watch in awe as the sky turns into a canvas of pink, red, and purple colors. The sunset view, often above a sea of clouds, is described as fascinating and unforgettable, with some reviews highlighting the moment as truly spectacular. The sunset timing, around 45 minutes at the designated stop, provides enough time for photography and to soak in the scenery.

Scenic Stops in Mount Teide National Park

The tour makes several stops within Mount Teide National Park, giving visitors the chance to enjoy the park’s unique volcanic landscape. These stops showcase stunning rock formations and the park’s Mars-like environment, which has made the location popular for filming movies. The environmental conditions are so distinctive that they resemble those on Mars, adding an otherworldly element to the experience.

These scenic pauses allow for photo opportunities and a chance to appreciate the natural geology of the area. The admission to the park is free, but the stops are designed to maximize the visual impact of the landscape, making each moment both educational and visually appealing.

Sunset Views Over Clouds and Rich Colors

The sunset in Mount Teide National Park is considered a highlight of the tour. Positioned at high altitude, travelers observe the sky turning into a rich palette of pinks, reds, and purples, often viewed above a sea of clouds. This moment provides excellent opportunities for landscape photography with vibrant skies and dramatic shadows cast by the park’s rock formations.

The 45-minute sunset viewing is intentionally paced to allow guests to relax, take photos, and admire the natural spectacle. The experience captures the essence of Tenerife’s natural beauty during the golden hour, creating lasting memories for all.

Dining at the Highest Restaurant in the Park

A special feature of this tour is the dinner at Restaurante Papillon, the highest restaurant in Mount Teide National Park. The one hour and 15 minutes meal offers a chance to unwind and enjoy local cuisine with a view. The restaurant’s location provides a unique dining atmosphere, with panoramic views of the park and surrounding landscape.

While the meal is included in the tour price, reviews indicate that the food quality varies, with some guests suggesting it is “okay-ish” or not their favorite part of the experience. Nevertheless, the setting and the opportunity to relax after a day of sightseeing add value to the tour.

Stargazing with Telescopes and Laser Constellation Drawings

As night falls, the tour shifts focus from landscape to the celestial sky. The stargazing session lasts about 1 hour and 10 minutes, during which guides use laser technology to highlight constellations and share legends tied to the stars. Attendees observe Jupiter, Saturn, and other celestial objects through telescopes, often described as a “once-in-a-lifetime” experience.

The sky at Teide is renowned for being one of the clearest in the world, offering excellent visibility of the Milky Way, star clusters, and planets. Many reviews highlight how knowledgeable guides enhance the experience, explaining the stars’ stories and the science behind their observations.

Practical Tips for Stargazing and High-Altitude Comfort

Since the activity takes place at high altitude, warm clothing is essential. Reviewers emphasize bringing coats, hats, and gloves—the temperature can drop quickly once the sun sets. The tour provides blankets for added warmth, but layering remains advisable.

Weather conditions can influence the star visibility; clear nights provide spectacular views, while clouds or moonlight may reduce star brightness. If planning to visit, choosing a night with a new moon can improve the star-gazing experience, although this is beyond the tour’s control.

Logistics: Pickup, Group Size, and Weather Policy

Pickup services are available from designated hotel areas, ensuring a hassle-free start to the evening. The tour is limited to a maximum of 50 travelers, which helps maintain an intimate atmosphere. It operates in all weather conditions, meaning the activity proceeds unless safety or visibility issues arise.

In case of poor weather, the tour provider offers full refunds or rescheduling options, ensuring flexibility if the night sky isn’t clear. The air-conditioned vehicle makes the long journey comfortable, and the live commentary enriches the experience with stories about Tenerife’s geology, flora, and legends.

Considerations and Possible Limitations

This tour involves a long day with a significant amount of time spent on the bus, which might be challenging for those prone to motion sickness. The meal included has received mixed reviews, with some guests considering it “subpar”. It’s worth noting that some participants might prefer to skip the meal and extend their stargazing session instead.

Accessibility could be an issue for guests with mobility challenges due to the high-altitude activities and park terrain. Travelers should dress appropriately, especially during the stargazing, as temperatures can be quite cold once darkness falls.

Final Thoughts on the Teide by Night Tour

The Teide by Night experience offers an impressive combination of scenic sunset views, culinary delight, and star-gazing within the stunning setting of Mount Teide. The expert guides, many of whom have detailed knowledge about the park and stars, make the experience educational and engaging.

While the dinner may not satisfy all palates, the opportunity to observe planets and constellations through telescopes and the spectacular sunset generally leave a strong impression. The activity suits nature enthusiasts, astronomy lovers, and those seeking a relaxing yet awe-inspiring evening in Tenerife.

For travelers prepared with warm clothing and patience for a long day, this tour promises a truly memorable outing filled with natural beauty and celestial marvels.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is included in the price of the tour?
The tour price includes local taxes, bottled water, live commentary, professional guide, pickup and drop-off, air-conditioned vehicle, and a dinner at the highest restaurant in Mount Teide National Park.

How long does the sunset viewing last?
The sunset stop lasts approximately 45 minutes, providing enough time to enjoy the changing colors and take photos.

What should I wear for stargazing?
Warm clothes are highly recommended, including coats, hats, gloves, and layers, as it can get very cold at high altitude after sunset. The tour offers blankets for extra warmth.

Can I see planets like Jupiter and Saturn?
Yes, through telescopes, guests often observe planets such as Jupiter and Saturn, with guides explaining their features using laser technology to draw constellations.

Is the activity suitable for children or people with mobility issues?
The tour limits group size to 50 travelers and involves some walking in the park terrain. High-altitude conditions and outdoor exposure mean it may not be suitable for everyone with mobility challenges.

What happens if the weather conditions are poor?
The activity proceeds in all weather conditions, but if the sky is too cloudy or conditions are unsafe, full refunds or rescheduling are available.

How far in advance should I book?
Most bookings are made about 17 days in advance, but early reservations are advisable to secure preferred dates, especially during popular periods.

Are there any optional dietary requirements?
Yes, options for specific food requirements are available; please advise at the time of booking if needed.

What is the maximum group size?
The tour accommodates up to 50 travelers, maintaining a manageable and engaging group environment.

Can I skip the meal and extend my star-gazing time?
While not explicitly stated, some reviews suggest that skipping the meal could allow for more time under the stars, especially if the meal quality is not to your taste.

Is this tour good for solo travelers?
Absolutely. The group size and engaging guides make it suitable for solo travelers, families, couples, and groups alike.

What is the cancellation policy?
You can cancel for free up to 24 hours before the tour. Cancellations made less than 24 hours in advance are non-refundable.

How can I contact the tour provider?
The provider, Elegant Excursions, can be reached at +34 92273 9660 or [email protected] for inquiries or special requests.