• Always walk accompanied and on marked trails and respect the way of life, privacy and property of the local inhabitants.
• If you avoid noise, you will discover much more life around you.
• Take away all rubbish, even organic waste. This will help to maintain the beauty of the landscape and prevent the proliferation of rodents. Be especially careful with cigarette butts.
• Collecting plants, animals or other objects from the environment can lead to the loss of irreplaceable resources.
• The people in charge of these Protected Natural Spaces will be grateful if you inform them of any incidents you may have observed. To do so, you can contact Environment Department of the Cabildo Insular de Tenerife. Telephone: 922239090. Email: coordinacionmam@tenerife.es
• We remind you that the nature of the island is as peculiar as it is unpredictable. Enjoy it in a responsible and prudent manner; take special care in any natural area and do not forget that the risk of accident could always be present.
• Respect the signs.
• Check the weather forecast to make sure it is suitable.
• Wear suitable hiking clothes and footwear, and in your backpack don't forget to pack a mobile phone, sunscreen, hat, coat, mackintosh, enough water and food.
• Inform your family or friends of the route you are going to do and take into account the hours of daylight you will need to complete your route.

The fact that a trail in Tenerife is approved means that it is signposted and that there is an Administration responsible for its maintenance, so that the trail offers safety conditions for the hiker. The Tenerife Footpath Network has three types of routes:

• Long-distance footpath. This is identified with the colours white and red, and with the acronym GR. These long routes are done in several days, given that they are more than 50 kilometres long.
• Short-distance footpath. It is identified with the colours white and yellow, and with the initials PR. Its length varies between 10 and 50 kilometres; some of these trails are less than 10 kilometres long, but have been classified as PR due to the steepness of the terrain, which makes the route more difficult to follow.
• Local Path. It is identified with the colours white and green, and with the initials SL. It is less than 10 kilometres long.

The island of Tenerife has a perfect climate for hiking 365 days a year. Except in the case of occasional winter snowfalls that affect routes at higher altitudes or specific days of bad weather, hiking is an activity that can be practised in any season. Always check the weather forecast before setting out on a route.

Hiking equipment depends on the route and weather conditions but, in general, you should always carry a number of basic items.

• You should be in good shape when walking on trails with steep slopes and take into account the altitude.
• You should carry adequate mountain equipment (boots, rucksack, water, food, etc.). Also warm clothing (trousers and long-sleeved shirt) and a walking stick.
• In the rainy season you should be very careful as the ground can be very slippery.
• Don't forget to pack a mackintosh and a cap to protect you from the sun. Temperature changes, due to the altitude, are very abrupt and may surprise you.
• Take enough water and food for the duration of the trek.
• Although there are areas where there is no coverage, it is highly advisable to carry your mobile phone.

• It depends on the area. If the trail runs through a protected area, a permit may be required. The tourist information offices will tell you in which cases you need to apply for a permit.
• To climb Pico del Teide you have to ask for a special permit, which you can apply for on the website: www.reservasparquesnacionales.es
• If you spend the night at the refuge, you can access the Teide peak without requesting a permit, as long as it is before 9 am. You have more information here: www.telefericoteide.com/altavista