Mountain refuge on Tenerife’s Teide, the ‘Refugio de Altavista’, to reopen in 2025 after years of closure.
The iconic mountain refuge, Refugio Altavista, located at an altitude of 3,270 meters in the Parque Nacional del Teide, is set to enter a new chapter with extensive renovation works. Providing shelter to climbers and nature lovers since 1892, the refuge will reopen in 2025 with modern facilities and sustainable upgrades. Accommodating up to 54 visitors, the refuge offers a vital resting point for those aiming to summit Spain’s highest peak. Heated rooms and practical amenities ensure comfort in this unique mountain retreat.
Following its closure in 2020, the Cabildo de Tenerife has approved renovation plans for the Refugio de Altavista. With an investment of nearly €1.5 million and an expected construction period of five months post-award, the refuge will undergo a comprehensive modernization.
Strategic Renovation for Reopening
Rosa Dávila, president of the Cabildo, announced the approval of the renovation works, highlighting the strategic significance of the Refugio de Altavista, located at 3,260 meters above sea level. She emphasized the importance of visitor safety and environmental preservation:
“The renovation of the emblematic Altavista refuge is a priority for our administration. It is essential to modernize this facility while adhering to sustainability and safety criteria.”
In addition to upgrading the building itself, the project includes constructing an eco-friendly wastewater treatment plant, installing a photovoltaic system, and enhancing energy efficiency and thermal insulation.
Specific Building and Facility Improvements
The renovation will focus on:
- Rehabilitating the main building: Optimizing existing spaces with improved insulation and ventilation systems.
- Upgrading adjacent modules: Renovating the attached module to house batteries and a water pressure pump for fire safety.
- Enhancing energy efficiency: Installing PVC pipes to channel wastewater to the new treatment facility.
- Eco-friendly wastewater treatment: The treatment plant, designed for 25 users, will include a grease separator, an Imhoff tank, a biological filter, a sampling well, and an absorption pit. Masonry walls will be added to protect and integrate the facility into the landscape.
A Historical Mountain Refuge
Established in the 19th century, the Refugio de Altavista has long served as a critical support point for climbers aiming to conquer the summit of Teide, Spain’s highest peak.
Rafael Cedrés Jorge has documented the history of this iconic mountain refuge, located on the slopes of Teide, in his publication. In his foreword, he paints a vivid picture of this natural sanctuary in La Villa de La Orotava:
“The Altavista refuge, beyond its scientific significance due to its connections with botanists, astronomers, geologists, and other researchers, also preserves a vital part of our history. Altavista was linked to the ‘neveros,’ island inhabitants who ascended to a cave about 500 meters up the path to collect ice and transport it to La Orotava.”
A Unique Experience
Today, the Altavista refuge is synonymous with a high-altitude shelter, where climbers spend a night during their two-day ascent of Teide. Watching the sunrise from the volcanic summit is an unforgettable experience. Cedrés’ book aims to acquaint readers with the history of the refuge, emphasizing Tenerife’s scientific heritage and the adventurous spirit of early researchers that led to the creation of this remarkable location.
The refuge’s origins date back to 1856. Over the years, various visitors—from mountaineers preparing for greater heights to tourists captivated by Teide—have stayed here. What unites them is the shared experience of spending a night in Spain’s highest refuge.
For those interested in delving deeper into the history of Refugio de Altavista, Rafael Cedrés Jorge’s extensive documentation (in Spanish) can be accessed HERE.
fedtfm.es / © Photography
Mountain Refuge on Tenerife’s Teide ©
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