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Refugio de Altavista

Canadas del Teide, Teide National Park, Tenerife Spain
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About

Location
4.6
Cleanliness
4.2
Service
3.5
Value
3.5
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Property amenities
Shared bathroom
Shared kitchen
See what other travelers are saying
  • Explore509033
    2 contributions
    Mountain refuge
    All about the refuge is said precisely on their webpage. I would only recommend they add earplugs to the list of compulsory equipment. Perhaps something could be done about those squeeky bunkbeds? Otherwise very luxurious for this type of accomodation, having running water and toilets that flush, considering they have to bring the water there through a cable car... (Only soap was missing at the day of our visit) The disposable paper sheets were actually great for us, as we decided to climb up through montana blanca and climb down through pico viejo and narices the next day, we were very happy not to have to carry anything extra. If I was going with a cablecar both ways, id consider taking my own sleeping bag liner or duvet cover. As for the water, Id recommend a water filter rather than boiling, because there is just one kettle to use for everybody. Another luxury that have electric plugs to charge your phone. Staff was very friendly and all was according to the description. Great experience for me and my son, we highly recommend this!
    Date of stay: February 2020
    Traveled with family
    Written February 29, 2020
  • Tracy C
    Massignac, France125 contributions
    It does what it says - it's a refuge!
    The facilities are more than adequate. We received a very warm welcome. Our dorm lights went off at 9 pm (and on again at 5 am) and everyone respected the fact that we needed to sleep. The bunk beds were comfortable enough but the paper sheets quickly displaced themselves from the matresses. The sunset views were pretty magnificent from outside the lodge. The only issue was that it didn't open until 5 pm (which we were aware of) and we really needed to use the toilets when we arrived. It's not luxury but it is exactly what it's meant to be and good value for money.
    Date of stay: February 2020
    Written February 13, 2020
  • katietkernow
    Treen, United Kingdom3 contributions
    Altavista Refuge/ Teide
    We stayed the night at the refuge on the way up to Mount Teide. It is a basic, clean cabin, as it clearly states on its website. If you’re looking for a 5 star hotel here, you’ve missed the point. We were greeted by Nelson who was very friendly and helpful. Just go with the flow and enjoy. We went to bed early and slept reasonably well until 5 o’clock, when most people get up to leave around 6 to continue to the top of Teide. You’ll probably need to rest if you’ve walked up to the refuge, both because of the walk and getting used to the altitude. A good idea to bring your own water & dehydrated food or food that is light to carry. Head torch. Warm clothes. A great experience. Teide is beautiful. Thank you to the Altavista staff for being a part of making our trip so enjoyable.
    Date of stay: January 2020
    Traveled as a couple
    Written January 20, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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Explore509033 wrote a review Feb 2020
2 contributions
All about the refuge is said precisely on their webpage. I would only recommend they add earplugs to the list of compulsory equipment. Perhaps something could be done about those squeeky bunkbeds? Otherwise very luxurious for this type of accomodation, having running water and toilets that flush, considering they have to bring the water there through a cable car... (Only soap was missing at the day of our visit) The disposable paper sheets were actually great for us, as we decided to climb up through montana blanca and climb down through pico viejo and narices the next day, we were very happy not to have to carry anything extra. If I was going with a cablecar both ways, id consider taking my own sleeping bag liner or duvet cover. As for the water, Id recommend a water filter rather than boiling, because there is just one kettle to use for everybody. Another luxury that have electric plugs to charge your phone. Staff was very friendly and all was according to the description. Great experience for me and my son, we highly recommend this!
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Date of stay: February 2020Trip type: Traveled with family
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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Tracy C wrote a review Feb 2020
Massignac, France125 contributions45 helpful votes
The facilities are more than adequate. We received a very warm welcome. Our dorm lights went off at 9 pm (and on again at 5 am) and everyone respected the fact that we needed to sleep. The bunk beds were comfortable enough but the paper sheets quickly displaced themselves from the matresses. The sunset views were pretty magnificent from outside the lodge. The only issue was that it didn't open until 5 pm (which we were aware of) and we really needed to use the toilets when we arrived. It's not luxury but it is exactly what it's meant to be and good value for money.
Read more
Date of stay: February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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Daveysuk wrote a review Jan 2020
Cheltenham, United Kingdom52 contributions37 helpful votes
+1
It's a great opportunity to meet lots of like minded people and to do something unique in the process. It's basic but as long as you understand that you will enjoy it and it's not as bad as some of the reviews make out. Biggest issue I had was the altitude but you just stop often on the ascent. Freezing cold at the top (January) and very windy so wrap up warm. We walked back via Pico Viejo which is quite a hard walk due to the terrain but amazing scenery.
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Date of stay: January 2020Trip type: Traveled solo
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
1 Helpful vote
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katietkernow wrote a review Jan 2020
Treen, United Kingdom3 contributions4 helpful votes
We stayed the night at the refuge on the way up to Mount Teide. It is a basic, clean cabin, as it clearly states on its website. If you’re looking for a 5 star hotel here, you’ve missed the point. We were greeted by Nelson who was very friendly and helpful. Just go with the flow and enjoy. We went to bed early and slept reasonably well until 5 o’clock, when most people get up to leave around 6 to continue to the top of Teide. You’ll probably need to rest if you’ve walked up to the refuge, both because of the walk and getting used to the altitude. A good idea to bring your own water & dehydrated food or food that is light to carry. Head torch. Warm clothes. A great experience. Teide is beautiful. Thank you to the Altavista staff for being a part of making our trip so enjoyable.
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Date of stay: January 2020Trip type: Traveled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
2 Helpful votes
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Marianna O wrote a review Nov 2019
Helsinki, Finland9 contributions11 helpful votes
It was a precious gift - boilable water to drink. One should never take water for granted again. =D Thank you guys for your hard work running the refuge and saving us from dehydration and frostbites =D
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Date of stay: January 2019
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This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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Billy Steel wrote a review Oct 2019
1 contribution1 helpful vote
The refuge itself is simply a hostel with no showers, drinking water (unless boiled), hot water or bins. A hob (that baffles everyone that has never used a ceramic hob before), kettle and microwave are all at your disposal. I feel some of the negative reviews on here are based on the other hikers and the staff but not on the convenience of this refuge. Yes its €3 for water and chocolate bars and 2 for coffee, but in reality, you should have brought enough water for the hike up (get to that later) and the next day. The staff member that checked us in did so within 5 mins of our arrival at half 6. She gave us a small scare saying that it may be too windy to get the cable car down (as we hadn't planned for this). Most of our fellow hikers were quiet. Most. Lights went out in our room at around 9pm but generally its 10pm. When I woke at 5am for the summit, half the room was empty and had moved into the hallway/dining room bit. Left at 0545 for the peak and got there at 0730. It is so cold at the top. I cannot express this enough. I am used to the bitter chilling winds of Scotland but this was something else. We started our ascent at half two just along from the montana blanco car park. It took around 2 hours to get to the bottom of what I will call the zigzags. It then took another 2 hours to climb those zags before the refuge appeared. Myself and my girlfriend would not consider ourselves fit in the slightest or experienced hikers....but we did it. It was hard but worth it for the view at the top.
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Date of stay: October 2019
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This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
1 Helpful vote
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Explorer wrote a review Jun 2019
132 contributions52 helpful votes
The hut is located at 3260 m and is a perfect spot to stay over night before ascending Teide before a sunrise. The hut guardian was very nice and welcoming. He has provided useful information about alternatives for descending (I have decided to use the one finishing at Roques de Garcia and it was an excellent choice) and useful tips for reaching the summit. In the hut there is a running water (but no showers), clean toiletes, spacious kitchen. I have enjoyed my stay there.
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Date of stay: May 2019Trip type: Traveled solo
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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Response from VolcanoLife, Responsable de Comunidades at Refugio de Altavista
Responded Jun 8, 2019
Thanks for your feedback!.
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
kiucsilla wrote a review May 2019
Szarvas, Hungary28 contributions4 helpful votes
The only way to see the sunrise on Teide is to spend a night at Altavista Refuge. What can you expect: toilets, bed for sleep, disposable bed-sheets, heaters, a kitchen where you can heat your food and make a hot tea, there are vending machines, and a machine to change bank notes to coins. You need to take your garbage with you and the disposable bed-sheet too, as there are no bins there. The smallest room's capacity is six persons. You have to wake up early and climb to the peak to see the sunrise. Don't miss it! The most delightful view I've ever had! Very romantic, and the feeling is so touching! You have to work for it and spend a night here. Don't go here if you want a service just like a hotel room! Ps: the beds should have some service as some of them squeak as you move.
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Date of stay: March 2019Trip type: Traveled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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Response from VolcanoLife, Responsable de Comunidades at Refugio de Altavista
Responded May 18, 2019
Thanks for your feedback.
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
LifeIsARollercoaster wrote a review Feb 2019
London, United Kingdom6 contributions21 helpful votes
1) You do not need to stay at this place to go to the top of the Teide unless you are: Buy a permit (from the website) and take the cable car (3 months in advance). 2) Pay absolutely nothing and have a good night sleep in your hotel and plan to walk up to the cable car platform before 9am as the staff are there at 9am to stop you if you do not have a permit (which needs to be bought months in advance). This requires some planning and waking up early, but at least you get some sleep (unlike in the refuge) Now, If you do plan to stay in the refuge, make sure that you understand the following: If you take the cable car (this goes to the 3/4 from the base to the top (last one at 3:50pm), then you have to walk down for 45 mins (at least) to the refuge (there are no clear directions to it, just one sign half way through). You arrive around 5pm or so. You hang around the refuge until 7pm when the bedrooms are officially open. It's cold outside, but the noise inside from constant loud talking is challenging the levels of your patience. The people who work there do not ask you to check in when you arrive but do ask you in surprise if you have not yet checked in after watching you sitting there for two hours and catching your eyes a few times. This, apparently important task, is not even mentioned in the two pages of instructions on what you should or should not do there. At 7pm your bed allocations are revealed to you by calling your name, how this is done is a mystery (my suspicion is that non Spanish speakers are put into the big room with 16 beds). You put the mesh bed sheets (that look like the fake Halloween spider webs) on plastic wrapped mattresses and you finally think that you can rest then, but wait. There are lots of Spanish youths talking very loudly and laughing in the hall until midnight. Banging pans in the kitchen next to the bedroom and drinking wine until midnight is the norm, the people who work there seem to enjoy this themselves and take part in the noisy discussions. The idea of an early night before an ascent for the sunrise slowly becomes an unimaginable dream. Finally, the light in the bedroom is switched off at 10pm, the very loud noise of people talking and laughing stops around midnight. Bedrooms doors remain opened until then as nobody understands what the rules are. That's 5 hours of laying there, wishing you were asleep. Now, you wish you had those heavy duty ear plugs, as well as a thick eye mask. The altitude seems to heightened your senses, so the whole experience seems 10 times worse than it should be. Then the heaters are switched on full blast before 10pm, making it unbearable to sleep after an hour or so, so the bedrooms doors are open again as everyone is awake and unable to sleep from the heat. Then, the loud bunk beds squeaking starts and people's phones go off as nobody can sleep (unless you are the lucky one with heavy duty earplugs, snoring very loudly and grew up at high altitude). Why is it so hard to tightened the beds or add some oil to stop them squeaking? Some people here have also mentioned it before. At 4am the coffee machine in the hall (the bedrooms doors are open, remember?) starts off as people realise that spending 2 euros on a crap coffee is the best thing you could do at that time. (And I'm glad I followed them later on to make this hell hole more bearable). 4:50 the bedroom light is switched on. Don't bother setting your alarm! You are lucky if you slept for 5 minutes, so now it's the the time to climb the big mountain, 1,5-2 hours to catch the sunrise, it is definitely worth it and surprisingly not as bad as you think it would be. In the morning (5am or so) you walk back up to the cable car platform (one hour) and then to the top (another 30-45 mins). You have to do this in the dark in the winter, so make sure it's done in full moon (the best) or you have a torch that lasts for two hours. I don't know if this is different for the local Spanish speaking hikers but for me, the idea of a friendly refuge where you can talk to people (we speak 5 languages between me and my partner) and make friends and have a good rest, was in reality a badly managed, very noisy youth hostel with overpriced water, coffee and indifferent stuff who can't follow the basic rules they made up themselves. Even the toilet seats were broken off the hinges. The whole place feels like a complete rip off. A prison is probably the closest that it can be compared to. On a positive note, the 4G reception on top of the mountain was better than what you would get in 95% of the UK.
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Date of stay: February 2019
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Trip type: Traveled as a couple
Room Tip: Do not stay here, I'm not joking.
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This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
4 Helpful votes
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Response from VolcanoLife, Director de Relaciones con Clientes at Refugio de Altavista
Responded Mar 3, 2019
Hi, thanks for your extensive comment. All information about the activity is described on our website. It is not possible to climb to the peak without permission unless you spend the night in the shelter, this is an important recommendation. We try to improve our services and our installation has good 4G coverage and free WIFI at 3260m. Regards.
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Corey J wrote a review Jan 2019
London, United Kingdom3 contributions
The place and the staff are fantastic, albeit with the beds! If you want to sleep, bring ear plugs. It was an orchestra of squeaks in our dorm. Please buy some wd-40. Other than this, it is a no frills place as correctly advertised and bring food/water for sustenance. This is a refuge for climbers, not a hotel. Staff were super helpful and thoughtful and wanted to make sure we were looked after despite arriving from the cold black outdoors at 1030pm.
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Date of stay: January 2019Trip type: Traveled with friends
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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Response from VolcanoLife, Director de Relaciones con Clientes at Refugio de Altavista
Responded Jan 29, 2019
Hello, thanks for your feedback. Regards
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
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LOCATION
SpainCanary IslandsTenerifeTeide National Park
NUMBER OF ROOMS
3
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REFUGIO DE ALTAVISTA - Specialty Inn Reviews (Teide National Park, Spain)

Frequently Asked Questions about Refugio de Altavista
Which popular attractions are close to Refugio de Altavista?
Nearby attractions include Volcan El Teide (3.2 miles), Teide National Park (2.1 miles), and Los Roques de Garcia (0.3 miles).
What are some restaurants close to Refugio de Altavista?
Conveniently located restaurants include El Refugio de Vilaflor, Los Cipreses De La Casa Inglesa, and Tasca Andres.
Are there any historical sites close to Refugio de Altavista?
Many travelers enjoy visiting Vilaflor (4.8 miles).