Before you choose
What you need to know about this experience
The visit to the Cueva del Viento is a guided walk through a section of one of the longest volcanic tubes in the world, in Icod de los Vinos, in the north of Tenerife. It is run by the Organismo Autónomo de Museos y Centros of the Cabildo de Tenerife (the island council’s museums and centres agency), in small groups and with advance booking.
The cave formed about 27,000 years ago in lava from the Pico Viejo volcano, next to Teide. This page explains what the visit is like, what the requirements are and what you should bring.
At a glance
| Aspect | What to expect |
|---|---|
| What it is | Guided, interpretive visit to a volcanic tube |
| Who runs it | Organismo Autónomo de Museos y Centros del Cabildo de Tenerife |
| Where | Icod de los Vinos, starting at the Visitor Centre |
| Duration | 2 and a half hours, medium difficulty, according to the official website |
| Group | Small, with a guide |
| Minimum age | 5 years |
| Inside | About 14 °C and 80 % humidity, according to the official website |
| Booking | Required, on the official website |
| Price | Prices by age and residence; check the official website |
What the Cueva del Viento is
According to its official website, the cave owes its name (Cave of the Wind) to the air currents inside it. It has about 18 kilometres surveyed and is listed as the fifth longest volcanic tube in the world, behind four located in Hawaii.
Its network of galleries is spread over several levels, which is unusual in volcanic tubes. The area is protected and the interior of the cave is a special area of conservation.
What the visit is like
- Visitor Centre: information displays that introduce the visit.
- Walk outside to the cave entrance, along the PR-TF 42.2 trail through mid-altitude farmland and pine forest, with explanations about geology and ethnography.
- Walk through a section of the tube, without artificial lighting, wearing a helmet with a light. According to Turismo de Tenerife, you spend about 45 minutes inside and cover about 250 metres.
- Return to the visitor centre.
On some visits the guide turns the lights off for a moment so you can experience total darkness.
What you see and what you do not
- Yes: solidified lava flows, terraces, basalt formations and the structure of the tube.
- No: limestone stalactites and stalagmites like those in karst caves. This is a volcanic cave, with a different kind of formations.
Who it suits
- People interested in geology and volcanoes.
- Families with children aged 5 and over.
- Travellers who already know Teide and want tor aderstand volcanism from the inside.
Who it may not suit, and what to weigh up
- Children under 5: cannot take part.
- Claustrophobia: it is an underground space.
- Limited mobility: you have to walk outside and on uneven ground inside.
- Anyone expecting karst formations: the cave is volcanic.
How to book
Bookings are made on the official Cueva del Viento website. Places are limited and in summer they sell out in advance. The visit is offered in several languages, depending on the time slot.
If you would rather combine it with other visits in the north and not drive, a tailor-made private tour can include it in the route, as long as the ticket is booked through the official channel.
What to bring
- Long trousers and closed shoes for hiking or sport: compulsory according to the visit rules.
- Light jacket: inside it is about 14 °C.
- No backpacks or bags during the walk, according to the visit information.
- Water for before and after.
Rules and safety
- Always follow the guide’s instructions and do not leave the group.
- Do not touch or damage the formations.
- Flash photography is not allowed.
Weather
- The interior keeps a stable temperature all year round.
- The outdoor walk can be hot in summer or damp in winter.
Price
We do not give a figure: the prices published by different sources do not match and may have changed. There are different prices for adults, children and Canary Islands residents. Check the current price on the official website when booking.
Alternatives and how to compare them
| If you are looking for… | Best option |
|---|---|
| More technical caving | Caving in volcanic tubes |
| Volcanoes above ground | Group Teide excursion |
| The north with more stops | North of Tenerife excursion |
| Icod and the north-west | Masca, Teno and Garachico excursion |
Frequently asked questions
Do you need to book the Cueva del Viento?
Yes. Places are limited and are booked on the official website.
How long does the visit last?
Two and a half hours in total, according to the official website. You spend about 45 minutes inside the cave.
Can children come?
From 5 years old.
Is it cold inside?
About 14 °C with high humidity. Bring a light jacket.
Are there stalactites?
Not like in limestone caves. It is a volcanic tube with lava formations.
Can you bring a backpack?
Backpacks and bags are not allowed during the walk. Leave them in the car.
Who runs the visit?
The Organismo Autónomo de Museos y Centros of the Cabildo de Tenerife.