El Portillo Visitor Center — Attraction in Los Realejos

The center is very well done with all the information on the geology of the island and not only, the botanical garden is excellent even if in winter it doesn't say much since it's all dry and without flowers but at least it gives an idea of ​​what the flora of the park is like. A sore point is the staff of the center who seems very helpful but in the end with us they were very rude and without any professionalism. In fact we pointed out that during an excursion to the Sombrero de Chasna at a certain point of the climb we found a sign that prevented the passage due to an alleged hunt in progress for the mouflon on Monday, Wednesday and Friday but without a precise period and since it was Friday, we went back to do a different excursion; we had read however that hunting is usually in May and other periods of the year but not in February, however we respected the prohibition sign unlike others who did not care and continued So we asked the staff at the center for explanations and they told us that in fact there is no mouflon hunting in this period and they did not know what explanation to give trying to climb the walls a bit to tell us something: the only explanation is that as usual things are done in an approximate and superficial way! As we left the center, the two guards burst into a loud laugh at us, demonstrating not only a total lack of professionalism but above all the utmost rudeness And then now to do any excursion on the Teide they have put a series of absurd limitations and you need to get an access permit even for absolutely simple excursions such as walking up to the Altavista refuge or to the Rambleta or to the Pico Viejo, something absolutely ridiculous and there are guards who ask you if you have permission to go up... then they don't do their duty by leaving signs of hunting in progress even...

Completely free, this museum is particularly dedicated to volcanism and the origin of Tenerife (and other Canary islands). This center makes use of different communication means to explain the island genesis: videos, pictures, illustrations and games. Explanations are very comprehensive and available in all languages.

If you have the time, I recommend to watch a short film, in a small cinema theater, that narrates the island story with a mix of legends and scientific facts. Ask for headphones at the reception to listen to the story in your language.

If you have had enough of volcanism, you can go outside and have a walk in the arboretum... if the weather is correct of course 😉! When I was there, the weather was very cloudy and rainy. That's life!

So, don't forget to stop a while in this center! Apart from the visit, you can also ask for helpful information if you want to hike in the amazing Teide national park (for example, having an accurate forecast weather). The person at the reception was particularly helpful and speaks...

Great views! It's a bit of a trek driving on narrow roads with such uphills and downhills you will think you are in a rollercoaster. We hired a car with a small engine and struggle big time on some hills luckily the breaks were good. We travelled through some villages to get there which were cute but if you miss the right turn you might struggle to get back on track as many roads are just one way...still views were top notch. Once you get to the top is open fresh air. We sat for a drink with Teide as the perfect view, a bit of sun and wind...The bar /restaurant seemed busy. Prices were good, you could get ice cream cakes,...