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Restricción de acceso hasta el Torcal Alto

Access restriction

Why is car access to Torcal Alto sometimes closed?

The Torcal Alto Visitor Center is located at the end of a narrow mountain road (in the Torcal Alto area), and has a limited parking space for cars and buses, in the heart of the Torcal de Antequera Natural Park.

Some days, the massive influx of visitors with cars can cause the parking lot and the access road to collapse, blocking the only access road to Torcal Alto, which entails a risk situation in case emergency teams have to go to a rescue, accident or evacuation.

Therefore, to avoid this dangerous situation and as a measure to control capacity within the natural area, access to cars is closed on weekends, holidays and those days when a large influx of visitors is expected (only for a few hours a day).

When is car access to Torcal Alto closed?

Weekends and holiday mornings in high season (autumn to spring), and some summer nights (star showers or full moon nights). In short, on days and times of many visitors with cars.

What time does access close?

There is no defined time, since this closure depends on the influx of cars on each date. Access is closed once the parking capacity of the Torcal Alto Visitor Center is full.

At what time does car access reopen?

Access will reopen between 2:00 p.m. and 3:00 p.m., depending on the season. Although this opening may be delayed and/or closed again on very specific days when the situation requires it.

When can you access it by car?

On weekdays at any time (Monday to Friday, excluding holidays). And on weekends and high season holidays early in the morning until the capacity of the Torcal Alto car park is full, and in the afternoon after the access has reopened.

What vehicles are allowed to pass through restricted access?

Buses, taxis, VTC’s, duly identified courtesy vehicles from travel agencies, natural park employees and vehicles with a parking card for people with disabilities (visible on the windshield).

Other specific situations

  • Families with small children in baby stroller
  • Elderly people with more limited mobility (cane, walker…)
  • People with heavy climbing or caving equipment
  • Access with large dogs and/or several dogs

In all these cases, we recommend scheduling your visit for when access by private vehicle is possible, such as weekend afternoons or any weekday. In the case of climbing and caving, it is advisable to get up early and access very early in the morning.

How to access Torcal Alto when the road is closed to cars?

Once the road is closed, cars must park in the lower parking lot, which is located next to the A-7075 road between kilometers 41 and 42, and access Torcal Alto through any of these means:

  • Shuttle bus, which will be enabled from the same access closure and will be in operation until the afternoon. The ticket has a cost of €2/person round trip (it is the same rate whether the user decides to use the round trip ticket, or just one trip, either one way or the return).
  • Trail to climb Torcal Alto, for mountaineers who want to live a totally natural experience. This is a one way trail, 3.60km long, with a positive slope of 260m and very rocky terrain. We can consider it as medium difficulty.

Access with pets on the shuttle bus

Pending the new regulations and how they are applied by the transport company.

In any case, remember that according to current regulations in the Protected Natural Areas of Andalusia, all pets must be on a leash at all times during your visit.

What is the frequency of the shuttles?

Normally there are 2 shuttles covering the journey to Torcal Alto, except on exceptional dates when there will be 3 shuttles.

These shuttles will be going up and down continuously, from the access closure in the morning until the afternoon when the service ends.

Depending on the time of year, the last drop-off shuttle will be between 5:00 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. You can ask the employees on the day of your visit what time the last bus is.

*Mandatory rest for drivers: according to Article 7 of Regulation (EC) No. 561/2006 (Spanish regulations): “After a driving period of four and a half hours, the driver will take an uninterrupted break of at least 45 minutes.”

Therefore, between approximately 1:30 p.m. and 3:30 p.m., the drop-off frequency will decrease as the shuttles will take turns to comply with the mandatory driving break (one shuttle will be on rest while the other continues working).

Special “Perseids” and summer nights

The access restriction will also be activated on certain summer nights where the influx of visitors by car may cause serious risk. This access restriction will be on nights that coincide with the “Perseid” meteor shower and any other night that coincides with an astronomical event of special interest. The conditions of the access closure and the schedule will be published upon the date of the closure.

More information about access restriction in Perseids: 0034 600703700 / www.astrotorcal.es

More questions?

  • reservas@torcaldeantequera.com
  • 0034 952 24 33 24 (10am to 5pm)
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