The Perseids meteor shower, also known as the Tears of San Lorenzo, is one of the astronomical events of the year, and Mt Teide is one of the best places to see it live in Europe, meaning that thousands want to head up to the National Park this weekend night to see this unique phenomenon.
Due to the massive influx of pedestrians and vehicles, the Provincial Traffic Headquarters have announced a specific operation to control access to Teide National Park for the public in the safest and most fluid way possible, by filtering the number of cars that are allowed to enter with road closures at various times of the day.
This means that the following roads will have control points and be closed from 7pm until 3am on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday:
· The TF-24 access road at kilometre point 23+500m, at the Arafo crossroads.
· The TF-21 access road from the north at kilometre point 16+500m, at the Aguamansa Caldera.
· The TF-21 access road from the south at kilometre point 66+800m in Vilaflor.
· The TF-238 access road from Chio at kilometre point 12+500m.
At each point, there will be traffic police staff to control entry and exit to the National Park, and in the park itself, there will be rangers controlling traffic and parking whilst you are there.
It is important to remember that this a protected area and their priority is to preserve the Natural Environment. Parking is only allowed in specified areas and not by the side of the road. You will be told to move if you park in the wrong place and can get fined for doing so.
Also, when on foot, you must stick to trails and paths otherwise the same penalties are applicable.
Licenced excursions for stargazing are not affected by these restrictions.
