Timanfaya National Park Pushed to Its Limits
The scenes are familiar every summer, but this July, they’ve reached a new level of intensity. Montañas del Fuego, Lanzarote’s most visited natural attraction, is completely overwhelmed. Hundreds of cars remain stuck for hours on the road connecting Tinajo and Yaiza, trapped in an endless queue to enter Timanfaya National Park. The surge in tourists has overwhelmed an access system many consider outdated.
Traffic Chaos and Civil Guard Intervention
La Voz de Lanzarote confirmed that the Civil Guard had to step in this Tuesday to manage traffic after a total gridlock blocked the road. Footage captured by visitors shows a line of cars stretching to the horizon, fueling frustration among drivers, residents, and tourism businesses alike. The problem isn’t limited to the roads. On the official website of the Art, Culture, and Tourism Centers (CACT), where tickets can be purchased, only 250 daily passes are available with guaranteed entry before 2:00 PM. Worse yet, there’s no timed entry system, leading to a massive influx of visitors all arriving at once—worsening congestion and diminishing the experience for those who make it inside.
Tickets Sold Out Amid Overwhelming Demand
From Tuesday through Thursday, tickets are completely sold out, though limited availability remains for the weekend. Even so, the current system is operating at absolute capacity, raising urgent questions about sustainability and visitor experience in one of Lanzarote’s crown jewels.
