No hikers allowed on Mta Tindaya without an official guide

[Archer]

I thought you weren't allowed on Tindaya without an official guide. Tamara?

EDIT: Sorry, I had to split the tread cos the discussion went too far from Miguel de Unamuno Museum. Sam

[TamaraEnLaPlaya]

There is a monument to him as well, halfway up a mountain near Tindaya.

Correct Archer, only official, supervised hikes/climbs of Mta Tindaya.

My post did say a mountain near Tindaya.

[Archer]

Sorry, Tamara. The comment related to Sam saying he climbed to the top. Just asking you to verify the current status of Tindaya. Not suggesting you would do such a thing. 

[TamaraEnLaPlaya]

Archer - I knew what you meant   (actually I was having a little dig at Sam 'cos I had a feeling he hadn't been on an official hike up Mta Tindaya!)

Despite seeing hundreds of people doing the climb I've never spoken to anyone who has been there legally in the last few years.

[GSDGirl]

We walked from La Oliva, past the mountain, on our way to Los Podomorfos for lunch last year. There was a party of six climbing up it despite the very large sign telling you not to. We were led to believe that the ban on climbing was due to erosion.

[GSDGirl]

No offence meant. The post was only a comment and not aimed at you but they did see the sign - we watched them walk past it. As you say, there are plenty of other mountains that's why we thought it a cheek.

[Archer]

Tamara: Now this is a separate thread, as a local, perhaps you could give us all a briefing on access to the Mountain, times etc, and a for those that don't know details of Casa Alta.
Thanks 

[TamaraEnLaPlaya]

Good idea Archer. I'll visit Casa Alta next week to make sure I have up to date info and then post all on here.

[TamaraEnLaPlaya]

I had to say next week as Casa Alta is only open now on Tuesdays 10-2. (I think!)

[TamaraEnLaPlaya]

Visited Casa Alta today. The big sign on the main road that says only Tuesdays is out of date. Casa Alta is open as follows:



Casa Alta is a restored house that now houses info on Montaña Tindaya and the podomorphs,  including the art project proposed by Chillida. This involves excavating a gigantic cube inside the mountain (50m x 50m x 50m) plus several tunnels leading up to the sky so that visitors can realise their own insignificance in the great scheme of things! Well, that's my take on it. The Cabildo have already invested several million euros in this art work and it's still not even got the go ahead - where has this Money gone? The Cabildo thinks it will be  the biggest tourist attraction on the island. The local people are divided over whether they want it to happen or not. Some think it will bring prosperity and jobs, others think rural peace and tradition will be shattered. Whichever way you feel it seems double faced that the Cabildo have banned anyone from walking on the mountain but are prepared to see the centre and some of the top blasted out! There is also the little matter that the mountain is at the centre of the area of highest Radon emissions on the island!

I asked today about walking/climbing the mountain at the moment. The answer was an emphatic NO. I asked about going up with a guide and was told these are suspended at the moment and might resume in summer 2019.

Casa Alta was so named as it was the first house in the area with 2 storeys (high house). It's quite an interesting building to look around. At the moment the water collection area contains quite a lot of rain - there's probably a well underneath. It's very near the turning from the main road (from Puerto del Rosario direction). After looking round you could drive half a mile down the road to Bar Maria for refreshments (opens early, closes around 2pm-3pm). You'll be right by the Tindaya goat statue and have a great view across to the mountain. Take a look at the walls inside which are covered with old pictures and articles about the mountain.



If you fancy a spot of lunch you can head further into the centre of the village and visit Bar Gonzalez - great food after 2pm when the cook starts work. Before then the bar staff will do you a great bocadillo or a few simple dishes. The bar is open every day from 7am until midnight except Mondays when it opens at 2pm and only has the limited menu all day.