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La Alcazaba, Punta de la Cornisa and MulhacénJuanjosepascua · CC BY-SA 3.0 es

What to do · La Alpujarra

High Peaks Minibus, from Capileira to the Trevélez Viewpoint

Guided minibus excursion · from the village to the Alto del Chorrillo with a stop at Puerto Molina · summer and autumn

Information
Duration
3 h
Season
From Easter to early December, weather permitting
Who it's for
Families

The High Peaks Interpretation Service is the guided minibus that the Sierra Nevada National Park runs in summer and autumn to reach the high mountains without a private car. On the south side it leaves from Capileira, the highest village in the Poqueira gorge, and reaches the Alto del Chorrillo, also called the Trevélez Viewpoint, at about 2,700 metres, according to the town council.

From Capileira to the Alto del Chorrillo

The departure is next to the park information point in Capileira. The minibus climbs the mountain track with a stop at Puerto Molina, a viewpoint over the Poqueira gorge and the Río Chico de Trevélez, and continues to the Alto del Chorrillo. During the journey the guide explains the history, landscape, geology and life of the high mountains. On clear days you can see the peaks of the south side and, in the distance, the Mediterranean.

From the stops several routes on foot set out: the most sought-after is the climb up Mulhacén. You can go up in one minibus and come down in another, or walk part of the way down if your legs are up to it.

Hours and season

The park gives hours of 10:00 to 14:00 and 17:00 to 20:00, and a season from Easter to early December, always subject to the weather. The service may be suspended or changed without notice if the weather or safety advise it. Outside those dates it does not run.

The price is not published on the park's sheet: it is given when you book. To book, Capileira town council gives the phone number 671 56 44 06 and the email [email protected]; the park, the email [email protected]. They also inform at the Capileira information point and on the minibus itself. In summer, book in advance.

What to bring

Up there it is much colder and windier than in the village, even in August: bring a coat, hat, sun protection and water. If you are going to continue on foot, mountain footwear and food.

Sleeping near the stop

Before going up, explore Capileira and its museum. To sleep next to the departure point, the Hotel Finca Los Llanos is at the entrance to Capileira. The minibus fits in the Sunday in Capileira and Trevélez.

Tips

  • Bring a coat At 2,700 metres it is much colder and windier than in the village.
  • Call before you go The service is suspended if the weather does not cooperate.
  • Combine it with a walk Go up by minibus and walk down a stretch if the children can manage.

Frequently asked questions

Where does it leave from?

From Capileira, next to the National Park information point.

How high does it go?

To the Alto del Chorrillo, the Trevélez Viewpoint, at about 2,700 metres.

Does it run in winter?

No: from Easter to early December, depending on the weather.

How do you book?

By phone or email; the town council gives 671 56 44 06.

As a family

Opening hours and prices can change: check them before you go.

Round off the plan

Where to eat, where to stay and what else to do

To eat nearby

The dining room of the Gloria restaurant© Hotel Finca Los Llanos

Gloria Restaurant

Restaurant · Capileira · €€€€

What to order: seasonal dishes with produce from the hotel's garden

The Teide restaurant in Bubión© Restaurante Teide

Teide Restaurant

Restaurant · Bubión · €€€€

What to order: the home-style dish of the day, from the set menu or the à la carte

The dining room of Casa Alfonso© Hostal Pampaneira

Casa Alfonso

Restaurant · Pampaneira · €€€€

What to order: the Alpujarran platter with potatoes from its garden, the cured meat board to share or the grilled ox loin

To stay nearby

The hotel pool above the Poqueira gorge© Hotel Finca Los LlanosHotel

Hotel Rural Finca Los Llanos

44 rooms · Seasonal pool with views of the Poqueira · Lounge with fireplace · Family rooms

Why we like it: A 44-room rural hotel at the entrance to Capileira, at 1,436 metres, with a seasonal pool over the gorge, a vegetable garden and a restaurant.

The hostal on Pampaneira's main avenue© Hostal PampaneiraSmall hotel

Hostal Pampaneira

15 outward-facing rooms · Casa Alfonso restaurant · Bike storage

Why we like it: A family guesthouse at the entrance to Pampaneira, with outward-facing double and triple rooms, a terrace over the gorge, the Casa Alfonso restaurant and bike storage.

The Hotel La Fragua I building in Trevélez© Hotel La FraguaHotel

Hotel La Fragua

Two buildings a minute apart · Pool with views · Private parking at La Fragua II · Own restaurant

Why we like it: Two hotels and a restaurant in the middle district of Trevélez, inside the Sierra Nevada National Park, with a pool with valley views and private parking.

Itineraries

Features in these plans