Power Wheelchair User at Timanfaya National Park

Crazy DAVID

Hayley Became the First Power Wheelchair User to Experience the Luna Tour at Timanfaya National Park

Despite making multiple visits to Lanzarote, Hayley, aged 52 from the UK, had never managed to partake in the Luna Route tour, which winds through the stunning volcanic landscapes of Timanfaya National Park.


This renowned geological wonder attracts over a million visitors each year. The guided tour takes you through the park's heart, revealing breathtaking geological formations from volcanic eruptions in the 18th century. The terrain is so unique and otherworldly that it resembles the surface of the moon, hence the name "Luna Tour."

  • A car is driving down a dirt road in the desert with mountains in the background.

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  • A sign that says parque nacional de timanfaya on it

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  • A woman in a wheelchair is sitting in front of a stone wall

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Tour buses were not sufficiently accessible

The Luna Route tour requires an authorised tour bus with official guides, and until recently, these buses lacked adequate adaptations for wheelchair users. Hayley, with her power wheelchair, was unable to transfer to a regular seat or navigate the steps of the official tour buses, making the Luna Tour inaccessible for her.


However, this visit was different. On her second stay as a holiday guest of LanzAbility, Hayley told us she’d love to visit the public displays at Timanfaya, even though she couldn't partake in the Luna Tour.


Upon arriving at the park, David was informed that two newly acquired buses were equipped with electric wheelchair lifts. After explaining Hayley’s situation to the official guides, emphasising how important this trip was to her, they agreed to take her onboard.

Hayley makes history

Several photos captured the historic moment when the LanzAbility team, alongside three official guides, worked together to operate the lift for the first time. Hayley, the first-ever power wheelchair user, was successfully lifted onto the bus, making her dream a reality. “I can’t believe this is finally happening!” Hayley exclaimed, delighted, after being lifted onto the tour bus.

A small step for Hayley, a big step towards accessibility for all

This seemingly small accessibility win turned out to be the highlight of her stay, closely followed by the actual Luna Route. With Hayley’s permission, we decided to publish her story in the press to create awareness for this incredible news. It was printed in six local and national newspapers, which all agreed that this is a huge step towards a more accessible Lanzarote.

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  • A woman in a wheelchair is getting on a bus

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  • A man kneeling down next to a woman in a wheelchair helping to secure the seat

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  • Hayley on her wheelchair, sitting on a bus to travel to Timanfaya national park

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Conclusion

If you haven’t experienced the Luna Tour at Timanfaya National Park yourself, definitely put it on your bucket list for your next visit. You’ll be blown away!

 

👉🏼 Complete your enquiry form today, and let us take care of the rest! Book your adventure with Crazy DAVID now and make every moment on Lanzarote a masterpiece of delight! ⚓️✨

Click here to speak with one of our experienced LanzAbility 5 stars-rated disabled holidays experts.

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