Roque de los muchachos in La Palma
8-day adventure

Volcanoes of La Palma

Spain
  • Trekking & Hiking
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Code: CYLP

8 days
4/5
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Volcanoes of La Palma route map

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Our local team

Our Canary Islands office is based in El Médano on the island of Tenerife. Our local team provide group adventures and create tailor made private trips. Whether you want to scale the 3715m peak of Mt Teide (Spain's highest mountain) or discover the laurisilver forests of La Palma, our experienced team of guides have all the skills and local knowledge to ensure you have an exceptional experience. The team have a contagious passion for the Canary...
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Kandoo's view

On this superb route you will hike your way through all the most stunning natural wonders of La Palma. From the misty and humid forests of Los Tilos and Caldera del Agua to the dizzying heights of the Roque de los Muchachos and Cumbre Vieja. Parts of our trail will follow the famous Transvulcania, the route of a long distance race rated as the hardest mountain ultra-marathon in the world. We will discover deep gorges, troglodyte caves and bizarre lava rocks. Swim in the Atlantic Ocean and peer into volcanoes. The landscapes and vegetation are incredibly diverse and each day yields its own remarkable discoveries. This is without doubt one of the finest hiking routes in the Atlantic. 

Trip highlights

  • Reach the summit of Roque de los Muchachos
  • Explore the forest of Los Tilos
  • Enjoy the superb local cuisine

Experiences

  • Trekking & Hiking
    Hikers in Thorong, during the Annapurnas Tour
    Our core collection of treks and hikes, through some of the world's most outstanding landscapes

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Itinerary

  • Day 1

    Welcome to La Palma

    Arrival at La Palma Airport (SPC). A member of the Kandoo Adventures team will be at the airport to meet you and we transfer to our hotel in Santa Cruz where we will be staying for 3 nights. We meet our guide and the rest of the group at the hotel. Depending on your arrival time there may be a chance to get out and explore the area. Our pre-trek briefing will be held this evening.

    • Accomodation: Hotel
  • Day 2

    The Forest of los Tilos

    We start our exploration of La Palma with a circular hike through the primary forest of Los Tilos, a UNESCO biosphere reserve. The forest is an explosion of biodiversity and one of the last remaining strong holds of Laurisilver, a broadleaved tree which dominated the planet millions of years ago. Our trail climbs steeply up through the greenery to the springs of Marcos and Cordero. We discover tunnels carved out of rock walls and deep gorges, a remarkable introduction to the island.

    • Hiking time: 7 - 8 hours
    • Ascent: 1485 m
    • Descent: 1485 m
    • Accomodation: Hotel
    • Meals included: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
  • Day 3

    Roque de los Muchachos

    This morning we leave our accommodation early, around 5.30am. Our hike begins in Canarian pine forest but we quickly rise above the tree line as we head for the summit of the island, the Roque de los Muchachos. Home to the most important astronomical observatory in the northern hemisphere, the Rock of the Children stands at 2426m above sea level. We walk along volcanic ridge lines, following the famous GR131 trail along the northern border of the Caldera de Taburiente National Park. High on the ridges we are treated to incredible 360 degree views of the cloud sea to the east and the vast Atlantic to the west. After taking some time at the summit to relax and take photos we descend back into the forest and return to our hotel.

    • Hiking time: 7 - 8 hours
    • Ascent: 800 m
    • Descent: 530 m
    • Accomodation: Hotel
    • Meals included: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
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Volcanoes of La Palma route map See the map

Details

Trip information

Difficulty

This adventure is rated as difficult. The walking is continuous for 6 days with up to 1500m of ascent and descent and 20km to cover in a single day. The terrain can be very steep, rocky and difficult to walk on so care should be taken to avoid slips and trips. The weather on the Canary Islands can be hot and humid which makes the walking more demanding. You should be in good physical condition with recent experience of hiking for several days in row with 1500m of ascent and descent in a day. To ask about your suitability for this trip and what you can do to prepare please feel free to give us a call.

Food & drink

Breakfasts are taken either at our hotel or in small adjoining restaurants. The breakfasts will be continental in style with a selection of bread, jam, pastries, cold meats, cheese, yoghurts and fruit.  Please note that a hot breakfast may not be available. 

Lunches are picnic style, the Canarian cuisine lending itself perfectly to fresh fruits and vegetables (banana, mango, avocado and tomatoes), cold meats and local cheeses etc. In the evening, meals are taken in small local restaurants. We attach great importance to gastronomy and all the places we eat have been chosen with care. You will have the opportunity to sample all the local specialties such as papas arrugadas, ropa vieja or miel de palma.

 

Please note that the water on La Palma is not drinkable everywhere. During the trip, drinks including water, are your own responsibility. Although drinkable water is widely available, it is a good idea to bring a water filter along for peace of mind and flexibility.

 

If you have special dietary requirements please call and let us know as soon as possible before departure. We will do everything possible to accommodate your needs.

Accommodation

On La Palma, we use only 3 star hotels and select properties carefully to ensure you are staying in the best locations.

Rooms will be double or twin with en-suite facilities.  Triple rooms and single supplements are available subject to availability.

Transport

All transportation including airport transfers is included.
To travel around the island we will use comfortable minibus style vehicles. 

Luggage

During your trip your luggage will be transported by vehicle.  Your main bag must be flexible (a duffle bag and not a rigid suitcase) and weigh a maximum of 15kg.  Your luggage will be transported to your accommodation each afternoon and you will not be able to access it during the day.  You should also bring a small day pack to carry water, snacks and anything else you may need whilst walking.

How do I get there?

La Palma Airport (SPC) is located 8km south of the city of Santa Cruz, on the eastern coast of La Palma.

From the UK there are direct flights with TUI from London Gatwick and Manchester airports. British Airways also offer flights from Heathrow with a short stop in Madrid.

For those traveling from the states, Iberia offer flights to La Palma via Madrid from New York, Boston, Chicago and Philadelphia. British Airways and American Airlines also have flights via Madrid from Dallas.
Those traveling from the west coast will need to make an additional connection at one of the airports mentioned above or may prefer to fly direct to London and continue to La Palma from there.

Once you have arrived in La Palma, cleared immigration and collected your luggage, please look out for a member of our team in the arrivals area. They will be holding a large “KANDOO” sign.

Budget & change

The currency on the Canary Islands is the Euro (EUR). For the latest exchange rates please see www.xe.com


It is possible to withdraw cash from ATMs on the island but please be mindful of any charges from your bank. Credit cards are widely accepted in the towns but not in remote areas. Please budget for drinks, souvenirs and any meals not included in your tour. 

Tips

Although the custom is practiced here, it is not expected. If you are satisfied with the services of your guide and local team, tipping is always appreciated.  It is not obligatory and should be left to the discretion of each individual.

Formalities & health

Passport

Most travellers will require a passport valid for at least 6 months after your return date. It is your responsibility to confirm your specific requirements and please be aware that proof of onward travel may be required.

Visa

Travelling to the Canary Islands is visa free for up to 90 days, for UK and US citizens

Vaccinations

No vaccinations are required.

Insurance

It is your responsibility to ensure that you are fully and adequately insured for the duration of your trip. Please ensure that all activities, excursions and destinations in your itinerary are included in your travel insurance policy, in addition to your regular cover for cancellation and medical expenses. We ask that you keep a copy of your policy summary (containing policy number and the emergency contact number for your insurer) in your day sack at all times, so that we can access this information should we need to contact the insurer on your behalf.

Medication

Your guide carries a first aid kit at all times but we recommend you carry the following items:
- Painkillers
- Sunscreen for lips and skin
- Moisturising cream (for sunburn)
- Elastic bandage, regular bandages and Blister bandages
- Sanitary products

Equipment & clothing

Clothing to bring

  • Warm hat (beanie)
  • Sun hat with wide brim for protection
  • Sunglasses
  • Neck gaiter or scarf
  • Suitable quick drying underwear
  • Light gloves
  • Walking boots (with ankle support and sturdy soles)
  • Socks (quick drying and not too warm)
  • T-shirts and warm jumper
  • Fleece or soft shell jacket
  • Waterproof and windproof hard shell jacket
  • Walking trousers and/or shorts
  • Pajamas, travel towel and toiletries
  • Comfortable shoes for the evenings
  • Waterproof trousers


Equipment to bring

  • Head torch and spare batteries
  • Walking poles
  • Wet wipes and hand sanitiser
  • Plastic bags for wet/dirty clothing
  • Eating utensils
  • 30-40 litre day pack
  • 80 – 100 litre duffel bag, max weight 15kg
  • Camera
  • Water filter
  • Water bottles or hydration pack
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Dates & prices

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22/04/2021 29/04/2021 $1,205 £929
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13/05/2021 20/05/2021 $1,205 £929
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07/10/2021 14/10/2021 $1,205 £929
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28/10/2021 04/11/2021 $1,205 £929
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18/11/2021 25/11/2021 $1,205 £929
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14/04/2022 21/04/2022 $1,205 £929
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28/04/2022 05/05/2022 $1,205 £929
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05/05/2022 12/05/2022 $1,205 £929
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Want to add flights or create a private trip? Don't hesitate to contact us!

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Price includes

  • Airport transfers
  • An expert Kandoo Adventures guide
  • 7 nights hotel accommodation
  • 6 breakfasts, 6 lunches, 5 dinners
  • All transportation

Price does not include

  • Flights and visas
  • Travel insurance
  • Drinks, tips and personal expenses
  • Dinner on day 1 and 7, breakfast on day 8

Options

  • Additional hotel nights before or after your tour

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