Volcanoes of La Palma
- Trekking & Hiking
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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.
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.
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.
After two days of strenuous walking, today we will take it easy. Our hike starts from Puntagorda on the western side of the island. We follow the ravine known as barranco de Izcagua to the village of Tricias, passing between dragon trees and almond trees. In the afternoon we descend to Buracas, where we can view ancient troglodyte caves and the beautiful dragon tree gardens. There is time for a swim in the sea at Poris de Puntagorda before we reach our hotel.
Today we will be exploring the Caldera del Agua, home to the most beautiful laurel forests on the island. We start from the cultural centre of Zarza, passing through an incredibly diverse range of vegetation typical of the north of the island. At Don Pedro we meet the GR130, the old Camino Real (Royal Road) which goes around the entire island. Here on the northern side of La Palma we will see the most isolated villages, pristine forest and deepest gorges the island has to offer.
We set off to explore the National Park of Caldera de Taburiente. From los Brecitos, the path leads us through the Canarian pine forest, at the foot of the vertiginous cliffs of the caldera, a volcanic basin 8km in diameter. We follow the trail to the famous barranco de las Angustias, where we will make a detour through waterfalls with incredible colours thanks to the presence of iron and sulfur in the rock. We continue along the river bed and discover the cushion lavas, similar to giant turtle shells! In the afternoon we return to our hotel in Tazacorte.
An early start (6.30am) is required today as we have a long distance to cover. After a short transfer to El Pilar, we begin climbing the volcanic ridge of Cumbre Vieja on the magnificent Volcano Trail. We will be walking over the last craters to have erupted on the island many years ago. We reach the first crater of Hoyo Negro (last eruption 1949) and enter a volcanic desert of craters and cones. This crossing of more than 20km offers remarkable views of the entire island of La Palma. We climb Teneguia, the location of the last eruption on the Canary Islands in 1971. Finally we reach the southern tip of the island with its salt marshes an iconic lighthouse (the last in use on the island). A truly dramatic hike to mark the end of our adventure on La Palma.
Depending on your flight time there may be an opportunity to wonder the streets of Sant Cruz and pick up some souvenirs before transferring to the airport for your flight home.
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.
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.
On La Palma, we use
only 3 star hotels and select properties carefully to ensure you are staying in
the best locations.
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.
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.
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.
From | To | Price | Availability | Book | Enquire |
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22/04/2021 | 29/04/2021 | $1,205 £929 |
Available
|
Book now | Enquire now |
13/05/2021 | 20/05/2021 | $1,205 £929 |
Available
|
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07/10/2021 | 14/10/2021 | $1,205 £929 |
Available
|
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28/10/2021 | 04/11/2021 | $1,205 £929 |
Available
|
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18/11/2021 | 25/11/2021 | $1,205 £929 |
Available
|
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14/04/2022 | 21/04/2022 | $1,205 £929 |
Available
|
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28/04/2022 | 05/05/2022 | $1,205 £929 |
Available
|
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05/05/2022 | 12/05/2022 | $1,205 £929 |
Available
|
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29/09/2022 | 06/10/2022 | $1,205 £929 |
Available
|
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27/10/2022 | 03/11/2022 | $1,205 £929 |
Available
|
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10/11/2022 | 17/11/2022 | $1,205 £929 |
Available
|
Book now | Enquire now |
Want to add flights or create a private trip? Don't hesitate to contact us!
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