Day 1. ARRIVAL IN SANTA CRUZ DE LA PALMA
Arrive in Santa Cruz de la Palma, with a transfer to the hotel. Check in at Parador de La Palma, followed by a briefing. Enjoy dinner and overnight accommodation.
Day 2. LEVEL A. ROUTE OF THE VOLCANOES TO DESEADA – 14 km +770m / -770m - LEVEL B. EL CUBO DE LA GALGA – 9 km +400 m / -400 m
LEVEL A. ROUTE OF THE VOLCANOES TO DESEADA – 14 km +770m / -770m. Starting from the El Pilar refuge, we will access the most iconic craters of the Cumbre Vieja Natural Park all the way to Pico de la Deseada. In the 17th century, this trail was known as the “path of the planted sticks,” because it was marked by a succession of stakes driven into the ground. The park was created to preserve the volcanic cones and lava flows from the various eruptions that have occurred in the area. Although each cone is called a volcano, they are in fact part of the same volcanic system. This hike offers us the opportunity to get up close to the impressive geological activity that has shaped the island.
LEVEL B. EL CUBO DE LA GALGA – 9 km +400 m / -400 m. El Cubo de la Galga is an ancient forest that stretches from the slopes of the Caldera de Taburiente down to the sea. Springs and streams bring life to one of La Palma’s finest laurel forests, where silence surrounds you as you walk among magnificent ferns and lime trees. We will climb to the Somada Alta viewpoint to enjoy the stunning landscape of this corner of the island.
Transfer back to the hotel for dinner and accommodation.
Day 3. LEVEL A. MARCOS AND CORDERO SPRINGS & DESCENT TO LAS LOMADAS. 20 km +900m /-1,100m - LEVEL B. CALDERA DEL AGUA. 7km +240m/-240m.
LEVEL A. MARCOS AND CORDERO SPRINGS & DESCENT TO LAS LOMADAS. 20 km +900m /-1,100m
This spectacular hike takes us to the source of the Marcos and Cordero rivers, in the lush northeast of La Palma, through the ravine of Los Tilos—one of the rainiest and greenest areas of the Canary Islands. Dense laurel forests and dramatic landscapes earned this area its designation as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. The trail includes thirteen narrow tunnels carved through volcanic rock, adding an adventurous touch to the route—some require ducking and a flashlight. We will ascend along the Barranco del Agua through stunning fern-covered forests until we reach the springs. From there, we pass through the tunnels and descend to the village of Las Lomadas, enjoying panoramic views along the way.
LEVEL B. CALDERA DEL AGUA. 7km +240m/-240m. Today, we will explore the magical world of the laurel forest. Starting at the Cultural Park of La Zarza, we enter the Barranco de la Magdalena to admire the unique "cabocos"—large basins formed by ancient waterfalls, with vertical walls covered in ferns and vines. The highlight is the Caldera del Agua, one of the island’s most enchanting spots. We will return to La Zarza via a different path through traditional agricultural landscapes.
Transfer back to the hotel for dinner and accommodation.
Day 4. LEVEL A & B. HIKE TO CUMBRE VIEJA NEW VOLCANO TAJOGAITE. 6,5 KM +200m/-200m
LEVEL A & B. HIKE TO CUMBRE VIEJA NEW VOLCANO TAJOGAITE. 6,5 KM +200m/-200m. In the wake of tragedy on the fateful day of September 19th, 2021, the earth roared with fury, birthing a new volcano in the form of the Cumbre Vieja, now known as Tajogaite, or the “cracked mountain.”
Our expedition invites you on a captivating 6,5-kilometer hike towards the heart of the newly born volcano, Cumbre Vieja, Tajogaite. The trail winds its way, revealing awe-inspiring vistas of this formidable force of nature. Behold the mesmerising spectacle of Tajogaite, its ominous silhouette against the sky, a testament to the raw power that shaped the land in La Palma. Along the way, marvel at the vast flows of lava cascading down into the Aridane Valley, El Paso, Los Llanos and Tazacorte, a reminder of the volcano’s fierce embrace.
After exploring the dramatic landscapes shaped by the Cumbre Vieja eruption, we will head down to the colourful coastal town of Tazacorte. Known for having the best climate in Europe, Tazacorte offers a striking contrast to the volcanic scenery, with its black-sand beach, charming colonial houses, and lush banana plantations. It is the perfect place to unwind by the sea, enjoy fresh local fish, or simply take a stroll along the promenade while soaking up the Atlantic views.
Transfer back to the hotel for dinner and accommodation.
Day 5. DAY OFF OR EXCURSION TO SANTA CRUZ DE LA PALMA & STARGAZING EXPERIENCE.
OPTIONAL ACTIVITY. In the morning, we will visit Santa Cruz de La Palma, the island’s charming capital. With its cobbled streets, colorful balconies, and rich colonial architecture, this coastal town is perfect for a relaxed cultural stroll and a taste of local life. In the late afternoon, we will head towards the highlands for a unique stargazing experience. Thanks to its clear skies and low light pollution, La Palma is one of the world’s top destinations for astronomy. Guided by local experts, we will observe constellations, planets, and deep sky objects under one of the clearest skies in Europe.
Day 6. LEVEL A. THE CALDERA DE TABURIENTE NATIONAL PARK– 16 km +160 m / -1,100 m. - LEVEL B. SHORTER TABURIENTE CALDERA ROUTE – BRECITOS TO CAMPSITE AREA – 11 km +450m / -450m.
LEVEL A. THE CALDERA DE TABURIENTE NATIONAL PARK– 16 km +160 m / -1,100 m. Today we will venture into the heart of the Taburiente Caldera. We will take taxis up to the viewpoint of Los Brecitos, from where we will begin our hike through part of the Caldera, surrounded by breathtaking scenery, with deep ravines and the backdrop of the Canary pine forest. The route exits the Caldera via the natural drainage formed by successive lava flows—now the Barranco de las Angustias—which features stunning waterfalls, including the famous Cascada de Colores.
LEVEL B. SHORTER TABURIENTE CALDERA ROUTE – BRECITOS TO CAMPSITE AREA – 11 km +450m / -450m. This is the same route as Level A, but we will turn around and return from the campsite area via the same trail.
Transfer back to the hotel for dinner and accommodation.
Day 7. LEVEL A: FROM PICO DE LAS NIEVES TO ROQUE DE LOS MUCHACHOS – 13 km +920 m / -400 m - LEVEL B: ROQUE DE LOS MUCHACHOS TO PICO DE LA CRUZ – 10 km +100 m / -100 m
LEVEL A: FROM PICO DE LAS NIEVES TO ROQUE DE LOS MUCHACHOS – 13 km +920 m / -400 m
Today we will hike one of the island’s most iconic routes: the ridge of the Taburiente Caldera. We will start on the slopes of Pico de las Nieves (2,234 m), which we will reach via an easy trail. From there, we will follow the eastern ridge of the Caldera, always above 2,000 metres in altitude, enjoying spectacular views over the national park. The route ends at the legendary Roque de los Muchachos (2,421 m), the highest point on La Palma and home to one of the world’s most important astronomical observatories.
LEVEL B: ROQUE DE LOS MUCHACHOS TO PICO DE LA CRUZ – 10 km +100 m / -100 m
This route starts at the iconic Roque de los Muchachos (2,421 m), the highest point on La Palma and location of one of the most important astronomical observatories in the world. We will walk along the eastern ridge of the Taburiente Caldera, always above 2,000 metres, with breathtaking views over the national park. We return via the same trail.
Transfer back to the hotel for dinner and accommodation.
Day 8. DEPARTURE
Enjoy breakfast before transferring back to Santa Cruz de la Palma airport for your departure.
