The Volcanoes Route

One of the most popular routes of La Palma for its beauty and rich landscape is, without a doubt, the Route of the Volcanoes. A spectacular volcanic route of about 17 km where we can contemplate the recent geological history of the island. In its day it was an important means of communication between palm tree regions. The trail, conditioned and signposted, begins at the Refugio de El Pilar, located in the municipality of El Paso, in the center of the island, and winds through the Cumbre Vieja Natural Park until it reaches the municipality of Fuencaliente.

The Ruta de Los Volcanes is the best way to discover the most volcanic part of the island, enjoying landscapes that seem like science fiction, even evoking a virtual walk on the planet Mars. In addition, you can enjoy incredible panoramic views of both sides of La Palma and, depending on the day, you can even see some of the other three islands of the province: Tenerife, La Gomera and El Hierro. The combination of the green of the pine forest with the different shades of the volcanic terrain will not go unnoticed, it is worth it.

During the tour of the Route of the Volcanoes, our guide will tell you about the history of volcanism on the island through a landscape of lava, ashes, calderas and volcanic eruptions that intermingle with the characteristic green of the Canary pine while you cross the youngest area of the island, formed by several volcanoes, which is part of the Cumbre Vieja Natural Park.

This is a tough route, so you will need to be in good physical condition to finish its 17 kilometers from the Refugio de El Pilar to Los Canarios (Fuencaliente), the southernmost municipality of the island, in addition to wearing appropriate footwear, sun protection, water and food for the entire route.

After picking you up at your official stop, our transfer will go to Refugio El Pilar, the starting point of this route that enters the mythical GR-131 trail that goes uphill from the beginning to border the Birigoyo Peak. From this point you can see the Aridane Valley, the Caldera de Taburiente and in the background the Roque de Los Muchachos, the highest point of the island of La Palma.

As we continue up the trail, among Canary Island pines, we can also see the municipalities of El Paso, Los Llanos de Aridane and Tazacorte. We continue climbing to reach the crater of Hoyo Negro, from where we can also see, if the day is clear, the other neighboring islands, as well as other parts of the island as S / C de La Palma or Los Cancajos. In this area, depending on the day, we can enjoy a walk through the clouds, thanks to the mantle that is formed as if it were a white sea.

Hoyo Negro marks the beginning of the many craters that we will find along this magical Route of the Volcanoes on the island of La Palma. After reaching Las Deseadas, the highest point of the route, a descent begins that will not be easy. The black volcanic sand will surely end up in our boots on more than one occasion while we make the descent, but it will be enough to look up to realize that the beauty of its route deserves it.

Our guide will lead us through historic eruptions until we reach the picturesque Martin Volcano, one of the last craters we will see before reaching the final point of our guided tour. The Martin Volcano is characteristic for having an impressive reddish cone that, from afar, attracts a lot of attention.

Afterwards, we will descend to Los Canarios (Fuencaliente), where our transfer will be waiting for us back to our point of origin. Of course, in your memory and in your camera you will take with you some pictures that you will never forget.