NP Caldera de Taburiente

The Caldera de Taburiente

Who visit La Palma should not miss to see the Caldera de Taburiente. The National Park, situated in the center of the island, was created in 1954. And has an interesting indigenous and endemic wildlife and flora which make it an unique site. The beautiful landsapes of the La Caldera can be observed from different spots. One of these is the viewing point (mirador) “La Cumbrecita”. Here you can find a well kept circular route between two viewing points. But anoher option is to walk inside the crater. From Los Brecitos a descending path is going to the heart of the Caldera de Taburiente. And reveals us the most beautiful corners of the Caldera.

Hacienda del Cura

On our way to Los Brecitos, we cross a hamlet semi-abandoned: the “Hacienda del Cura”. This site was a habitual overnight place for the laborers who cultivated tabacco in the Caldera de Taburiente. It´s because in former times the whole crater was an enormous private plantation of tobacco. The spot offers an idyllic setting and spectacular views to the “Barranco de Las Angustias”. At the present time, some houses have been renovated and are dedicated to the rural tourism.

Casas de Tenerra

After reaching “Los Brecitos”, at an altitude of 1050 meters, the path is descending constantly. Soon after appears the first tabak farm: “las Casas de Tenerra”. Nowadays nobody is longer inhabiting this place. But from its abandoned terraces you have the most beautiful scene towards the whole summit cirque which forms the Caldera de Taburiente.

Viewing Point Lomo del Tagasaste

The path follows descending. And passes little ravines with little wooden bridges. After half an hour you will reach “Lomo del Tagasaste”. From here you have incredible views to the whole Caldera. From now on the National Park is completely in our perspective. Far away you can distinguish the viewing point of “La Cumbrecita”. And on the summit line you can identify the peaks “Pico de La Cruz”, “Pico de La Nieve” and “Punta de Los Roques”.

Nine big pine trees

A bit more down you will find the nine big pine tres. Some has a diameter of almost 3 meters. It´s about a group of old pine tres which have survived all forest fires. A good proof of the capacity for resitance and adaptation to the fire of this species.

The houses of the Caldera de Taburiente

Just before reaching the heart of the Caldera de Taburiente we will find the second tobacco farm. Also, nowadays, nobody is longer inhabiting this place. Neither tobacco is anymore cultivated. This place is a real haven of peace. An idyllic spot and refuge for hikers in case of emergency. The farm paradise sleeps a dream, hoping for better times.

Playa de Taburiente

In the summer “Playa de Taburiente” is a popular spot. The water of the stream flows cristal clear. And the natural ponds are a delight for the sweaty hikers who find here a perfect place to refresh. It is not unusual see bikinis and swim suits, just as it would be about a beach. Hence the name of the place: Playa de Taburiente.

Roque Idafe

Sacred monolith for the aboriginal people of La Palma. It rises up quite in the center of the crater. Its phallic shape represents the power of fertility. The benahoritas worshiped this rock (“Roque Idafe”) like nature good. We will find it at our left on the path descending towards the “Barranco de Las Angustias”. At its feet the stream (“Riachuelo del Almendro”) flows steadily.

Cascada de Colores – Colours waterfal

Without a doubt it´s about the most striking waterfall of La Palma. After reaching the Barranco de Las Angustias you will find a branch where two streams are flowing. Following up the riverbed of “Río Limonero” you will reach the cloured waterfall “Cascada de Los Colores”. With its steady flow the water has created iron-rich deposits which grant the reddish colour of the stones. And lichen are responsable for the green colour.
The exit of the National Park is by “Dos Aguas”. The name comes from the confluence of two streams/rivers. To cross this point is not very easy because of its rich riverbed. You have to look for stable stones to jump from one to another. Passing this spot you just follow descending the riverbed of the barranco.

The Angustias gorge

The natural exit of the Caldera de Taburiente is by the “Barranco de Las Angustias”. The riverbed is no more rich and easy to follow. The path is soflty descending. Just before the end of the tour you will find the pillow lava. It´s about enormous rocks with drawings resulting from the emission of submarine lavas.