the Cumbre Vieja volcano

Last September the earth opened its jaws and made its presence felt with a force rarely seen anywhere else in the world. The Cumbre Vieja volcano erupted and its rivers of lava have flowed all the way to the sea on La Palma.

Although the force of nature has buried thousands of houses and plantations, fortunately no lives have been lost in its path. Despite these terrible economic losses, the Cumbre Vieja volcano is one of the most impressive natural spectacles in the world.

As has been the case in the islands of the South Pacific or the North Atlantic, volcanoes attract thousands of travellers eager to witness their power. In Iceland or Hawaii, volcanoes have been a source of tourist attraction that has helped economic recovery.

Villages affected by volcanoes worldwide have been given a second chance to recover through tourism. Sightings of active volcanoes are one of the most important tourist attractions in the world.

According to the Spanish Minister of Tourism herself, the Cumbre Vieja volcano represents an excellent opportunity for La Palma to start its recovery. Although it has been criticised by some parties, there is one undeniable fact: the volcano is a hypnotic and unrepeatable spectacle.

Volcano enthusiasts, nature lovers and travellers eager to witness the eruption in person are increasingly eager to travel to La Palma.

Tourism is one of the most important economic and social engines in the world, an industry that generates thousands of jobs and indirect services. Sighting the volcano safely and in the company of specialised hikers is an unforgettable experience and contributes directly to the economic recovery of La Palma.

See Cumbre Vieja Volcano

A breathtaking spectacle. Every now and then the Earth awakens to remind us that it is alive and that it manifests itself without courtesy or mercy. Beneath our feet there is an activity that is far from being calm or inert and that, on the contrary, roars with force.

Volcanoes have been a source of admiration for human beings since the dawn of mankind. Vesuvius, Mount Fuji or Kilimanjaro have awakened human admiration for their strength and rawness.

In Spain, the breathtaking beauty of Mount Teide or Mount Teneguía have been the subject of expeditions and sightings for decades.

The passion for witnessing a volcanic eruption attracts thousands of visitors every year who feel the call of nature at its best. From volcano sightings in Iceland to geysers in the United States, volcano tourism is an exciting and popular activity.

Hawaii’s Mauna Loa volcano, the world’s largest active volcano, attracts hundreds of thousands of visitors every year. Iceland’s economy has developed thanks to the thousands of visitors to its active volcanoes each year.

Witnessing the eruption of a volcano first-hand is a memorable and breathtaking experience. Witnessing the raw power of nature is an experience that we may only have a single opportunity to witness.

A volcanic eruption can happen next week or 50 years from now; it can happen on a Pacific atoll or on a South American mountain.

The opportunity to see a volcano erupt with the force manifested at Cumbre Vieja could be once in a lifetime. Therefore, witnessing this spectacle in the front row is an experience that definitely leaves one speechless.

Visiting Cumbre Vieja safely

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Obviously, visiting a volcano such as Cumbre Vieja is an activity that may involve certain risks. As with any active volcano, it is necessary to make a sighting with safety in mind at all times.

There are organised night-time excursions from Tenerife, spending the night in the open air and thus being able to observe the incandescent red of the lava in its incessant flow towards the sea. Undoubtedly, an unrepeatable spectacle that is worth seeing at least once in your life.

Cumbre Vieja has developed as a volcano in two eruptive phases:

• A first phase of Strombolian eruption, with a slow eruption, crystallised, viscous and with eruptions every few minutes. This eruption created the first lava flows whose slow fluidity and high viscosity allowed the evacuation of populations.
• A second explosive phase with a greater propulsion of the lava that precipitates more fluid lava flows, with projectile expulsion and with greater spectacularity in its course. This phase has been the most risky because it has made the propulsion of lava and volcanic material more unpredictable.

The present and future of hiking in La Palma

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La Palma is one of the most attractive islands of the Canary Islands and has the best routes that attract hiking enthusiasts from all over the world.  Hikers from all corners of the globe long to walk its volcanoes, its paths and its water caves that create a dreamlike space.

The wooded passages of the Marcos and Cordero springs seem to take us to a portal to the prehistoric beginning of the earth. The Bosque de los Tilos will transport us to a magical world with enigmatic aromas.

Amazed, hikers are left breathless at the sight of the Roques de los Muchachos as stone guardians of the Caldera de Taburiente at their feet.

The volcanoes route takes us to volcanoes that are inactive today but still preserve a priceless spectacularity. Visiting the Teneguía, the Hoyo Negro Crater or the Martín Volcano are hiking routes that will leave an indelible mark on our memory.

Without a doubt, La Palma is a natural paradise for lovers of hiking, nature and its imposing strength. Today and always, the people of La Palma are waiting with open arms for those who want to walk along its breathtaking paths and routes.