Next group: 25 February to 3 March 2024 ⨳ Go hiking in a group and enjoy discovering the diverse landscapes of La Palma in one week.
Enjoy the 5 Best Hikes La Palma, in a small group with guide
Includes 7 nights in a small charming hotel in Santa Cruz de La Palma, with breakfast. 5 best hikes La Palma, walking in a small guided group. As well as the necessary transfers for each route.
Enchanted Forest at “Cubo de La Galga”
The Caldera crater rim
The Volcanoes Route
The Unspoiled North
Caldera de Taburiente
5 best hikes La Palma in 1 week, in a small group:
This programme is for you if you usually do sports and have a good physical background; if you can walk steep slopes up and down and don’t have health problems; if you love nature, are environmentally friendly and are a regular hiker.
Discover the diversity of La Palma’s landscape in one week and experience with us the unforgettable contrasts in vegetation, landscape, and panoramic views on specially selected hikes. Young volcanoes, jungle-like laurel forest, steep coasts, deep gorges and subalpine mountain landscape – all this is waiting for you. 5 impressive hikes with an English-speaking local guide
Choose your dates and book now !!
What does this trip include?
Half board accommodation (breakfast + dinner)
All transfers by air-conditioned minibus, with a guide
flights to and from your home city to La Palma are not included. However, if you prefer, we can take care of booking your domestic flight between the Canary Islands.
Secure your place with an initial payment of 100 € and pay the rest 20 days before your travel date (see cancellation policy).
Highlights of the trip:
Caldera de Taburiente National Park.
Jungle-like laurel forest, young volcanic landscapes and sub-alpine mountain scenery.
Culinary La Palma – Stop for refreshments on all hiking days.
What to see in La Palma
The Isla Bonita is one of the most rugged islands in the world. In an area of just 724 square kilometres, the highest peak rises imposingly at 2426 metres above the sea. What’s more, the island is split into two halves by the central mountain range that divides it. One half is the green island. The other half is sunnier, with vegetation reminiscent of Mediterranean areas. In the south, volcanoes of recent eruptions are the main protagonists. The Cumbre Vieja is the mountain range that divides the south of the island between east and west.
Participating in a hiking group we will walk through the most characteristic landscapes of La Palma. Here are the routes
This hiking package, joyning a guided closed group, allows you to know the island in depth, including a rest day in between.
Hiking in a group: the routes
Enchanted Forest at “Cubo de La Galga”
Trail through the north-eastern ravines, in the ravine known as Cubo de La Galga. Undoubtedly one of the best routes on La Palma. A protected natural area of enormous botanical interest. Endemic species live and develop in a very humid environment. The landscape takes us back to the lush forests of the tertiary era. But fortunately the dinosaurs are missing.
The Caldera crater rim
It is the highest point on La Palma. Several astronomical observatories have been set up around it. Along the ridges of the Roque we find the GR131, an extensive long-distance footpath of 84 km. And near the Roque de Los Muchachos we will find splendid viewpoints from where we can observe La Caldera and the whole island from a bird’s eye view, as well as La Gomera, El Teide and El Hierro. Without a doubt, walking parts of the GR131 is to walk along one of the best routes on La Palma.
Great Volcano Route
In the south of the island we find a splendid volcanic landscape. San Antonio and Teneguía are two recent craters that can be explored on one of the best routes on La Palma. The original Ruta de Los Volcanes starts at Refugio del Pilar and ends in Fuencaliente. The great circuit through the southern volcanoes is the continuation of this route, which descends to the sea and returns to Fuencaliente.
The unspoiled north
Over hundreds of thousands of years, erosion has carved deep ravines in the north of La Palma.
ravines in the north of La Palma. The arrival of man brought civilisation. Following the course of the animals, the best passages were defined to establish paths between the ravines. And it was on the backs of these ravines that the incipient population settled. Today, walking along these ancient paths is one of the best routes on La Palma.
The Caldera de Taburiente
It is the heart of the island, not only because of its shape. It is situated in the very centre and was declared a National Park in 1954. La Caldera is a huge erosion crater. Its volcanic activity dates back to a very remote past. The walk inside the crater is one of the best routes on La Palma. It starts at 1050 metres above sea level and descends steadily until it reaches the ravine. The old tobacco farms are still tended by hermit dwellers. The high cliffs of La Caldera favour a favourable climate with little rainfall. However, abundant springs provide enough water for the whole Aridane Valley.
Our guided hiking group is designed to get to know the island in depth and incorporates a rest day in the middle of the week.
Our first route starts at Cubo de La Galga. Through leafy paths formed by forests of laurel trees and giant ferns we ascend to the viewpoint of La Somada Alta, where we will be able to enjoy an extraordinary view over the entire eastern slope of the island.
We continue our route descending towards the picturesque enclave of San Bartolo where we will stop to taste the specialities of Mari Luz in her small restaurant with fantastic views of the ravine. After lunch, our route continues towards the coast, crossing the spectacular Barranco de Los Nogales ravine, passing some mango, avocado and banana plantations until we reach the cliff above Playa de Nogales.
Today we are going to the top! We cross up to 4 levels of vegetation on our way to the Roque de Los Muchachos. And from an altitude of 2,426 m above sea level, our trail takes us along the edge of La Caldera de Taburiente, one of the largest erosion craters in the world.
The route offers permanently spectacular views into the interior of La Caldera, with vertical drops of up to 2,000m. In addition, there is a constant view of the neighbouring islands of Tenerife, La Gomera and El Hierro. Thanks to the optimal conditions and purity of the air, several observatories belonging to the Astrofísico de Canarias are on our way.
We also cross some impressive basaltic formations such as the Pared de Roberto. After leaving the Picos de La Cruz and de La Nieve behind us, we descend to Santa Cruz, where a refreshing swim awaits us on the beach of the capital.
This impressive walk crosses the ridge of the entire Cumbre Vieja, now infamous due to the recent eruption on La Palma. The entire Cumbre Vieja is a huge volcano that has periodically erupted over the centuries.
The route starts at the Refugio del Pilar (at an altitude of 1440 metres), and from there it progresses in a continuous ascent until it reaches the twin peaks of Las Deseadas, almost 2000 metres above sea level. From this point, the descent to Fuencaliente begins, crossing a volcanic landscape of extraordinary beauty. The Martín Volcano, a beautiful crater whose eruption in 1646 was of similar magnitude to the one that occurred in September 2021, marks the end of the route.
But we still have to cross the pine forests to the south until we reach the village, where a good beer awaits us in one of the local bars.
The small capital of the island is a pearl of colonial architecture. Once the third most important port under the Spanish crown, Santa Cruz still bears witness to the wealth from trade with America in the form of stately houses, plazas, churches and monasteries . It is considered one of the three most beautiful cities in the Canary Archipelago. An interesting island museum and constantly changing art exhibitions near Plaza España are worth a visit.
TIP: On a short tour you can visit the Sanctuary of Las Nieves , which is located above Santa Cruz . Either via the Mill Route or the Processional you can reach the sanctuary after a good hour. Here, too, there is a place to stop for refreshments directly at the plaza of the church.
A trail that will take you through deep gorges and picturesque villages. It was the mighty force of erosion that has carved imposing gorges in the north of La Palma over millions of years. We discover this paradise on foot from La Zarza.
Our path descends towards the cliffs, crossing first through lush laurel forests. But the descent gradually transforms the vegetation as we descend until we reach the village of Don Pedro. Here we have a splendid view of the entire north coast, from the edge of the enormous cliffs. We cross the Barranco de Fagundo ravine, a veritable garden of endemic plants that grow spontaneously.
The climb is strenuous until we reach El Tablado, 300 metres above the sea. There Claire awaits us in her tiny shop to offer us a refreshing drink to quench our thirst, before returning to Santa Cruz.
Our last hike will be an adventure hike through the National Park ! Inside the approx. 8 km wide giant crater we hike from a height of 1,000 m through the pine forests and past endemic plants. We reach the only year-round flowing river in the Canaries, the Taburiente, which we will cross several times in the further course.
Through the land of Acero with the sacred Idafe monolith of the indigenous people, we reach the Gorge of Fear of Death , which brings us some geological rarities with its pillow lavas.
After the hike we will pamper ourselves in Tazacorte with a delicious final dinner.
Small emblematic hotel with 16 rooms. With an excellent location, in front of the extensive urban beach of Santa Cruz de La Palma. The hotel is close to pedestrian areas, with leisure and atmosphere, while maintaining the tranquillity that its guests demand.
The rooms on the north side offer a romantic view of the Plaza de Los Cantores, with large flamboyant trees with beautiful red flowers. The south side faces the sea, with spectacular views of the urban beach of Santa Cruz. Breakfast is buffet style with a full assortment of fruits and cold meats, as well as yoghurts, coffees and teas, to start the day with energy.
PRICES / SERVICES
7 | 8 days:
885 € per person - twin or double room - 2 persons
supplement for single occupancy room + 245 €
INCLUDED:
7 nights' accommodation with breakfast and dinner
arrival & departure transfers
5 guided hiking walks
Briefing with the local guide, on arrival
Exclusive minibus transfers
NOT included:
Flights/Ferry to/from La Palma from your country
Lunches
RESERVATIONS:
An initial payment of 100 € is required to guarantee your booking and pay the rest 20 days before the arrival date.
Dinners
Dinners are organised in different restaurants in the area, with a variety of menus and different options to choose from. All menus include vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free options, as well as special menus for people with specific allergies.
Groups
The group is guaranteed from 6 persons (and up to a maximum of 14 persons). If the minimum number of participants is not reached, NATOUR reserves the right to cancel the trip 21 days before the start date.
Additional overnights
It is also possible to book some additional days, before or after the hiking week, or an additional week to relax.
Difficulty
The hiking routes included in this programme are of a medium difficulty and require an adequate physical condition. In order to participate and enjoy the trails, it is essential to be in good health and to practice a sport on a regular basis.
We recommend
Appropriate hiking clothing and sturdy footwear. During the tours, it is necessary to have food and drink enough, as well as sun protection, a cap, wind jacket and, in the winter months, warm clothing.
Singles
The program is suitable for single travelers, although it is subject to an additional charge.
Luggage
For the whole trip, it is recommendable to use a single suitcase, not bigger than 20 kg.
Request more information
Miguel
Travel organisation
Do you have any questions? I am happy to help you. I will answer any questions you may have!
Because we know that flying to LA PALMA is not easy, we help you find the best options:
If you can't find a suitable direct flight, try flying to TENERIFE or to GRAN CANARIA. From there, you can easily reach LA PALMA by local flights or ferry.
Fly to LA PALMA (SPC) from Tenerife (TFN) or from Gran Canaria (LPA) with one of these local airlines:
... but if your flight lands at Tenerife South Airport (TFS), you may prefer to combine it with a nice fast-ferry sea crossing (3 hours) from Los Cristianos harbour with:
