Self Guided

La Palma HIGHLIGHTS

Walking Holidays

La Palma HIGHLIGHTS

775 € per person

Self-guided hiking week, ideal for discovering the diverse landscape of La Palma. You will discover the essence of the island through spectacular walking routes, such as the Caldera de Taburiente, the Bosque de Laureles and the Cumbre Vieja Volcanoes.

6 essential walks in 1 Week:

La Palma Highlights includes 7 nights in small charming accommodations, breakfast included + 6 self-guided breathtaking walks on each area of the island.  All necessary transfers included to enjoy and discover the best of La Palma.

 

1.- Enchanted Forest

2.- The northern ravines

3.- Poris de Candelaria: the Pirates Cave

4.- The Caldera de Taburiente

5.- The Volcanoes Route

6.- Pico de La Cruz – El Paso

Mapa La Palma - Rutas programa Highlight

SELF-GUIDED walking tours

more about difficulty...
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. 
See more details in:
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
traslados en bus y taxi

taxi or bus transfers

transfers to each tour, by taxi or public bus

Holiday Time Santa Cruz de La Palma

accommodations

for your stay on La Palma, we have 3 little charming accommodations

What does this programme include?       

  • Accommodations – 3 different little accommodations through out your saty on La Palma, B&B
  • Information – face-to-face and personalised information, on your arrival day
  • Information material – maps to be picked up at the hotel reception, upon arrival
  • GPX Tracs – to follow your tourss with your mobile device
  • Taxi transfers – all necessary transfers for each route
  • Support 24h – we keep permanently in touch with you throughout your stay to solve any problem or doubt you may have

 

Any arrival date is possible 

You decide your travel dates and programme starting on La Palma Highlights.

 

Choose your dates and book now !!

REQUEST MORE INFORMATION



    By submitting this form, you confirm that you have read and understood ourPrivacy Policy - Terms & Conditions, accepting the use we make of your information.


    What does this trip include?
    • Accommodation with breakfast
    • Taxi transfers & public bus transfers
    • GPX Tracs
    • Support 24h
    SEE HOTEL
    What is NOT included?

    Flights to and from your home city to La Palma are not included.

    SEE FLIGHTS TO LA PALMA
    Cancellation Policy
    – Up to 14 days before the date of arrival, 100% refund without justifying reasons.
    – Between 13 and 7 days before the arrival date, 75% refund or free of charge dates change.
    – Between 6 and 3 days before the arrival date, 50% refund or free of charge dates change.
    48 hours before the arrival date, 0% refund or date change with 20% penalty of total amount.
    See more details in:
    FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
    TRAVEL INSURANCE

    Take out a Cancellation Insurance for your trip just for a few pounds and get a full refund of everything you would have paid, including your flights.

    Any arrival date is suitable to walk La Palma HIGHLIGHTS program.

    About La Palma

    It is one of the most rugged in the world. With barely 724 square kilometres, it rises majestically to 2426 metres above the sea. Its central mountain range divides the island into two distinct parts. In the east, Monteverde abounds, and in the west, Mediterranean forests. La Palma has just suffered one of the most destructive eruptions in its history. The Cumbre Vieja is a mountain range with recent volcanism that divides the southern part of the island. It is here that some of the best routes on La Palma take place: the Ruta de Los Volcanes. But the new volcano arose at a lower elevation and devastated a wide swathe of extensively populated areas. The programme we propose here includes the 6 key routes, which take place in natural spaces and protected areas, unaffected by this eruption:


    The best tours of La Palma

    Laurel forest

    Trail through the north-eastern ravines in Los Tilos. 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 northern ravines

    Over hundreds of thousands of years, erosion has carved deep 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.

    Poris de Candelaria

    Also known as Cueva de Los Piratas, although it was never visited by pirates. El Porís de La Candelaria is located on the cliffs in the northwest. From the northern village of Tijarafe, an old royal road leads down to the sea. El Porís was a fishing enclave in ancient times. The cave houses contained inside the huge grotto give a picturesque view of this place. Swimming in the sea is only possible when the sea is calm. The path runs along the next ravine and ascends to El Jesús, on the opposite side.

    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.

    Great tour of the volcanoes in the south

    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.

    Roque de los Muchachos

    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.

    Your accommodation is already booked?
    then have a look to our transfers for self-guided WALKING TOURS
    …or our guided WALKING TOURS, with daily departures from all hotel and well organised transfers
    • Destination
    • Included
      Bed & Breakfast accommodation
      in/out Airport transfer
      Liability and accidents insurance
      Luggage transfer
      Maps and printed descriptions
      Transfers by taxi and regular bus
    • Not Included
      4WD transfer
      access permissions
      Aperitivo
      Arrival transfer
      Bebidas
      beverages
      Bicycle rental
      Bus transfers
      Cable-car
      Car Rental
      Courtesy lunch
      field telescope
      Guide
      Half board accommodation
      HAVEN hanging tent
      Local flights + Ferry
      Lunch
      snack
      Tasting
      Transfer by ship
      Traslado en 4x4
      Two nights in a hotel
    1
    Day 1

    Mapa La Palma - Rutas programa HighlightArrival to La Palma

    Transfer to the hotel in Santa Cruz de La Palma and info meeting.
    Accommodation + breakfast:  Holiday Time
    2
    Day 2

    Los Tilos Barranco La Palma

    The Laurel Forest

    Taxi transfer to the begin of the walk The Laurel Forest  in Los Tilos.
    ] In this first route the vegetation is of a lush and exuberant green, with huge laurels, heathers and giant ferns. It is a primitive forest of prehistoric origin. At the beginning of the route we find a spectacular waterfall that takes us back to a magical world between the splashing of the water and the cooing of the wild pigeons.
    ] The path starts with a demanding ascent to the Mirador de Las Barandas viewpoint. From there there is a spectacular view of the sea with the nucleus of Los Sauces and San Andrés in the distance. The route continues along the bed of the Barranco de la Herradura ravine until it reaches La Laguna de Barlovento, where the next accommodation is located.

    Niveau 2      9 km | +620 m/-522 m


    Accommodation + breakfast: La Palma Romantica
    3
    Day 3

    Vista desde El Tablado en el camino real GR130

    The Northern Coast

    Following the old Camino Real, nowadays signposted as GR 130, today's walk takes you from the same accommodation to the remote village of Franceses through spectacular ravines.
    After leaving behind the tiny neighbourhood of La Tosca, populated by a centenary Dragos Forest, the route continues along the edge of the cliffs that border the coast, in a grandiose scenery. The route goes past small villages like La Palmita or Topaciegas until it reaches the neighbourhood of Gallegos, where there is the possibility to enjoy a well-deserved refreshment or eat a tapa in Marleny's bar.
    ...And now it will be time to cross the last and most spectacular of the ravines until arriving to Franceses. This is the last stage of an impressive route. From Franceses, the return to Barlovento is done by regular bus, with a frequency of two in two hours.

    Niveau 3     10 km | +643 m / -871 m


    Accommodation + breakfast: La Palma Romantica
    4
    Day 4

    bajada a la costa del noroeste de Tijarafe

    The Pirate's Cave

    The northwest is known for its dry climate and fabulous sunsets. Its vegetation also differs greatly from that of the eastern side of La Palma. And it is in this sunny environment where the route to the Pirate's Cave takes place.
    The transfer takes you to Tijarafe, 640 m above sea level. The route starts directly in the village. The path descends zigzagging down to a deep blue sea until you reach the Porís de Candelaria. It is a huge grotto carved by the waves where the locals have built small caves and little houses used on weekends for fishing or to let the time pass by.
    After an appropriate rest next to the sea, now it is time to take the path again in an ascending direction. The path crosses the Barranco del Jurado ravine and starts a relentless ascent to the neighbourhood of El Jesús.  At the end of the climb, we discover the prize: a small craft brewery awaits us to refresh and recover our strength after the hike. Return to Los Llanos by regular bus, every hour.

    Niveau 4      12 km | +980 m / -940 m


    Accommodation + breakfast: Benahoare  
    5
    Day 5

    Caldera de Taburiente Parque nacional

    Caldera de Taburiente

    Today's walk takes you to the heart of the island. The Caldera de Taburiente National Park is a place steeped in history and geologically relevant. With a river that flows all year round, small waterfalls and cascades, pillow lavas that emerged from the deep sea and vertical walls with falls of up to 2000 metres.
    The transfer takes you to Los Brecitos, access gate to La Caldera located at 1050 m of altitude. From there the path descends through a fragrant pine forest towards the interior of La Caldera. After reaching the camping area, you will have to cross the stream for the first time, stone by stone.
    And after a break, the descent continues through El Reventón until reaching the Barranco de Las Angustias, where a short visit to the mythical Cascada de Los Colores (Colours Waterfall) is necessary. Now the path continues along the bed of the ravine, crossing the stream several times until you reach La Viña, where the driver will be waiting for you to return to the hotel.

     Niveau 3     16 km |+120 m / -720 m


    Accommodation + breakfast: Benahoare
    6
    Day 6

    Volcan San Antonio en Fuencaliente La Palma

     The Volcanoes Route

    From the Refugio del Pilar, at 1450 metres above sea level, the GR131 begins its ascent up the Cumbre Vieja.  The path goes through beautiful pine woods, leaving behind some spectacular viewpoints to La Caldera.
    Along this hike you will walk through an impressive volcanic landscape of recent formation. Las Deseadas, 1949 metres above the sea, are twin peaks that mark the end of the ascent.
    In the descent towards Fuencaliente there are still some very striking volcanoes, such as the Martín Volcano, with beautiful reddish tones.  The route ends in the southern village of Fuencaliente.

    Niveau 4      17 km | + 600 m | - 1200 m


    Accommodation + breakfast: Holiday Time
    7
    Day 7

    Vista desde el Roque de Los Mucahchos hacia la Caldera de Taburiente

    Above the clouds

    Today we climb to the top! Via a winding road, the driver will drop you off at Pico de la Cruz, 2,351 metres above the sea.  From there you will walk along the GR 131 along the edge of La Caldera to El Paso.
    A magnificent trail with spectacular views over the whole island and a breathtaking view of neighbouring islands of Tenerife, La Gomera and El Hierro. The GR131 borders all the enormous crater, passing by the Pico La Nieve, the Pico de la Sabina and La Erita, an enclave that was the meeting place for the aborigines of La Palma, with cave engravings.
    From the Punta de Los Roques a continuous descent starts until the central summit, wrongly called Cumbre Nueva. And a zigzagging Camino Real continues until the Ermita de La Virgen del Pino. But you still have to continue to the La Caldera Visitor Centre, where you return to the hotel by regular bus (every 1/2 hour).

    Niveau 4     19 km | +660 m / -1920 m


    Accommodation + breakfast: Holiday Time

    8
    Day 8

    Departure

    Transfer to the airport for departure.

    TOUR LOCATION

    Get to know the diverse landscape of La Palma over the course of a week. Discover the essence of the island with the La Palma Highlight programme through spectacular walking routes, such as the Caldera de Taburiente, the Bosque de Laureles and the Cumbre Vieja Volcanoes.

    PRICES / SERVICES

    • Price from: 775 € per person 
    • included:
      • 7 nights accommodation with breakfast
      • in/out Airport transfer
      • 6 Hiking tours
      • Taxi transfers and regular bus transfers
      • Luggage transfer, maps and printed descriptions
      • Meeting on arrival day
    Price per person: (double room): 775 € Single supplement: +315 €


    ACCOMMODATION

    according to availability:

    Santa Cruz:

    Holiday Time | El Galeon | Hotelito 27

    Barlovento:

    La Palma Romantica

    Los Llanos de Aridane:

    Benahoare


    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 week is not suitable for vertigo sufferers. Some walks can be considered as strenuous and parts of some trails has narrow passages. Some sections can be slippery due to loose stones and/or wet parts, especially in rainy days. To join the hiking week and enjoy the tours, it is essential to be healthy and to have good physical condition.

    Trails

    La Palma has a well signposted network of trails, over 1000 km long. All sections where from our tours are perfectly marked. In addition to the detailed map of La Palma, you will get from us precise indications of each route and assistance from the hotline on your walks.

    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. We do offer wooden walking sticks for free.

    Singles

    The program is suitable for single travelers, although it is subject to an additional charge.

    Luggage transfer

    We move your luggage from one accommodation to next, so on your hikes you should only carry a backpack with the essentials of the day. For the whole trip, it is recommendable to use a single suitcase, not bigger than 20 kg.

    You can book at any date!


    Price do not include flights, dinners, and picnics. You can book at any date!

    ¡Important!

    Before formalizing your booking accommodations availability must be requested

    FLIGHTS

    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:

    Binter Canarias     or     CanaryFly

    ... 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:

    Fred Olsen      or      Naviera Armas

    ERGO-Versicherung

    TRAVEL INSURANCE

    Take out Cancellation Insurance for your trip for few Pounds and ensure you get a full refund of everything you paid, including your flights.

    Valid in more than 35 different cases for health, legal, labour or extraordinary reasons.