Walk the Bonita Island of La Palma

Day 1: Arrive in La Palma

Arrive into La Palma and our included airport transfer will take you to your hotel either in nearby Brena Baja, or in the capital Santa de la Cruz. Have a wander around the pretty town, which is famous for its iconic balconies and its lively cafe and restaurant scene.

Day 2: Roque de Los Muchachos and Pico de la Nieve (11km/6.8mi)

Take a taxi or public bus (payable locally) to begin today's walk. The vast majority of the route is along a dramatic section of the GR131 red and white waymarked route along the rim of the crater Caldera de Taburiente, the largest water erosion crater in the world. Enjoy spectacular views in fine weather as you see this famous crater surrounded by forests and deep ravines. We recommend you pre arrange a taxi ( payable locally) to take you back to your hotel.
Breakfast included

Day 3: Ruta de los Volcanes (17km/10.6mi)

This is a very impressive walk from north to south of a string of volcanoes in the south of the island. Though long, and involving a substantial descent at the end, it is an extremely popular walk. (All walking transfers are payable locally either on public bus or by taxi).
Breakfast included

Day 4: Pista de los Lomos - El Pilar (15km/9.3mi)

Though a fairly long walk, the first section is very straightforward along an almost level forest track through the dense laurisilva vegetation, commonly found at this altitude throughout the Canaries. In summer this will provide welcome shelter from the sun, in winter the mellow mists give the forest and eery, poetic quality. Upon reaching Pared Vieja an ancient partly cobbled Camino takes you up to the main Cumbre ridge, passing through the col at El Pilar, Then the whole nature of the walk changes as you descend steadily, through volcanic plains and magnificent pine forests to meet the main road near the Caldera visitor centre.(All walking transfers are payable locally either on public bus or by taxi).
Breakfast included

Day 5: Los Sauces, Mirador de las Barandas, Barlovento (12km/7.5mi)

This walk covers an interesting variety of ground in the north-east corner of the island. A long steep climb from the village, culminating in a dramatic view into the Barranco del Agua, is followed by a descent into the depths of the dark and shady Barranco de Herradura, where a head for heights is necessary in order to ascend the steep and vertiginous path to the north. (All walking transfers are payable locally either on public bus or by taxi).
Breakfast included

Day 6: Bananas and Barrancos (12km/7.5mi)

This is a circular walk of two halves; firstly from La Cuesta to Barlovento via the coast and the thousands of acres of banana plantations where you can observe at close quarters how these are cultivated. This is also the energetic half with a steep drop down to the coast and a stiff climb up to Barlovento. The second half is from Barlovento back to La Cuesta, encountering a succession of barrancos, with the change in vegetation making it completely different in character.(All walking transfers are payable locally either on public bus or by taxi).
Breakfast included

Day 7: Los Machines to Roque del Faro (10km/6.2mi)

Today your route takes you to the far north of La Palma, which is one of the most unspoilt parts of the island and features deep gorges and small settlements high up on plateaux overlooking the sea. After a taxi transfer to Franceses you will descend the Barranco de la Cerea del Rio Hombre, a spectacular steep sided gorge, on centuries old paths, and then ascend to the tiny hamlet of El Tablado. Then onwards, a steep ascent to yet another tiny hamlet, Roque del Faro, one of the highest settlements of La Palma on the north side of the Caldera. (All walking transfers are payable locally either on public bus or by taxi).
Breakfast included

Day 8: Departure

If you have time before your flight, take a small walk around Santa Cruz. This fascinating town attracted Flemish merchants who built imposing town palaces, which today accommodate museums and boutiques. A walk along the Calle Real, visiting the Plaza de Espana, Town Hall or the food market will be a perfect end to your La Palma experience before your flight home. Transfer back to the airport is included.
Breakfast included