One of the most popular routes on La Palma due to its beauty and rich landscape is, without a doubt, the Volcanoes Route. A spectacular volcanic route of about 17 km where we can contemplate the recent geological history of the island.
The Ruta de los Volcanes is the best way to discover the most volcanic part of the island, enjoying landscapes that seem like science fiction, even reminiscent of a virtual walk on the planet Mars. You can also enjoy incredible panoramic views of both sides of La Palma and, depending on the day, you may even be able to see some of the other three islands in the province: Tenerife, La Gomera and El Hierro. The combination of the green of the pine forest with the different shades of the volcanic terrain will not go unnoticed, it is well worth it.
During the tour of the Volcanoes Route, our guide will tell you about the history of volcanism on the island through a landscape of lava, ashes, calderas and volcanic eruptions that intermingle with the characteristic green of the Canary Island pine as you cross the youngest area of the island, formed by several volcanoes, which forms part of the Cumbre Vieja Natural Park.
This is a tough route, so you will need to be in good physical condition to complete the 17 kilometres from the Refugio de El Pilar refuge to Los Canarios (Fuencaliente), the southernmost municipality on the island.
The Refugio El Pilar is the starting point for this route, which takes you along the GR-131 trail, which goes uphill from the start to skirt the Pico Birigoyo peak. From this point you can see the Aridane Valley, the Caldera de Taburiente and in the background the Roque de Los Muchachos, the highest point on the island of La Palma.
We continue along the path and between Canary Island pines, we can also see the municipalities of El Paso, Los Llanos de Aridane and Tazacorte. We continue climbing to reach the crater of Hoyo Negro, from where we can also see, if the day is clear, the other neighbouring islands, as well as other parts of the island such as S/C de La Palma or Los Cancajos. In this area, depending on the day, we can enjoy a walk through the clouds, thanks to the blanket that forms as if it were a white sea.
Hoyo Negro marks the beginning of the many craters that we will find along this magical Route of the Volcanoes on the island of La Palma. After reaching Las Deseadas, the highest point of the route, a descent begins that will not be easy.
We will reach the picturesque Volcán de Martín, one of the last craters we will see before reaching the final point of our guided tour, which is characterised by an impressive reddish cone that, from afar, attracts a lot of attention.
Afterwards, we will descend to Los Canarios (Fuencaliente), where our transfer back to our starting point will be waiting for us. Of course, in your memory and in your camera you will take with you some pictures that you will never forget.