Itinerary Expand all Santa Cruz to Santa Cruz Day 1 Barlovento; transfer to hotel After arrival at the airport we take a 60 minute private transfer to the hotel in Barlovento, our home for the first three nights. The local leader will give an evening briefing before dinner. Overnight Hotel La Palma Romantica or similar Meals included: Dinner Day 2 After a short transfer hike through a prehistoric forest to Barlovento. After breakfast we transfer (approx. 15mins) to the starting point of our hike in the lush north-east of La Palma. The walk begins in the rainforest of Los Tilos, close to the town of Los Sauces, with a short but steep climb up some 500 or so steps to a viewpoint, ‘Mirador de Las Barandas’ offering views down to the densely forested ravine of Los Tilos. From here, the trail undulates through laurel forest, and we walk through prehistoric vegetation until the path emerges at Laguna de Barlovento – a manmade reservoir above Barlovento. Overnight Hotel La Palma Romantica or similar Meals included: Breakfast Dinner Day 3 Transfer to Franceses; trek along the steep coastline, through deep gorges with spectacular ocean views After a 15 minute transfer this morning, we will walk north along the dramatic coastline towards Barlovento. The hike along the steep coastline and deep gorges offers breathtaking views over the ocean, and passes Dragon Tree populations and picturesque villages. On arrival in Barlovento we can visit a local bar for a drink before walking back to our hotel for dinner.Overnight Hotel La Palma Romantica or similar Meals included: Breakfast Dinner Day 4 Take a transfer to Roque de Los Muchachos (2426m); walk from the Caldera rim through the subalpine landscape. Overnight Santa Cruz. Today we trek from the highest point of the island! After a transfer (1hr 30min) to Roque de Los Muchachos, at an elevation of approx. 2426m, we begin the spectacular hike around the caldera rim, one of the largest craters in the world. The beautiful subalpine landscape combined with sweeping views over La Palma and towards the neighbouring Canary Islands make this walk an unforgettable experience. Although it cannot be guaranteed, this trek is above the usual cloud level, and on a clear day it is possible to see as far as Mount Teide on Tenerife. There are glimpses into the caldera and of colourful red and yellow rock surfaces on the colossal caldera sides. After walking right by some of the world’s most powerful telescopes, we make our picnic stop in Pico de la Cruz (2351m) before heading to the end in Pico de la Nieve, at 2239m. Our bus will pick us up from here for the 1hr transfer to our final base in Santa Cruz. Overnight El Galeon or similar Meals included: Breakfast Day 5 Free day. Opportunity to discover the old town of Santa Cruz, or spend the day at the beach Today is a free day and there are numerous activities nearby you can enjoy, ranging from a boat trip in search of dolphins and whales (seasonal/weather dependent), a massage, or diving trips. It is also possible to take advantage of La Palma's famously clear skies on a stargazing trip after dinner (subject to availability and weather conditions). Alternatively you could spend the day discovering the old town of Santa Cruz, a site of both historic and artistic interest, with cobbled streets, Flemish altarpieces, the Insular Museum and theatres, or relaxing on the nearby black sand volcanic beach, located at the city sea front, just few walking minutes from your hotel. Overnight Hotel El Galeon or similar Meals included: Breakfast Day 6 After a transfer, a magnificent hike through the National Park Caldera de Taburiente with its endemic flora After a 60 minute transfer up a winding road to Los Brecitos at an elevation of 1050m we begin a magnificent journey through the National Park, with its endemic flora. There is an initial gradual descent (1.5-2hrs) on a trail cut into the steep gorge sides, which winds through pine forest all the way down to the ever running River Taburiente. The rocks along the river banks are a great place to stop for your lunch and there’s also time to visit the small information centre, which houses a model of the caldera. After lunch we cross the river and have a short uphill climb before dropping down into a spectacular neighbouring gorge which we follow for the rest of the afternoon. After the walk, we transfer back to Santa Cruz de La Palma.Overnight Hotel El Galeon or similar Meals included: Breakfast Day 7 Short transfer to Refugio del Pilar before walking arguably the most classic and scenic trail on La Palma: Ruta de Los Volcanes Today we walk arguably the most classic and scenic trek La Palma has to offer; La Ruta de Los Volcanes. After a transfer (30 mins) to Refugio del Pilar the trail begins, walking across the youngest part of the island with countless volcanic craters along the path down to Fuencaliente. Lava landscapes and Canary pine forests make for unique scenery throughout the walk. We then transfer back to Santa Cruz de La Palma.Overnight Hotel El Galeon or similar Meals included: Breakfast Dinner Day 8 Transfer to Santa Cruz airport After breakfast, we have the majority of the day to relax or to explore Santa Cruz de La Palma at a leisurely pace before transferring to the airport for the flight back. Meals included: Breakfast
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Walking the Island of La Palma 7 nights are spent in a mixture of 3-star hotels and apart-hotels. Hotel Palma de la Romantica is 1km from Barlovento, in the north of La Palma. Views from your balcony or terrace will be over the mountains or ocean, and the hotel comes with an inside and an outside pool and spa. El Galeon is located within walking distance to the pretty capital Santa Cruz. It features a terrace with lovely sea views. Please be aware that the availability of accommodation in La Palma is limited, so the hotels listed above are subject to change.
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Reviewed December 2019 Cathryn Spence Trip: Walking the Island of La Palma Great walking on a beautiful volcanic island We did a variety of walks on the island through temperate rainforest, across coastal gorges, up in the high caldera ridge and through the caldera itself. The scenery was beautiful with amazing geology from volcanic activity. Our tour guide was very good and let everybody in the group find their own pace. The sunshine and light during December was a real bonus. What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? Walking the ridge of the caldera and looking down on clouds and across to Teide on Tenerife. What did you think of your group leader? Enthusiastic, organised and providing practical information.
Reviewed April 2019 Annette Cipa Trip: Walking the Island of La Palma Great trip This was a great walking holiday on La Palma. The itinerary was comprehensive and well thought through and encompassed the main highlights of the island. We learnt a lot during our week there and enjoyed some unforgettable walks. What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? Arriving at the highest point of the island at the Roque de los Muchachos with it's spectacular views, followed by an amazing walk along the crater rim. What did you think of your group leader? Henry was great tour leader. He was very capable, taught us a lot about the island and kept us entertained throughout. I can't praise him highly enough! Do you have any advice for potential travellers? This is a thoroughly enjoyable holiday and if you are curious about La Palma and enjoy walking on volcanoes, then you should definitely go for it.
Reviewed October 2018 Mike Theelke Trip: Walking the Island of La Palma Beautiful island, great walks There's a huge variety of scenery on La Palma and this week gave us a taste of everything. The walks aren't especially long but there's quite a lot of ascent and descent so I'd agree with the grade 4 rating. Although part of the Canary Islands there's often a bit of cooling cloud about and it didn't feel too hot for walking. The accommodation was all good; six nights in aparthotels with lots of space, one in a regular hotel. The tour leader Henry was excellent, knew a lot about the island's culture, geology and wildlife and was really friendly and approachable. What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? Lots of stunning views of the volcanic scenery
Reviewed March 2018 William Lang Trip: Walking the Island of La Palma La Palma A very varied place with ridge walks, forest walks and volcano walks etc. Some tough climbs and quite harsh surfaces. Not suitable for those who are unsteady on their feet or suffer from vertigo. The hotels were quite decent and the food was up to expectations although not exceptional. Henri our tour leader did a superb job he had a good knowledge of the island kept us well entertained and nothing was too much trouble for him. Overall it was a well worth while trip which I would recommend to anyone who is reasonably fit. I would certainly not be adverse to doing it again in the future. What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? Nothing in particular there was no great moment of enlightenment What did you think of your group leader? Excellent we were all very impressed with him Do you have any advice for potential travellers? Under no circumstances should you fall over the volcanic surface is extremely abrasive just about everywhere. Is there anything else you would like to add? No, just get out and walk
Reviewed March 2017 Phil Risdale Trip: Walking the Island of La Palma Great walking variety on a small island. Very enjoyable walking trip in a lovely destination, reasonable accommodation & food and a good variety of walks. What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? The caldera rim walk to Roque de Los Muchachos was pretty impressive and most enjoyable, but the walk in the gorge of the Taburiente river was probably even better. A shame we missed the Ruta de Los Volcanes due to bad weather! What did you think of your group leader? Jonas Perez - The most informative, helpful, knowledgeable and entertaining tour leader you will ever meet! He obviously loves his Island and his 'job' and wants everybody else to share this with his enthusiasm and humour. Do you have any advice for potential travellers? The walks are tough without being too hard if you're reasonably fit, but don't believe the trip notes - days 6 & 7 are not the most challenging, they are just long but quite simple walks, the most challenging day is day 4 around the caldera rim, thankfully followed by the rest day! Is there anything else you would like to add? Carry everything with you all of the time - sun hat & cream with waterproofs & a fleece. The weather constantly changes and can be completely different on one side of the island to the other.
Reviewed February 2017 ian barton Trip: Walking the Island of La Palma An excellent winter break for active people Good walks in amazing scenery. A weeks winter holiday felt like a month of discovery in summer weather What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? walking above the clouds What did you think of your group leader? Excellent Do you have any advice for potential travellers? be ready for all seasons in one week - bright sun at high altitude, so bring sun cream and warm clothes
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