Best of La Palma Walking Tour Itinerary

Day 1 Arrival

Touching down in La Palma is an experience all its own! The anticipation is no doubt rising as you’ve caught a glimpse of this green island paradise from above.

A private transfer will greet you at the airport and take you to your first hotel in the vibrant capital Santa Cruz de la Palma.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Santa Cruz
Distance: None
Meals: None

Day 2 Explore Cubo la Galga

Early in the morning a taxi transfer is arranged to go to one of the cloud forests that are so typical of the Canary Islands: el Cubo de la Galga. The walk starts on wide forest paths but then changes to paved and unpaved country roads as you reach the coast; covered in with plantations of the Canarian banana: the plátano. You can choose to end the walk after 7 or 11.7km at one of the bus stops where you can get on the Guagua (canarian for public bus) to Barlovento. From this northern most town you walk another km to the comfortable hotel (with indoor and outdoor swimming pool) where you will stay for 2 nights.

Overnight Location: Hotel in Barlovento
Distance: 4-6 hours, 7-12km, 450-650m of ascent, 800m of descent
Meals: Breakfast

Day 3 Los Franceses to Barolvento

Taxi transfer to the village of Los Machines de Franceses, situated in one of the most remote parts of the island. You will follow the historic “Camino Real de Los Machines”, walking via La Tosca (famous for its magnificent Canary Island Dragon trees) back to Barlovento.

Finally, enjoy another excellent dinner tonight at the hotel.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Barlovento
Distance: 5.5-6 hours, 11km, 925m of ascent, 725m of descent
Meals: Breakfast

Day 4 Pico de la Nieve and Virgen del Pino Chapel

Your day begins with a taxi transfer to the foot of the impressive Pico de La Nieve (2,039m/6689ft). As you trace the end of the deep Caldera de Taburiente, an exciting route unfolds before descending along the Camino Real.

Walk through fragrant pine forests until you reach the Virgen del Pino Chapel, a tiny church set amidst glorious scenery. From the chapel, a taxi transfer will take you to tonight’s accommodations in Los Llanos de Aridane.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Los Llanos de Aridane
Distance: 6 hours, 15.4 – 18km, 650m of ascent, 925 – 1025m of descent
Meals: Breakfast

Day 5 Walk in the Caldera de Taburiente National Park

A taxi transfer to Los Brecitos kicks the day off as you make your way into the heart of the Caldera de Taburiente National Park, where you’ll enjoy a day of exploring the stunning natural oasis.

Descend to the bed of the Taburiente River, where you’ll spot the legendary “Roque Idafe,” a patchwork of breathtaking natural scenery, including a colourful waterfall (dyed by the sulphur of the Caldera) and strange rock formations. You’ll have ample opportunity to snap your new profile picture here!

After a full day of exploring the park, a taxi transfer will take you back to your accommodations in Los Llanos de Aridane.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Los Llanos de Aridane
Distance: 3-6 hours, 5.5-14km, 435m of ascent, 900m of descent
Meals: Breakfast

Day 6 Along the Time ridge to Tazacorte

Panoramic route that starts with supersteep climb across ancient lava flow to the western edge of the crater Taburiente. Then you gradually descend over mainly footpaths and unpaved country roads to the restaurant and mirador El Time; end of the standard walk. The route extension continues further downhill along mainly paved but quiet lanes to the friendly beach town of Puerto Tazacorte. Take your time to have lunch before travelling back to the hotel in Llanos de Aridane by public transport.

Overnight Location: Hotel in Los Llanos de Aridane
Distance: 4 – 5.5 hours, 7.5 – 10.5km, 250m of ascent, 985 – 1490m of descent
Meals: Breakfast

Day 7 La Ruta de los Volcanes

On you last day you’ll do another classic of the island’s hiking repertoire: the Ruta de los Volcanes, between the hermitage of the Virgen del Pilar towards Los Canarios (Fuencaliente). Fortunately ,this route is again open to the public, after the most recent volcanic eruption at Cumbre Vieja (in September 2021). It was already a route of great geological interest, and now it is even more so; demonstrating the shaping and destructive force of nature, whose consequences the inhabitants of the Island still suffer daily.

If this route seems too long and hard, ask the taxi driver to take you to Los Canarios so that you can do the last part of the route only, towards the Fuencaliente Lighthouse (supplement to be paid directly on the spot). In both cases you continue in the afternoon by public bus to Santa Cruz where your luggage awaits you at the hotel.

Overnight Location: Hotel in Los Cancajos
Distance: 6.5 – 4hours, 17.5 – 7.8km, 550 – 80m of ascent, 1200 – 700m of descent
Meals: Breakfast

Day 8 Departure

Your hiking adventure on La Palma comes to an end today. Once you’re packed up, a private transfer will take you to the airport to depart.
Overnight Location: None
Distance: None
Meals: Breakfast