Walking the Island of La Palma
Walking the Island of La Palma
Tour Overview
The entire island of La Palma (known as the Pretty Isle) was classed as a Biosphere Reserve back in 2002, and is home to over 900 endemic species. This walking trip takes in the incredibly diverse scenery in the north and the centre of the island taking advantage of the island's well-waymarked paths. Days range from dramatic coastal hikes and walks through the lush National Parks before culminating in arguably the most classic walk on La Palma; La Ruta de los Volcanes. ...more ...less
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1 : Barlovento; Transfer To Hotel
Location: Barlovento
Accommodation: Hotel, La Palma Romantica or similar
Accommodation Name: Hotel La Palma Romantica (or similar)
Meals Included: Dinner
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.
Day 2 : After A Short Transfer Hike Through A Prehistoric Forest To Barlovento
Location: Barlovento
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Hotel La Palma Romantica (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
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.
Day 3 : Transfer To Franceses; Trek Along The Steep Coastline, Through Deep Gorges With Spectacular Ocean Views
Location: Barlovento, Barlovento, Franceses
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Hotel La Palma Romantica (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
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.
Day 4 : Take A Transfer To Roque De Los Muchachos (2426M); Walk From The Caldera Rim Through The Subalpine Landscape. Overnight Santa Cruz.
Location: Roque de los Muchachos, Santa Cruz de La Palma, Pico de la Cruz
Accommodation: El Galeon or similar
Accommodation Name: El Galeon (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast
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.
Day 5 : Free Day. Opportunity To Discover The Old Town Of Santa Cruz, Or Spend The Day At The Beach
Location: Santa Cruz de La Palma, Santa Cruz de La Palma, Mirador de Los Brecitos
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Hotel El Galeon (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast
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.
Day 6 : After A Transfer, A Magnificent Hike Through The National Park Caldera De Taburiente With Its Endemic Flora
Location: Santa Cruz de La Palma, Caldera de Taburiente National Park
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Hotel El Galeon (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast
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.
Day 7 : Short Transfer To Refugio Del Pilar Before Walking Arguably The Most Classic And Scenic Trail On La Palma: Ruta De Los Volcanes
Location: Santa Cruz de La Palma, Refugio del Pilar
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Hotel El Galeon (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
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.
Day 8 : Transfer To Santa Cruz Airport
Location: Santa Cruz de La Palma
Meals Included: Breakfast
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.
What's Included
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Flights from London (if booking incl. flights)
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All breakfasts and 4 dinners
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All accommodation
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All transport and listed activities
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Tour leader throughout
What's Not Included
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Visas or vaccinations
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Travel insurance
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Single accommodation (available on request)
Food
All breakfasts and 4 dinners are included.
Breakfasts are generally a simple buffet affair at your hotel, usually
including a selection of bread, jam, pastries and cold meats and cheese.
Dinners are taken from a set menu at a local restaurant or at your hotel and
offer a variety of mouthwatering dishes and international cuisine, with lots
of fish and meat options and always a couple of vegetarian alternatives.
Local specialities include papas arrugudas (wrinkly potatoes), fresh goats
cheese, lots of fish options, and copious amounts of 'mojo' sauce.
Lunch options during the week include ordering a packed lunch from the hotel,
visiting a supermarket to buy provisions and enjoying lunch at a local bar.
We recommend budgeting €25-30 in total for lunches.
Wine is not included with dinner but the average price of a bottle is €12.
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Accommodation
We spend seven nights split between a three-star hotel and an aparthotel. Below are the hotels typically used on this trip; however, as the availability of accommodation in La Palma is limited, the hotels are subject to change.
Barlovento: Hotel Palma de la Romantica (nights 1-3)
In the north of La Palma, Hotel Palma de la Romantica is just 0.6mi (1km) from Barlovento. Views from your balcony or terrace will be over the mountains or ocean, and the hotel has inside and outside pools, plus a spa.
Santa Cruz: El Galeon (nights 4-7)
El Galeon is within walking distance of the pretty capital Santa Cruz. It features a terrace with lovely sea views.
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Check out our Q&As
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Are flights included in this tour?
International flights are not included with this tour.
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Can you assist with pre or post tour accommodation?
We are happy to assist with pre and post tour accommodation. Please enquire for detailed information.
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Is there a supplement for solo travellers?
If you would like to be paired with a tour member of the same gender, there is no additional charge. A single supplement can be requested if you would like your own room.
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Are the local guides on the tour English speaking?
Yes, our local guides are English speaking.
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Are children permitted to take part in the tour?
The minimum age for this tour is 16 years old.
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Who is Exodus Travels?
At Exodus Travels, we've been exploring the world for nearly 50 years. From Walking and Trekking, Cultural and Cycling, Responsible Wildlife, to Polar and our new Premium Adventures, we are proud to offer award-winning small group and self-guided tours to 100+ countries worldwide.
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What happens if I need to change my holiday date once I’ve booked?
If you wish to make any changes to your booking, particularly if you need to alter any flights booked through us, please let us know as soon as possible. There is a booking or flight amendment fee of £40 per change and flight amendments often incur extra airline costs depending on the changes to be made and if the ticket has been issued or not.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
Exodus has been trading since 1974
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What documents will I receive before I travel?
Your final joining instructions and flight details, if booked with us, will then be sent out 2 to 3 weeks before departure. If you would like a hard copy posted, or if you require these any earlier, please contact the customer operations team. We advise that if you are booking connecting travel before receiving these, please ensure you leave plenty of time.
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Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
Travellers are welcome to opt to share a room with a tour member of the same gender for no additional charge. If you'd like your own room, we can request a single supplement so that you will have your own room throughout.
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Can I join the tour once it has departed?
You are welcome to meet the group after the tour has departed however there is no reduction in rate for joining a tour after the departure date.
Reviews from travellers on this tour
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Transfer as credit to Future Tours
Exodus Adventure Travels allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform exodus adventure travels, 43 days before departure.
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Low Deposit
Exodus Adventure Travels requires a minimum deposit of 25% or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 90 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of exodus adventure travels charges.
Up to 70 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
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Walking the Island of La Palma
8 Days Starting and ending in Santa Cruz
Visiting: Barlovento, Franceses, Roque de los Muchachos, Santa Cruz de La Palma, Pico de la Cruz, Mirador de Los Brecitos, Caldera de Taburiente National Park, Refugio del Pilar ...more ...less
Tour operator:
Tour code:
TSK
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
4 - 16
Age range:
16-99
Special diets catered:
Please inform Exodus of specific dietary requirements