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If you want to do something really special and immerse yourself in the culture of La Palma, come with us on this extraordinary tour! Our tour begins at the visitor center of the Caldera de Taburiente, where we watch a short film about the national park. In the Riachuelo pine forest we meet Thomas, who introduces you to the centuries-old tradition of the shepherd’s leap (“Salto del Pastor”). With a lance over three meters high, you will learn how to move from the path over the slopes. After a 1-2 hour workshop, we go up to 1287m on the Cumbrecita, where we have a wonderful view of the largest erosion crater in the world. Here we go on a short hike of about an hour, during which you can fully immerse yourself in the beauty of the caldera. More information about the shepherd’s leap The “Salto del Pastor” is a Canary Islands locomotion technique from pre-Hispanic times, developed by shepherds who had to follow their goats through deep ravines and over steep slopes. A 3-4 meter long lance – previously with a horn tip, now with a metal tip – serves as an aid. To ensure that the tradition is not lost and because it is simply fun, there are a few clubs that train regularly and go on tours with the lance. The technique is also extremely useful if you want or have to go off the beaten track – for example when fighting invasive plant species. Thomás is almost a legend on La Palma when it comes to the shepherd’s leap and is also a great teacher. At over 60 years old, he moves over the mountains with his lance as agilely as a young goat. I got to know him with various hiking groups, mostly in the Caldera, when he told me where he had already been with his lance that day. Now that he is retired, he has made it his mission to pass on the tradition and take it out into the world.

difficulty: easy (suited for kids from 10 years on)

There are no limits to the diversity of La Palma. Even those who think they already know the island like the back of their hand will be amazed on this tour. On June 23, 1949, the earth cracked open in several places and a gigantic stream of lava poured over the Aridane Valley to the sea. The lava created several caves and tunnels. First we walk along a stilt path from which we can see the curious lava structures and formations from above. We will explain to you the peculiarities of volcanism, how a lava tube is formed and what these structures have been used for over thousands of years. With helmets and headlamps, we venture inside the cave and marvel together at the power of nature in the “Cueva de las Palomas” volcanic tunnel.

Walking time: 2 hours / Price 30-40€

Meeting point: At the benches below the “Caños de Fuego” visitor center. Where the catwalks crosses the street.

Please bring: sturdy shoes, a thin sweater, water
language: English, German and/or Spanish

TIP: If this tour is not available on your desired date, please send a request to: ed.sruot-ajargobfsctd-5b32ec@ofni and we will get in touch with you.

Together we hike through one of the largest erosion craters in the world. The Nationalpark Caldera de Taburiente. From Los Brecitos at 1030m altitude we hike through fragrant pine forest to the campsite on the Taburiente river. Through the “gorge of death fear” we follow the footsteps of King Tanausú and marvel at the power of nature and the colorful waterfall “Cascada de Colores” (swimming possibility).

Distance 14km, 6,5 hours, +200/-900m, Price 79€ incl. taxi from bottom of the ravine

Please specify meeting point when booking:
8:45 Puerto Naos: Hotel Sol (on the main road)
9:10 Los Llanos bus station (line 300 starts at 8:10 from Santa Cruz)
9:20 Parking lot at the bottom of the Caldera gorge

 There are no limits to the diversity of La Palma. Even those who think they already know the island like the back of their hand will be amazed on this tour. First, we will take a look at the lava flow of the San Juan volcano from 1949 and explain to you the peculiarities of volcanism, how a lava tube is formed and what these structures have been used for over thousands of years. Together, armed with helmets and headlamps, we will venture inside and be amazed. In a huge cave, chocolate seems to grow into our mouths. Are those stalactites and cave paintings that we see there? Why were rituals held here to deal with birth trauma and what glitters like stars from the ceilings everywhere? We will reveal these and other secrets for you on this cave adventure. But that’s not all. Back on the surface, we hike across lava fields to the famous mosaic park “La Glorieta” in Las Manchas. Luis Morera, a student of Cesar Manrique, has created giant lizards and flower formations here using countless tiles, which are surrounded by native plants and are in perfect harmony with them. A visit to the wine museum with wine tasting rounds off the day. (The visit to the lava tube can also be booked separately) Sturdy shoes and a thin jacket are recommended for the lava tube. If you have them, you can also take gloves with you, as the lava rock is very sharp – should you happen to stumble.

Start: 09:30/ Distance: 3km / Time: 3 hours / Price 65€

Please specify pick-up point when booking:

8:50 Los Llanos: Bus station
9:15 Puerto Naos: Hotel Sol (on the main road)
9:30 Las Manchas: below the Caños de Fuego visitor center (where the stilt paths cross the road)

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The historic royal routes of La Palma stretch across the island in a network of hiking trails of over 1000km, so even La Palma veterans still have something new to discover. Once a week we spontaneously choose a hike off the beaten tourist track, depending on the weather. Let yourself be surprised where we’re going today. You are also welcome to express your wishes. Hikes and pick-up points by arrangement

Start: ca. 09:00h / End: ca. 14:00h / Price 69 €

Join us for an enchanting stroll through the Villa de Tazacorte, the historic heart of La Palma’s sunniest municipality. Here, nature, history, and tradition blend together in a truly unique way. Among lush banana plantations, colorful houses, and narrow alleyways, we’ll discover the best-kept secrets of this vibrant town.

We’ll take a leisurely walk through the old town, past hidden mosaic squares, to the Church of San Miguel Arcángel and the statue of the same name – places steeped in culture and local history. Along the way, you’ll learn fascinating facts about banana cultivation, local traditions, and the people who give the Villa de Tazacorte its unique soul.

Distance: 2km/ +-80m/ 3Std. (easy)

This hike is a real pleasure and offers fantastic insights into the botany and history of the island. We hike with you on old village paths through cultural landscapes and ancient, beautiful dragon tree groves to the caves of Buracas, where the natives have left their traces in the form of rock engravings. In January and February, the beautiful almond blossom accompanies us through the paths. In the end we visit the famous farmers’ market in Puntagorda, a meeting place of the north with handicrafts, lots of delicacies and freshly prepared sugar cane juice (also available as a mojito).

altitude difference: +-350m / distance: 7km / hiking time: 3h/ price: 69€

Please specify pick-up point when booking:
9:45 Puerto Naos: Hotel Melia (on the main road)
10:10 Los Llanos bus station (line 300 starts at 9:10 from Santa Cruz)
11:00 Las Tricias (church)

Experience the Tajogaite, La Palma’s youngest volcano, up close and on an extended tour:

Solidified lava flows, plays of color, bizarre landscapes – this and much more was created by the last volcanic eruption on La Palma. With special permission from the island government and one of our trained guides from the island, we go to the restricted area at the “Llano de Jable” on the Cumbre Vieja. Together see the youngest earth in Spain, which was created by the volcanic eruption on La Palma in 2021, and admire the power of nature.

Our tour starts at the oldest historically documented volcano on La Palma and takes us through the gently rising and falling area at the Llano de Jable. The landscape is marked by thick layers of ash, on which the downdrafts from the mountains have left bizarre drifts like snow. The green of the Canarian pines and the often blue sky create great color contrasts on the black plain. After just a few minutes we get our first glimpse of the sulphur-covered eastern side of the cone. Supported by powerful images, the local hiking guide takes you back to the time of the eruption, tells you about his own experiences, the far-reaching effects of the volcanic eruption on La Palma and what the situation looks like today. Together we marvel at the energy of the new Cumbre Vieja volcano and the mystical landscape that has emerged here in less than three months.

We arrive to a newly created spectacular viewpoint only 40meters distance of the still smoking craters- only the volcanologists come closer. The volcanic cones are covered in mineral deposits in a variety of colors, and we can take amazing photos. For the way back you have two options:

circular route: descent and ascent (+/-300m)
(meeting point El Paso)

From the viewpoint, we head back along the “Cabeza de Vaca” path, where we enjoy spectacular views of the green Aridane Valley and the Caldera de Taburiente. Due to two steep sections on the way back this version can be a bit strenuous under the sun.

Descent to Las Manchas: mostly descent  (+100/-600m)
(meeting point Las Manchas)

We decent through thick layers of ash on a zig-zag way down to Las Manchas. 

Important information:

• Under no circumstances may you leave the official route or take volcanic material with you
• Not suitable for people with respiratory problems
• maximum number of participants 14 people
• please bring: sturdy shoes, sun protection, wind protection and a water bottle. In winter also raincoats and warm clothes.
• Meeting point circular route: in front of the Tourist Information in El Paso Center (parking possibilities at the cemetery and 9:00-22:00 Hiperdino)
  – Meeting point descent to Las Manchas: “Campo de Futbol Las Manchas” (google maps)