The adventure starts at the hotel in Barlovento, our home for the first three nights. The local leader will host a welcome briefing before dinner. Stay: Hotel La Palma Romantica (or similar) (D).
After breakfast, we transfer (approximately 15 minutes) to the starting point of our hike in the lush northeast of La Palma. The walk begins in Los Tilos rainforest, close to the town of Los Sauces, with a short but steep climb up some 500 steps to a viewpoint, Mirador de Las Barandas, with 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 human-made reservoir above Barlovento. Stay: Hotel La Palma Romantica (or similar) (B/D).
After a 15-minute morning transfer, we walk north along the dramatic coastline towards Barlovento. The hike along the steep coastline and deep gorges offers breath-taking ocean views, and passes dragon trees and picturesque villages.
On arrival in Barlovento, we can visit a bar for a drink before walking back to our hotel for dinner. Stay: Hotel La Palma Romantica (or similar) (B/D).
Today we trek from the highest point of the island.
After a transfer (1hr 30min) to Roque de Los Muchachos, at an elevation of approximately 7,959ft (2,426m), we begin a 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 and the neighbouring islands of La Gomera and El Hierro.
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 most powerful telescopes in the world, we stop for a picnic in Pico de la Cruz (7,713ft/2,351m) before heading to Pico de la Nieve (7,346ft/2,239m). Our bus picks us up from here for the one-hour transfer to our final base in Santa Cruz. Stay: El Galeon (or similar) (B).
Today is free and there are several activities nearby you can enjoy, including a boat trip in search of dolphins and whales (seasonal/weather dependent). It is also possible to take advantage of the famously clear La Palma skies on an after-dinner stargazing trip (subject to availability and weather conditions). Alternatively, spend the day in Santa Cruz old town, a site of both historic and artistic interest, with cobbled streets, Flemish altarpieces, the Insular Museum and theatres. Or relax on the nearby black-sand volcanic beach, just a few minutes' walk from our hotel. Stay: Hotel El Galeon (or similar) (B).
After a one-hour transfer up a winding road to Los Brecitos (3,445ft/1,050m), we begin a magnificent journey through Caldera de Taburiente National Park. There is an initial gradual descent (1hr 30min to two hours) on a trail cut into the steep gorge sides, which winds through pine forest down to the ever-running River Taburiente.
The rocks along the riverbanks are a great place to stop for 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 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. Stay: Hotel El Galeon (or similar) (B).
Today we walk arguably the most scenic trek in La Palma: La Ruta de los Volcanes.
After a 30-minute transfer to Refugio del Pilar, the trail begins, running 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. We then transfer back to Santa Cruz de La Palma. Stay: Hotel El Galeon (or similar) (B/D).
After breakfast, we have the majority of the day to relax or to explore Santa Cruz de La Palma at a leisurely pace (depending on your flight time) before transferring to the airport (B).
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