La Palma - a mini Continent and dream destination for this walking challenge!
You might think this walking challenge is too adventurous a destination with it's volcanic history... But lets stick to the facts. None of La Palmas eruptions have ever been a threat to its people, nor to tourism and let us not forget that volcanology gave La Palma its very existence and beauty.
This epic challenge covers volcanoes, canyons, lush forests and La Palma’s black beaches. Better still it’s the perfect winter sun getaway challenge! So let’s soak up the sun, get your walking boots on and let’s discover the best of La Palma’s hiking in this 6 day trip, 4 days walking from summit to sea challenge!
Coastal scenery near El Tablado
Spine of the Volcanoes Charity Challenge Highlights
- 4 day guided charity challenge
- 60km distance + 1956 m ascent + 4219 m descent
- Volcanoes, craters, black sands and lush green forests
- Comfortable 4* hotel with pool
- Half board, buffet style breakfast and evening meals
- Walking distance to beach from hotel
- Transport to/from airport/walks included
The range of walks were expertly and supportively led by Jill and Pete, who worked tirelessly to ensure we each had the opportunity to experience and fully enjoy the range of delights the island has to offer. The hotel was fantastic! We enjoyed going to sleep listening to the sea, and waking to the view of the sun rising behind Mount Teide. The staff of the hotel and our bus driver were really friendly and helpful. The food was delicious, plentiful and varied. We will definitely be going back again.
Kath Powis
Gallery - La Palma
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Itinerary - Walking on La Palma
Arrival Day
Touching down at Santa Cruz de La Palma's international airport, you're just a quick five-minute ride away from your hotel paradise! As you arrive, your friendly reps will greet you at the hotel. In the evening before dinner, a briefing session will be held.
Walk 1 - Starting from the Highest Peak
Let's get our boots on and start this!
Starting this breathtaking Island challenge we begin by boarding private transport that will take you from sea level to the island's highest peak, Roque de Los Muchachos, passing through various vegetation levels along the way. From this peak, the journey on foot continues with a visit to the Espigon del Roque viewing platform (2382m) before trekking across Roque de los Muchachos (2426m), Pico de la Cruz (2351m), Piedra Llana (2314m), and Pico de la Nieve (2232m) are all reached before finally descending to meet the bus.
This trek along the Caldera rim offers relatively easy walking on well-maintained, albeit occasionally rugged paths, offering stunning views of the crater on the right-hand side. This is a great introductory day, perfect for familiarising yourself with the island, providing panoramic views of La Palma and extending all the way to neighbouring islands of Tenerife, La Gomera, and El Hierro.
You will have a bird's eye view of the National Park of Caldera de Taburiente and its vast, dramatic crater below you.
Moderate Linear walk
Walk 2 - Dramatic Scenery, Refuges and Lava Fields
DAMATIC SCENERY THROUGH LAVA FIELDS AND FORESTS
Beginning today where we left off the day before, we head south from the Pico de la Nieve (2232m) along the rim. We pass over the peak of Pico Sabina (2142m) and before reaching the unguarded Refugio Punta de los Roques a fanged peak rises dramatically ahead. This is the Pico del Cedro.
The undulating path now continues over Pico Corralejo (2044m) and Pico de las Ovejas (1854m). Dramatic scenery abounds as we gradually descend through lava fields and forests to our day’s end point at the Refugio del Pilar.
Challenging Linear walk
Walk 3 - Ruta de los Volcanes!
THE SCENERY TODAY IS EPIC!
Today really is a standout feature of this challenge and covers numerous extinct volcanoes along the central rim of Cumbre Vieja. It offers a remarkable day of hiking in breathtaking landscapes that are both unique and beyond the usual experience for many. Definitely a hike for the memory bank!
Starting from Refugio del Pilar, we head south and shortly reach the huge crater at Hoya Negro. Just to the east is Pico Nambroque, a volcano that last exploded in 1949. We will explore the vast lava fields of Maltorada before ascending to the crater and summit of Volcan de la Deseada (1945m). Following this, a gradual descent past Volcan Cabrito leads us to the crater of Volcan Martin (1529m). We traverse through sandy lava fields on well-maintained paths until we reach our end point for the day.
Challenging Linear walk
Walk 4 - The Southern Volcanoes
PINE FORESTS AND VINEYARDS ENDING AT THE LIGHTHOUSE
Today we traverse the extensive GR131 trail, passing through pine forests and vineyards. Enjoying continuous breathtaking views of the coast, we reach the vicinity of Fuencaliente, the location of the island's largest winery.
Excitement mounts as we venture into more volcanic terrain, heading towards the coastline. The path gradually descends leading us to the lighthouse. During the descent, we catch a glimpse of the Teneguia volcano crater (erupted in 1971) and traverse its stunning lava fields that extend to the lighthouse. Here, nature is slowly reclaiming the landscape. This is an unforgettable experience!
Today is for savouring and taking in the end of an amazing journey!
Moderate Linear walk
Day 6 - Departure day
It's time to say adios to the island, hopefully having made some new friends and banked some great memories, you'll be taken back to the airport.
Dates & Prices
Tour Dates 2025 and 2026
Groups of over 8 persons
Choose your dates and we shall check with our guiding availability
Various dates throughout the year between November and May inclusive. We need a minimum of 8 people to run these challenges. Please enquire via our Contact Form