On this hiking route up the Tajogaite Volcano, we'll have the best views of the landscape formed in the 19th September 2021 Cumbre Vieja eruption.
Tajogaite Volcano Hike
At the indicated time, we'll meet at Calle Manuel Taño, 11 to start this hiking route around the Cumbre Vieja volcano. During the activity, we'll talk about the latest volcanic episodes on La Palma and the landscape that has changed since the 2021 September eruption.
With presentations done, we'll board a taxi and set off to the Cumbre Vieja Natural Park and arrive at Llano del Jable, in the town of El Paso town, located at 1200 metres (4000 feet) high. Along the way, we'll tell you about what the formation process of the island of La Palma consisted of, as well as that of El Hierro, the youngest of the Canary Islands.
Once there, we'll start a walk through the ash and lapilli. You'll also learn about how vegetation was damaged and see the regeneration effort of the Canary Pine. We'll also discuss the worst affected towns.
After walking 2.5 km (1.5 mi), we'll arrive at a distance of about 300 metres (984 feet) from the crater in the newly formed Tajogaite Volcano of Cumbre Vieja. Here, we'll have incredible views of the lava flow that devastated various inhabited areas in the Aridane Valley, changing the island's landscape and many people's lives forever.
We'll end the tour, returning the same route, walking a total of 5 km (3.1 mi). After 3 to 3.5 hours of activity, we'll say our goodbyes.
7-Kilometre Hike
If you're looking for a more challenging option, why not upgrade your experience with this 7 km (4.3 mi), medium-difficulty hike, suitable for children aged 10 and over, that will bring us even closer to the crater?
Once we arrive at Llano del Hable, we'll follow the first part of the trail but will then take a detour down a local route that will lead us to an old area of fig, mulberry, and chestnut fields. Afterwards, we'll descend down a steep path filled with pyroclasts, leading directly to the edge of the volcanic vents. You'll be blown away by the vibrant colours, the fumaroles, and the magnitude of the destruction.
We'll then return to the hike's starting point by bordering the eastern part of the volcanic cone. After 4 to 4.5 hours, we'll reach our initial meeting point by vehicle, arriving after a total of 4 hours from the start of the activity.
Difficulty Level
For the 5 km (3.1 mi) route, it's recommended to go hiking on a regular basis or to be in good physical condition. For the 7 km (4.3 mi) route, you need to be in better physical condition. Bear in mind that both routes are on sandy terrains. In the summer season, high temperatures may increase the difficulty.
Children can participate under the responsibility of their parents, who must first assess their ability to do the route. For the 5 km (3.1 mi) route, children aged 5 and above can participate. For the 7 km (4.3 mi) route, the minimum recommended age is 10 years.