8
13 405
Arrive into La Palma and take an airport transfer to your hotel in the capital. Have a wander around the pretty town, which is famous for its iconic balconies and its lively cafe and restaurant scene, before stopping for dinner somewhere. *Overnight Hotel El Galeon or similar*
After a short 15 min transfer to Puntallana, today's walk follows the GR130 long-distance coastal path that runs across La Palma, through dramatic barrancos (ravines) with stunning coastal views. You will walk through citrus groves, avocado and mango orchards, small vineyards and banana plantations, arriving in the pretty village of San Andrés, one of the first colonial towns on the island. Take some time to explore the cobbled streets and houses in the historic quarter, visit one of the oldest churches on the island, enjoy a side visit to a local rum factory or take a dip in the seawater pools at Charco Azul. Then walk for another 15 minutes up the coast until you reach your apartment where you spend the night. *Overnight Apartmentos Miriam or similar*
Distance in Km: 15
Distance in Miles: 9
Altitude Gain: 500
Altitude Loss: 700
After breakfast, begin to walk uphill to Los Sauces, a small town with a vibrant atmosphere on the north east coast. Enjoy negotiating the dramatic ‘Barranco de Herradura’, and then ascend just over 500m through several small villages to reach Barlovento (meaning ‘fresh breeze’) a village which enjoys breathtakingly beautiful sea views. *Overnight Hotel La Palma Romantica or similar*
Distance in Km: 10
Distance in Miles: 6
Altitude Gain: 600
Altitude Loss: 200
From Barlovento, follow a path through the ‘Dragon Trees Forest’, across undulating coastline with spectacular views towards the cliffs. Navigate a series of barrancos to reach Los Gallegos, and then descend to sea level, crossing the dramatic Barranco de Franceses before ascending to the pretty village of Franceses; At the end of the walk, take the public bus (fare included) back to Barlovento. *Overnight Hotel La Palma Romantica or similar*
Distance in Km: 13
Distance in Miles: 8
Altitude Gain: 600
Altitude Loss: 750
After a short transfer this morning you use ancient paths to discover the far north of La Palma, one of the most unspoiled parts of the island. Walk across the Barranco de Los Hombres, a spectacular steep-sided gorge, to reach the tiny hamlet of El Tablado. Then a steep ascent to yet another tiny hamlet, Roque del Faro, before taking a public bus (fare included) back to your hotel in Barlovento. *Overnight Hotel La Palma Romantica or similar*
Distance in Km: 10
Distance in Miles: 6
Altitude Gain: 900
Altitude Loss: 400
Today you take a transfer (1 hour) to walk an exciting section of the GR131 route from the highest point of the island, Roque de los Muchachos, along the rim of the crater Caldera de Taburiente, to the Pico de la Nieve. The route has breathtaking views across the island and the high mountain paths twist and turn across the rocky landscape. In the distance it is possible to see the peak of Mount Teide on Tenerife, emerging from the horizon, 3750m above sea level. After a soft descent, your transfer takes you to the capital of Santa Cruz.
Distance in Km: 13
Distance in Miles: 8
Altitude Gain: 250
Altitude Loss: 750
Take an unforgettable walk today along the ‘Ruta de Los Volcanes’. Here you navigate a series of volcanoes in the south of the island, with some of them having erupted only a few years ago. This is the longest walk of the trip, and although it involves a substantial descent it is a very popular and well-marked path, following the GR131 from beginning to end. *Overnight Hotel El Galeon or similar*
Distance in Km: 19
Distance in Miles: 11
Altitude Gain: 550
Altitude Loss: 1300
If you have time before your flight, take a small walk around Santa Cruz. This fascinating town attracted Flemish merchants who built imposing town palaces, which today accommodate museums and boutiques. A walk along the Calle Real, visiting the Plaza de España, Town Hall or the food market will be a perfect end to your La Palma experience before your flight home.
* 7 nights accommodation in hotels and apartments
* 6 days walking, with luggage transfers
* Altitude maximum 2426m, average 800m
* Self-guided holiday. Min age 14 yrs
All breakfasts included.
In Santa Cruz and Barlovento, breakfasts are buffets in the hotels and
usually include a selection of breads, cereals, pastries, cold meats and
cheese, fresh fruit and yogurt. In San Andres breakfast is provided in a
local cafe and is usually bread, eggs and fruit.
A packed lunch can be requested from the hotels in Santa Cruz and Barlovento
(please request this the night before) or there are some nearby supermarkets
where you are able to pick up food for your journey. Supermarkets are
generally closed on Sundays so please be prepared for this.
Dinners can be booked in advance as a Half Board (HB) supplement or there are
other dining options nearby. Dinners, when the HB supplement is paid in
advance, are usually 3 courses and are taken from a set menu at a local
restaurant or at your hotel and offer a variety of local specialities and
international cuisine. There is a lot of fresh fish available.
Drinks are not included with dinner, but a soft drink should cost €1-2, a
beer €2-4, a glass of wine €2-3 and a bottle of wine from €8 upwards.
Vegetarians: Please be aware that meat and fish are staple foods in Spain.
Most vegetarians do not experience any problems, however please be prepared
to be flexible.
* 7 nights accommodation in hotels and apartments
* 6 days walking, with luggage transfers
* Altitude maximum 2426m, average 800m
* Self-guided holiday. Min age 14 yrs
*Activity level 4 - Moderate/Challenging*
The walks on this trip vary between moderate and challenging and each day
involves a fair amount of ascent and descent (for more details please see the
daily itinerary). As this is a self-guided tour, there will be no group or
tour leader and you can walk at your own pace. We do recommend that you take
some time to rest and enjoy the views!
The terrain and type of path will vary but many of them can be rocky and
steep, especially on the gorge walks on days 4 and 5. Good quality walking
boots and poles are highly recommended for the type of walking you will be
doing. All of the paths walked are approved and monitored by the Federación
Española de Montañismo and are well sign-posted. The walks on days 2, 4, 5
and 7 are classed as the more challenging walks of the trip. If necessary on
days 3, 4, 5 and 6 it is possible to shorten the walks, this will be
discussed with you on your arrival briefing.
Although the walking can be steep we don't anticipate that vertigo sufferers
will struggle at any point. However, if this does pose a problem, alternative
shorter walks can be organised.
It is likely that you will encounter barking dogs during some of the walks,
but walking poles are a useful deterrent.
Whilst the paths are well signed, it is likely that on the first 4 days of
walking you will not come across many other walkers (if any), so it feels as
though you have the views to yourself.
It is important that you are happy reading maps and following route notes, we
make these as accurate as possible and they are regularly checked.
*Families*
Self-guided walking holidays are a perfect option for families as they offer
the freedom for you to take your holiday at your own pace. You can stop as
and when you want and need, places and sites that suit your family and that
interest you. As a guide we have suggested that 12 years is the minimum age
for this trip, but as it is self-guided and you will be leading your own
family we will ultimately leave this decision up to you. The daily distances
are all published in the trip notes along with a description of each days
walking so you have a good idea of what to expect. However, if you have any
questions please do not hesitate to contact one of our experts. The principle
idea is that these holidays can be as flexible as you like, with logistical
support but no group or leader to dictate the daily activities.
Hotels & Apartments
7 nights accommodation in small hotels and apartments, all en suite. Hotel La
Palma Romantica in Barlovento offers a pool (indoor and outdoor) and a
Jacuzzi.
Please note that the accommodation is always subject to availability and
named hotels may change.
As this is a self-guided holiday there is no group and no leader. Your
luggage is transferred and route directions and maps are provided. The route
directions contain an emergency assistance telephone number (operating
between 08:30 and 22:00hrs). In emergency, the local representative is
normally able to dispatch a taxi or pick you up themselves. They may wish to
charge for this service.
All breakfasts included.
In Santa Cruz and Barlovento, breakfasts are buffets in the hotels and
usually include a selection of breads, cereals, pastries, cold meats and
cheese, fresh fruit and yogurt. In San Andres breakfast is provided in a
local cafe and is usually bread, eggs and fruit.
A packed lunch can be requested from the hotels in Santa Cruz and Barlovento
(please request this the night before) or there are some nearby supermarkets
where you are able to pick up food for your journey. Supermarkets are
generally closed on Sundays so please be prepared for this.
Dinners can be booked in advance as a Half Board (HB) supplement or there are
other dining options nearby. Dinners, when the HB supplement is paid in
advance, are usually 3 courses and are taken from a set menu at a local
restaurant or at your hotel and offer a variety of local specialities and
international cuisine. There is a lot of fresh fish available.
Drinks are not included with dinner, but a soft drink should cost €1-2, a
beer €2-4, a glass of wine €2-3 and a bottle of wine from €8 upwards.
Vegetarians: Please be aware that meat and fish are staple foods in Spain.
Most vegetarians do not experience any problems, however please be prepared
to be flexible.
Your luggage is transported from hotel to hotel for you. Some of your
transfers are in taxis and some are on the public bus (fares included) -
details will be provided to you at the welcome briefing.
*Travelling land only: 8 days starting in Santa Cruz and ending in Santa
Cruz*
Your trip normally starts at Santa Cruz airport (airport code SPC) on La
Palma, on the afternoon of Day 1.
Joining instructions including route notes, hotel list, map and local
emergency numbers will be sent to you as part of our Final Joining
Instructions. If you do not receive these at least a week before departure,
or require them earlier please contact our office or your travel agent.
An airport transfer is included for those booking flight inclusive packages.
For those booking land only transfers can be added at a supplement.
La Palma enjoys a relatively balanced climate year round due to the trade
winds that affect all of the Canary Islands. These winds from the north east
carry moisture and can mean that two different sides of the island can be
experiencing completely different weather patterns simultaneously. The winds
provide a lovely natural cooling system which is perfect for hiking. However
you should be prepared for rain at any time, La Palma is a lush, green island
and the weather systems can be quite unpredictable. We offer this trip year
round, but please be aware that there can be significant increases in
temperature in July and August and this may lead to cancellation of some
walking days if the weather is too hot. The best time to trek is from October
to May, when the island is a little cooler.
As well as casual clothes for travel and days off, we recommend that you
bring the following:
Day sack with 30-40 litres capacity
A good quality waterproof/windproof jacket and waterproof trousers
Walking boots with good ankle support and a strong sole
A warm fleece or lightweight down jacket
Sun hat, sun cream and sun glasses
Hat and gloves
Walking poles are highly recommended
Mobile phone (please check your sim card works overseas)
Swimming costume/trunks
Towel for the pools at Charco Azul
For the meals not included we recommend that you allow €8-15 for lunch if
taken in a café or restaurant and €25-40 for dinners. The hotel can
arrange a packed lunch for you (approx. €6) if you request it the night
before, or you can pick up picnic supplies from a supermarket.
Stargazing (€25 per person) is a very popular activity on La Palma and this
can be booked for you in advance. Please speak to a member of Exodus staff
beforehand or talk to the local representative about this in your welcome
briefing.
* Dinners (available as a HB supplement)
* Travel insurance
* Single accommodation (on request)
* Visas or vaccinations
* Travel to/from the start/end point when booking a land only package
Ved skriftlig aksept av vårt tilbud bekrefter du/dere at våre betingelser er både lest og forstått og at evt kansellerings gebyrer kan tilkomme ved en evt. avbestilling av reisen.