8
12 133
After arrival at the airport we take a 60 minute private transfer to the hotel in Barlovento, our home for the first three nights. The local leader will give an evening briefing before dinner. *Overnight Hotel La Palma Romantica or similar*
After breakfast we transfer (approx. 15mins) to the starting point of our hike in the lush north-east of La Palma. The walk begins in the rainforest of Los Tilos, close to the town of Los Sauces, with a short but steep climb up some 500 or so steps to a viewpoint, ‘Mirador de Las Barandas’ offering 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 manmade reservoir above Barlovento. *Overnight Hotel La Palma Romantica or similar*
Distance in Km: 9
Distance in Miles: 6
Activity Hours: 4.5
Altitude Gain: 650
Altitude Loss: 350
After a 15 minute transfer this morning, we will walk north along the dramatic coastline towards Barlovento. The hike along the steep coastline and deep gorges offers breathtaking views over the ocean, and passes Dragon Tree populations and picturesque villages. On arrival in Barlovento we can visit a local bar for a drink before walking back to our hotel for dinner. *Overnight Hotel La Palma Romantica or similar*
Distance in Km: 15
Distance in Miles: 9
Activity Hours: 5.5
Altitude Gain: 900
Altitude Loss: 700
Today we trek from the highest point of the island! After a transfer (1hr 30min) to Roque de Los Muchachos, at an elevation of approx. 2426m, we begin the 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. 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 world’s most powerful telescopes, we make our picnic stop in Pico de la Cruz (2351m) before heading to the end in Pico de la Nieve, at 2239m. Our bus will pick us up from here for the 1hr transfer to our final base in Santa Cruz. *Overnight El Galeon or similar*
Distance in Km: 12
Distance in Miles: 8
Activity Hours: 5
Altitude Gain: 1000
Altitude Loss: 490
Today is a free day and there are numerous activities nearby you can enjoy, ranging from a boat trip in search of dolphins and whales (seasonal/weather dependent), a massage, or diving trips. It is also possible to take advantage of La Palma's famously clear skies on a stargazing trip after dinner (subject to availability and weather conditions). Alternatively you could spend the day discovering the old town of Santa Cruz, a site of both historic and artistic interest, with cobbled streets, Flemish altarpieces, the Insular Museum and theatres, or relaxing on the nearby black sand volcanic beach, located at the city sea front, just few walking minutes from your hotel. *Overnight Hotel El Galeon or similar*
After a 60 minute transfer up a winding road to Los Brecitos at an elevation of 1050m we begin a magnificent journey through the National Park, with its endemic flora. There is an initial gradual descent (1.5-2hrs) on a trail cut into the steep gorge sides, which winds through pine forest all the way down to the ever running River Taburiente. The rocks along the river banks are a great place to stop for your 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 down 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. *Overnight Hotel El Galeon or similar*
Distance in Km: 16
Distance in Miles: 10
Activity Hours: 6
Altitude Gain: 100
Altitude Loss: 850
Today we walk arguably the most classic and scenic trek La Palma has to offer; La Ruta de Los Volcanes. After a transfer (30 mins) to Refugio del Pilar the trail begins, walking 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 the walk. We then transfer back to Santa Cruz de La Palma. *Overnight Hotel El Galeon or similar*
Distance in Km: 18
Distance in Miles: 11
Activity Hours: 6
Altitude Gain: 550
Altitude Loss: 1300
After breakfast, we have the majority of the day to relax or to explore Santa Cruz de La Palma at a leisurely pace before transferring to the airport for the flight back.
* 5 days point-to-point walking; 1 free day
* Altitude max 2426m, average 800m
* Group normally 6 to 16, plus local leader. Min age 16yrs
* 7 nights accommodation in guesthouses and hotels
* All breakfasts and 4 dinners included
All breakfasts and 4 dinners are included.
Breakfasts are generally a simple buffet affair at your hotel, usually
including a selection of bread, jam, pastries and cold meats and cheese.
Dinners are taken from a set menu at a local restaurant or at your hotel and
offer a variety of mouthwatering dishes and international cuisine, with lots
of fish and meat options and always a couple of vegetarian alternatives.
Local specialities include papas arrugudas (wrinkly potatoes), fresh goats
cheese, lots of fish options, and copious amounts of 'mojo' sauce.
Lunch options during the week include ordering a packed lunch from the hotel,
visiting a supermarket to buy provisions and enjoying lunch at a local bar.
We recommend budgeting €25-30 in total for lunches.
Wine is not included with dinner but the average price of a bottle is €12.
* 5 days point-to-point walking; 1 free day
* Altitude max 2426m, average 800m
* Group normally 6 to 16, plus local leader. Min age 16yrs
* 7 nights accommodation in guesthouses and hotels
* All breakfasts and 4 dinners included
*Activity level 4 - Moderate/Challenging*
This is an 8 day walking holiday based out of two different hotels with daily
transfers to the walk start/end points. The transfers are not far in terms of
distance but the roads are steep and windy in parts; the longest transfers
are the return from Roque de Los Muchachos on day 4 and the transfer to Los
Brecitos to being the walk on day 6. Average altitude is 800m, maximum is
2426m on day 6 (the Caldera de Taburiente walk).
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). The trip requires a reasonable amount of fitness, ideally
with previous trekking experience. The most challenging walks of the week are
on days 6 and 7.
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 6. 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 signposted.
Due to the nature of some of the walks we would not particularly recommend
this trip to anyone who suffers from severe vertigo. Some of the walks
traverse steep-sided slopes on relatively narrow paths cut into the hillsides
(particularly the morning of the Caldera de Taburiente National Park walk on
day 6). There is also a section of the walk around the caldera rim on day 4
that may not be suitable for vertigo sufferers.
You may find our Fitness Training Guide a useful reference:
"http://www.exodus.co.uk/assets/pdf/Exodus_WT_Fitness_Training_Guide.pdf
Walking the Island of La Palma
7 nights are spent in a mixture of 3-star hotels and apart-hotels.
Hotel Palma de la Romantica is 1km from Barlovento, in the north of La Palma.
Views from your balcony or terrace will be over the mountains or ocean, and
the hotel comes with an inside and an outside pool and spa.
El Galeon is located within walking distance to the pretty capital Santa
Cruz. It features a terrace with lovely sea views.
Please be aware that the availability of accommodation in La Palma is
limited, so the hotels listed above are subject to change.
All breakfasts and 4 dinners are included.
Breakfasts are generally a simple buffet affair at your hotel, usually
including a selection of bread, jam, pastries and cold meats and cheese.
Dinners are taken from a set menu at a local restaurant or at your hotel and
offer a variety of mouthwatering dishes and international cuisine, with lots
of fish and meat options and always a couple of vegetarian alternatives.
Local specialities include papas arrugudas (wrinkly potatoes), fresh goats
cheese, lots of fish options, and copious amounts of 'mojo' sauce.
Lunch options during the week include ordering a packed lunch from the hotel,
visiting a supermarket to buy provisions and enjoying lunch at a local bar.
We recommend budgeting €25-30 in total for lunches.
Wine is not included with dinner but the average price of a bottle is €12.
Depending on the group size we will use a small or large minivan for the
transfers.
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
Refillable water bottle (1-2 litres capacity at least)
Good quality waterproof/windproof jacket and waterproof trousers
Walking boots with good ankle support and a strong sole
Warm fleece or lightweight down jacket
Sun hat, sun cream and sun glasses
Hat and gloves
Walking poles which are highly recommended
Sit mat for picnic lunches
Please note that tap water is safe to drink in the island which means all you
need to do is bring a bottle to refill at the hotel. Please add this to your
packing list as this will save on wasteful plastic bottles.
Swimming costume/trunks
Beach towel
Although optional, a tip for the leader at the end of the trip is greatly
appreciated. The sum you choose to give is entirely personal, but as a
reasonable starting point, we suggest a contribution from €15-20 (approx.
£15) per person for the leader. Smaller groups may wish to give a little
more per person.
* Travel insurance
* Single accommodation (available on request)
* Visas or vaccinations
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.