La Palma: Guided Tour to Tajogaite Volcano with Transfer

Discover La Palma’s Volcano: Guided Tour to Tajogaite with Transfers

This 8-hour guided tour from La Palma Transfer & Tours offers an up-close look at the newly formed Tajogaite Volcano. Priced at $55 per person, it combines hiking with a bus excursion, making for a well-rounded experience of the island’s volcanic landscape. The tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off, a knowledgeable guide, and several prominent stops to understand how La Palma’s landscape has transformed following 85 days of volcanic activity.

While the moderate 3-hour hike over approximately 5 kilometers demands comfortable shoes and a bit of stamina, the tour’s highlights — from viewing the lava delta to exploring the Lava Field of La Laguna — make it a compelling choice for nature lovers and those curious about volcanic phenomena. The small group size of up to 14 participants ensures personalized attention, although it’s not suitable for visitors with mobility, heart, or respiratory issues.

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Key Points

• Price: Just $55 per person for an 8-hour experience
• Includes: Hotel pickup and drop-off, a professional guide, and transportation
• Highlights: Visiting the Tajogaite Volcano crater, the lava delta at Puerto Tazacorte, and the Viewpoint of Plaza de Tajuya
• Hiking: Approximate 3-hour route, around 5 km, with a guided walk along the new volcanic path
• Suitable for: Those comfortable with moderate walking, not suitable for mobility-impaired or heart/respiratory condition
• Reviews: Rated 4.8/5 based on 126 reviews praising the guides and scenery

Starting from the Heart of La Palma

This tour departs from various central meeting points in Fuencaliente, Santa Cruz de La Palma, or Los Cancajos with pickup times starting as early as 7:45 am. The bus clearly bears a La Palma Transfer & Tours sign, making it easy to spot. The transportation provides a comfortable ride for the full 8-hour excursion, which concludes back at the initial meeting point.

This convenient transfer service makes the tour accessible without the hassle of arranging independent transportation, allowing visitors to relax and focus on the scenery and insights shared by guides. Optional hotel pickups further streamline the experience, especially if staying near the coast or in central areas.

Exploring the Newly Formed Volcano: The Route and Highlights

The hiking segment begins at Llano del Jable, where the authorised guides lead you along a new pathway created specifically to ascend towards the Tajogaite Volcano crater. The route takes approximately 3 hours and covers 5 kilometers, with the guides explaining the ongoing volcanic activity, including the measurement instruments used to monitor the eruption.

Travelers will see how Canary Island pines thrive despite the recent destruction, demonstrating the resilience of nature. The lava flows have significantly altered the landscape, creating a lava delta at Puerto Tazacorte, which the tour visits to observe the new extension of land formed by lava reaching the sea. The district of La Laguna showcases a road built for connection amidst the volcanic destruction, emphasizing the ongoing recovery.

Viewpoints and Local Villages: Tajuya and Tacande

As the tour progresses, the Plaza de Tajuya serves as a viewpoint that became a strategic observation point during the eruption. The cone of the volcano and the extensive lava flows reaching the west coast are clearly visible from here. Visiting the neighborhood of Tacande offers a close-up look at the area closest to the volcano’s origin, allowing visitors to witness the scale of the lava field.

These stops provide spectacular views and a tangible sense of the eruption’s scale, making the geographical and emotional impact of the volcano more real. The guides share insights into how the local residents coped and adapted during this extraordinary natural event.

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Practical Details and What to Bring

The tour emphasizes comfortable shoes suitable for a moderate hike, as well as sun protection including a hat and sunscreen. Travelers should also carry water, a jacket for changing weather, and comfortable clothing for the outdoor walk. The guides conduct the walk in English, German, and Spanish, ensuring clear communication across diverse groups.

Since the walk is mostly downhill with some steeper sections, it’s manageable but may be challenging for those with knee issues. The tour does not include food or drinks, so participants may want to bring snacks for the lunch stop at Puerto Tazacorte, which is described as beautiful and provides an opportunity to enjoy local scenery and cuisine.

The Guides and Their Role in Enhancing the Experience

Guides like Thor, Eva, and Wim are praised for their knowledge, friendliness, and ability to explain complex volcanic processes clearly. The guides’ storytelling enriches the experience, highlighting how the volcano’s eruption affected the local community and the landscape.

Their approachability and expertise help visitors feel more connected to the landscapes and history of La Palma. The small group size ensures personalized attention, with plenty of stops for questions and photo opportunities along the way.

The Unique Appeal of This Volcano Tour

This tour’s highlight is the chance to see the volcano’s crater up close and observe the ongoing volcanic activity through measuring instruments left in place for research. The combination of hiking and bus travel allows a comprehensive view of the eruption’s impact, including lava flows, new land formation, and affected villages.

The scenic stops at Puerto Tazacorte and Plaza de Tajuya provide photo-worthy views and insights into the landscape’s transformation. The views from Tajuya and Tacande are among the most memorable parts of the tour, offering a panoramic perspective of La Palma’s volcanic aftermath.

Suitability and Limitations

This guided tour is ideal for active visitors prepared for a moderate hike and keen to learn about volcanic processes firsthand. It’s not suited for those with mobility impairments, heart problems, or respiratory issues due to the physical demands and outdoor nature of the excursion.

Participants should be prepared for sun exposure, possibly ash dust, and uneven terrain. The cost is reasonable given the full-day experience, guided commentary, and transportation included. The reviews consistently praise knowledgeable guides and the scenic views, reaffirming the tour’s value.

Final Thoughts: A Must for Volcano Enthusiasts and Nature Lovers

The La Palma: Guided Tour to Tajogaite Volcano with Transfer offers a comprehensive glimpse into one of the island’s most striking recent natural phenomena. The combination of a scenic hike, informative stops, and expert guides makes this experience stand out among volcanic tours.

While the physical aspect calls for some fitness, the breathtaking views and insights into volcanic activity are well worth the effort. It’s especially suitable for travelers interested in geology, landscape photography, or cultural adaptation to natural disasters. This tour delivers great value and a memorable exploration of La Palma’s volcanic landscape.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this tour suitable for children or people with mobility issues?
No, the tour requires moderate walking downhill and is not suitable for those with mobility impairments or certain health conditions.

What should I bring on the tour?
Bring comfortable shoes, sun protection, water, a jacket, and comfortable clothing suitable for outdoor activity.

Are there food options included?
No, food and drinks are not included, but there is a lunch stop at Puerto Tazacorte where you can enjoy local cuisine.

What languages are available for the guide?
Guides speak English, German, and Spanish.

How long is the hike?
The hiking route lasts about 3 hours covering roughly 5 kilometers with guidance and stops.

What makes this tour unique compared to other volcano excursions?
This tour offers a close-up view of the crater, the lava delta, and ongoing volcanic monitoring, combined with personalized guidance in a small group setting for a more intimate experience.

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