Discover the last eruption in La Palma

Discover the Last Eruption in La Palma: An Authentic Experience for Volcano Enthusiasts and Culture Lovers

This 5-hour 30-minute tour in La Palma, Spain, offers a carefully curated journey through the island’s most compelling sights, starting at $83.01 per person. Led by Basso Lanzone, a guide official with years of experience, the tour emphasizes authenticity, local insights, and spectacular views. It departs from Santa Cruz de La Palma at 11:30 am, beginning at the Cartel Nitrato de Chile, and concludes in El Paso, with an optional free time for lunch and local exploration.

What makes this tour stand out is its personal touch—each stop is selected after multiple visits by Basso himself, ensuring a balance of cultural, natural, and volcanic sites. Instead of generic itineraries, this experience promises stories, anecdotes, and deep knowledge about La Palma’s recent volcanic activity, including the 2021 Tajogaite eruption.

While the price includes transportation in an air-conditioned vehicle and a guide authorized by the Canary Islands government, lunch is not included, giving flexibility to explore local cuisine during the final stop. The group size is limited to 50 people, making it manageable and comfortable for seeing both highlights and lesser-known viewpoints.

Key Points

• Personalized itinerary designed by a local expert, Basso Lanzone
• Visit Santa Cruz’s historic center, with colorful houses and colonial architecture
• View the impressive Cumbrecita viewpoint in the Caldera de la Palma National Park
• Get up close to the 2021 volcanic site at Tacande de Arriba, traveling along the new lava-covered roads
• End in El Paso, with free time for local food, shopping, or relaxing
• Accessible to most travelers, with a focus on cultural and geological highlights

Santa Cruz de La Palma: The Heart of the Island’s Culture

The tour begins at Calle O’Daly in Santa Cruz, where the iconic Cartel Nitrato de Chile marks the starting point. Here, the guide shares stories about the colonial past and the vibrant local life that thrives along this lively street. This area features colorful buildings, cafes, and a buzzing atmosphere, setting the tone for an immersive day.

Next, a walk through Santa Cruz’s well-preserved historic center reveals colonial houses, elegant balconies, and historical landmarks like the City Hall and old churches. This part of the tour offers a close look at the island’s maritime roots, with insights into local traditions and architecture, perfect for history enthusiasts.

Breathtaking Views from La Cumbrecita in the Caldera de la Palma

The Mirador de la Cumbrecita in the Caldera de la Palma National Park offers some of the most spectacular vistas of the island’s volcanic landscape. Surrounded by volcanic cones and pines, this viewpoint provides an unmatched panorama of the island’s geological features.

The guide explains the geological origins of the park and highlights the ecosystem’s uniqueness, making this stop ideal for nature lovers and photographers. It’s a great opportunity to take memorable photos while soaking in the vast, rugged scenery.

Visiting the Volcán Tajogaite: A Testament to Nature’s Power

Travelers get a close look at the Tajogaite volcano, which erupted in 2021, at Tacande de Arriba. The new road built over the lava flows offers a unique perspective on the eruption’s aftermath. The blackened landscapes and greenish slopes create a striking contrast.

The guide shares personal stories and details about the eruption’s impact and recovery efforts, giving a deep understanding of La Palma’s resilience. This stop is especially engaging for those interested in volcanology, natural disasters, and island recovery.

The Journey Along the Lava Fields and New Roads

The road traverses fields of lava, some still black and rough, others covered with grass and shrubs, showing nature’s ability to reclaim volcanic land. The contrast of lush greenery against black lava creates a dramatic landscape.

This part of the tour demonstrates how the island’s geography has changed since the eruption, with new infrastructure and habitat adaptations. The guide’s insights give context to the destructive force and hope for future growth.

Time in El Paso: Local Flavors and Relaxation

The tour concludes in El Paso, the vibrant community center of La Palma. Here, visitors have about an hour of free time to grab a local meal, sip coffee, or browse artisan shops. This brief pause allows for personal exploration and sampling the island’s culinary delights.

El Paso’s friendly atmosphere provides a relaxed environment to absorb the day’s experiences and interact with locals. It’s an ideal spot to reflect on the volcanic landscape or pick up souvenirs before heading back to Santa Cruz.

Practicalities: Transportation and Group Size

Transportation is via an air-conditioned vehicle, which ensures comfort during the roughly 5.5-hour journey. The group size is limited to 50 people, balancing social interaction with personal attention from the guide.

The tour departs from Calle O’Daly at 11:30 am and ends at McDonald’s in Puerto Marina la Palma. The meet point is accessible by public transportation, making logistics straightforward for most travelers.

Authenticity and Local Expertise in Every Stop

What sets this tour apart is Basso Lanzone’s personal involvement and deep knowledge of La Palma. Every stop has been carefully chosen after multiple visits, emphasizing authenticity over generic sightseeing. The stories and anecdotes shared enrich the experience, turning each location into a living part of the island’s history.

Participants appreciate the informative narration and passion of the guide, making the experience more engaging and meaningful.

Limitations and Considerations

While the tour offers spectacular views and cultural insights, it is noteworthy that the schedule may be subject to change. Some reviews mention shorter stops or delays starting, so travelers should plan for flexibility. Lunch is not included, allowing visitors to choose their preferred meal in El Paso.

The group size might be considered large by some, which could affect the personalized feel. Despite this, the expert guidance and well-organized logistics help maintain a comfortable pace.

Who Will Enjoy This Tour

This experience appeals to adventurers interested in volcanic activity, history buffs, and nature lovers. The combination of cultural walking, spectacular viewpoints, and close-up volcanic sites makes it ideal for those wanting an authentic, well-rounded day exploring La Palma’s natural and cultural heritage.

Final Thoughts on the La Palma Volcano Tour

This personalized tour offers an engaging blend of history, geology, and local culture, led by a passionate, knowledgeable guide. It’s a great choice for those seeking an authentic experience that goes beyond typical sightseeing. The value for money is reinforced by the diverse stops, storytelling, and insightful commentary.

While the schedule and stops may vary slightly, the focus on real sights and stories makes this a memorable way to discover La Palma’s recent volcanic history and natural beauty.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this tour suitable for all fitness levels?
Yes, the tour involves walking through historic streets, viewpoints, and lava fields, but no strenuous activities are required. Some stops may involve standing or walking, so comfortable footwear is advisable.

What is included in the price of $83.01?
The price covers transportation in an air-conditioned vehicle and a guide authorized by the Canary Islands government. Lunch and personal expenses are not included.

Can I cancel this tour easily?
Yes, free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance. Cancellations made within 24 hours are non-refundable.

Is this tour accessible for most travelers?
Most travelers can participate, as the tour is designed to accommodate a wide audience, but some walking over uneven terrain or lava might require moderate mobility.

Where does the tour end?
The tour concludes at McDonald’s in Puerto Marina la Palma, with the option to explore El Paso further or head back to Santa Cruz independently.