Private Bandama Caldera, Botanic Garden(/Wine*), Old Town

Key Points

• Price and Duration: This private tour costs $108 per person and lasts about 3 hours.
• Highlights: You visit Bandama Caldera, explore Las Palmas’ Old Town, and see the largest open-air botanical garden in Europe.
• Flexible Experiences: You can choose wine tasting at an old vineyard instead of the botanical garden for an extra $15.
• Convenient Meeting Point: The tour starts at Lentini Monopol, near La Catedral, with options for hotel pickup.
• Expert Guides: Guides speak Spanish, English, German, and other languages, and are praised for their friendly, knowledgeable approach.
• Customizable: The tour includes free time in Old Town and options for additional transfers or extensions to nearby locations like Maspalomas.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Exploring Gran Canaria’s Volcanic Wonder: Bandama Caldera

The Bandama Caldera is one of the tour’s star attractions, showcasing the island’s volcanic history. You’ll visit the lava-filled volcanic crater, which last erupted on the island centuries ago. From the top of Bandama Mountain, the views stretch across northeast Gran Canaria, revealing the island’s rugged landscape and lush vineyards.

A photo stop at the caldera takes around 15 minutes, allowing plenty of time for picture-taking of the impressive volcanic crater. The scenery from the summit offers a stunning panorama, making it a favorite spot for those who love natural geological formations. The drive to this point passes through protected Tafira landscapes, adding scenic charm to the ascent.

Old Town Las Palmas: A Historic Walk

After the caldera visit, the tour drops you in Las Palmas’ Old Town, a hub of history and charm. Here, you can stroll along narrow streets that trace the city’s beginnings as a port for explorers like Columbus and the Conquistadores. The magnificent cathedral, La Catedral, and the traditional shopping areas are within easy walking distance.

The free time in the Old Town invites exploration of local markets, cafes, and shops, giving an authentic taste of local life. This part of the tour lets you soak in the historic atmosphere and admire well-preserved architecture that reflects the city’s past.

Botanical Garden of the Canary Islands: A Living Collection

One of the key highlights is the Europe’s largest open-air botanical garden, showcasing thousands of plants and trees from various climates. The guide guides you through sections like the ancient laurel forest and pine trees, emphasizing the diversity of flora that thrives on the island.

The cactus garden adds a vibrant splash of color with cacti of many sizes and shapes. Walking through the garden offers insight into the island’s botanical richness and the adaptations of desert plants. This stop typically lasts about an hour, giving a relaxed pace to appreciate the natural beauty.

Wine Tasting Alternative at a Historic Vineyard

For those interested in local flavors, the tour offers an upgrade to a wine tasting experience for an extra $15 (payable on-site). The tasting takes place at a charming old wine house, where you can sample Canary wines made from local grapes.

This alternative is popular among visitors eager to learn about the island’s wine-making traditions. The wine tasting replaces the botanical garden visit and provides a more gastronomic experience, complemented by the scenic vineyard setting.

More Great Tours Nearby

Logistics and Meeting Points

The tour begins at the Lentini Monopol, just next to a small monument dedicated to Canary wrestling, close to La Catedral. Travelers can reach the meeting point easily by bus or taxi, with options for hotel pickup for an additional $15 per group of up to three people.

For visitors staying in Maspalomas, transfers are available for $70, making it convenient to join the tour without hassle. The tour ends back at the starting point, but options exist for additional transfers to areas like Santa Catalina, Las Canteras, or Maspalomas for extra fees.

The Experience with the Guides

Guides are praised for their friendliness, knowledge, and ability to share stories about the Canary Islands’ history, flora, and fauna. They speak multiple languages, including English, Spanish, German, and others upon request.

Visitors appreciate the efficient coverage of sites and the informative commentary that enhances the experience. The guides’ approachability makes the half-day tour both educational and enjoyable.

Pacing, Flexibility, and Customization

The tour’s pacing balances sightseeing with free time, especially in Old Town. It’s designed as a private group, allowing for personalized attention and flexibility in your schedule.

While the standard tour lasts around 3 hours, the availability of start times means you can plan ahead. The option for hotel pickup and additional transfers ensures convenience for travelers with different schedules.

Pricing and Overall Value

At $108 per person, this tour offers a good balance of sightseeing, culture, and natural beauty. The inclusion of drop-off in Old Town and the expert guide adds value. The wine tasting upgrade is an affordable way to deepen your experience.

The reviews highlight the well-organized nature of the excursion and the excellent knowledge of guides, making it a reliable choice for those wanting a comprehensive half-day trip.

Who Would Enjoy This Tour Most?

This tour suits history enthusiasts, geology lovers, and nature fans eager to see volcanic landscapes and botanical marvels. It’s also perfect for wine lovers willing to try local varieties in a scenic vineyard setting.

The private group setup makes it ideal for families, couples, or small groups seeking a personalized, relaxed experience. Comfortable shoes are recommended due to walking at each stop, but the tour is accessible and manageable for most visitors.

Final Thoughts on the Private Bandama Caldera, Botanic Garden/Wine Tour

This 3-hour private tour combines natural wonders with cultural highlights, offering a flexible, well-organized way to explore Gran Canaria’s volcanic heart and historic streets. The expert guides and stunning views are the main draws, alongside the option to indulge in local wines.

While the tour covers multiple sites efficiently, it’s best suited for those who appreciate balanced pacing and personalized attention. The additional transfer options make it easy to fit into varied travel plans, and the reviews confirm its reputation for knowledgeable guides and smooth organization.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this tour suitable for children?
Yes, the tour is manageable for most ages, especially with its short duration and relaxed pace.

Can I choose to do the wine tasting instead of the botanical garden?
Yes, for an extra $15, you can opt for the wine tasting at an old vineyard instead of the botanical garden.

What languages do the guides speak?
Guides speak Spanish, English, German, with French, Italian, Portuguese available upon request.

Where does the tour start?
The meeting point is Lentini Monopol, near La Catedral, easily accessible by bus or taxi.

Is hotel pickup available?
Yes, hotel pickup can be arranged for an additional $15 per group of up to 3 people, with a contact via WhatsApp.

How long is the visit to the caldera?
The caldera stop lasts about 15 minutes for photos and viewing from the summit.

What should I bring?
Comfortable shoes are recommended for walking at each stop.

Can I extend my trip to Maspalomas or other locations?
Yes, additional transfers to Maspalomas or Las Canteras are possible for extra fees.

Is the tour suitable for people with mobility issues?
The tour involves walking at each site, so it may be less suitable for those with mobility challenges.

How do I pay for the optional wine tasting?
The $15 fee for wine tasting is payable cash on-site.

This private tour offers a balanced mix of volcanic scenery, cultural exploration, and optional local wine, making it a versatile choice for travelers eager to discover Gran Canaria’s natural and historic treasures.

You can check availability for your dates here: More Great Tours Nearby