Discover the last eruption in La Palma

Discover the Last Eruption in La Palma: A Detailed Review

Exploring La Palma’s volcanic landscapes and charming towns in one day offers a compelling mix of natural wonder and cultural richness. This tour, led by experienced guide Basso Lanzone, promises a personalized experience that goes beyond typical group outings. With a focus on authentic sights, local stories, and the island’s resilience after recent eruptions, it’s a journey designed for curious travelers eager to connect with La Palma’s unique character.

One aspect we particularly appreciate is how this tour emphasizes authenticity—each stop has been carefully chosen after numerous visits, ensuring a meaningful experience rather than a rushed itinerary. However, some travelers might find the duration slightly tight, especially if they prefer more leisure time at each stop. This tour suits those who want a well-rounded glimpse of La Palma’s natural beauty, history, and volcanic activity, especially if they appreciate a knowledgeable guide who loves sharing personal insights.

Key Points

• Authentic, personalized experience led by a local guide, not a generic tour.
• Mix of culture, scenery, and volcanic history provides a well-rounded day.
• Comfortable transportation with an air-conditioned vehicle ensures a smooth journey.
• Great value for the price considering the stops, stories, and included tickets.
• Time at scenic viewpoints offers ample photo opportunities and contemplation.
• Limited lunch options—lunch is not included, so plan to explore local eateries.

Introduction to La Palma’s Volcanic and Cultural Charm

This tour offers a chance to see La Palma through the eyes of someone who knows and loves the island deeply. Unlike many standard excursions, it’s built from scratch by Basso Lanzone, a guide with years of experience, who has personally visited each destination on the route. This means you’ll benefit from carefully curated stops that emphasize genuine beauty, local culture, and impressively recent volcanic activity.

The main draw here is the combination of natural landscapes, historical streets, and volcanic sights, making it a satisfying choice for travelers who want more than just pretty views but also meaningful stories behind them. Whether you’re a geology buff, a lover of island culture, or simply seeking a memorable day out, this trip offers a solid balance of all.

Why This Tour Stands Out

Many tours on La Palma tend to focus on just one aspect—like volcanic landscapes or sightseeing. This experience, however, manages to weave together history, nature, and recent volcanic events into a cohesive journey. The personalized touch, with stories and anecdotes from a local guide, elevates it beyond a typical bus ride.

It’s clear that Basso Lanzone’s personal visits and careful planning have resulted in a route that showcases the island’s most compelling sights without feeling rushed. The inclusion of multiple viewpoints, cultural highlights, and the recent eruption site makes it especially relevant for those wanting to understand La Palma’s ongoing volcanic story.

The Itinerary in Detail

Stop 1: Calle O’Daly at Santa Cruz de La Palma

We start in Santa Cruz, where the guide meets everyone at the iconic Nitrato de Chile mural. This spot is more than a photo op—it’s a historic landmark that symbolizes the island’s once thriving nitrate industry. Strolling along Calle O’Daly, we get an introduction to the colorful facades, lively cafes, and the bustling atmosphere that reflects the island’s vibrant life.

Reviewers mention how the guide, Rosie, managed multiple languages well, making everyone feel included. One noted that “the tour manager did a great job on managing the languages and making sure everyone was involved,” creating a lively, engaging start.

Stop 2: Santa Cruz’s Historic Core

Next, we walk deeper into the well-preserved historic district, where colonial houses and charming plazas tell stories of La Palma’s maritime past. We visit the town hall and historic churches, with the guide sharing insights into local traditions and the island’s connection to the sea.

Travelers have appreciated the immersive nature of this walk—“a perfect introduction to local culture,” as one reviewer said—and it sets the scene for understanding the island’s resilience and community spirit.

Stop 3: Mirador de la Cumbrecita

Then, we head to the Cumbrecita viewpoint in the Caldera de Taburiente National Park. The views here are spectacular—imposing volcanic cliffs, lush pine forests, and the vast crater below. It’s a perfect spot for photos and some quiet reflection on La Palma’s volcanic origins.

The guide explains the geological formation of the park and its ecosystems, enhancing the experience with educational context. Reviewers have described this as a “breathtaking panorama” and a highlight of the day.

Stop 4: Tacande de Arriba & Volcán Tajogaite

The next stop immerses us in the recent volcanic activity—Tajogaite, born during the 2021 eruption. We travel along the new road built over lava flows, passing through fields of cooled lava, abandoned homes, and the scars left by the eruption. The contrast of lush green against black volcanic rock makes for a surreal landscape.

A reviewer pointed out, “Seeing the lava scars up close, with the guide sharing stories from locals who lived through it, adds a powerful dimension to the visit.” The guide’s personal anecdotes about the eruption’s impact deepen the understanding of La Palma’s resilience.

Stop 5: El Paso for a Break

Finally, we arrive in El Paso, the island’s lively heart, where you have free time to relax, explore local eateries, or simply wander through artisan shops. It’s a relaxing way to soak up the local atmosphere before heading back.

One reviewer praised this part, saying “it’s perfect for tasting some local cuisine and chatting with residents,” rounding off the day with a genuine taste of island life.

Practical Considerations and Value

The tour lasts about 5.5 hours, including travel, sightseeing, and free time in El Paso. The transportation is via an air-conditioned vehicle, which is a plus considering the warm Canary climate. The group size is capped at 50, providing a comfortable experience without feeling crowded.

The price of roughly $83 per person is quite reasonable, considering the extensive itinerary, multiple stops with included entry tickets, and the personalized guidance. While lunch isn’t included, the free time in El Paso allows for a relaxed meal at one of the many local restaurants or cafes.

Some reviews note the tour’s pace might feel a bit rushed—especially if you’re keen on spending more time at each site—so it’s best for travelers who prefer a structured, informative experience over leisurely exploration.

Authentic Insights from Reviewers

Multiple reviews highlight the quality of the guides, with one mentioning Rosie “did a great job managing multiple languages and making sure everyone was involved,” which is vital for a diverse group. Another reviewer praised Susi’s knowledge about the volcano and the island’s history, noting that “she could give us a lot of information about the island and volcano,” making the experience both informative and personal.

Some travelers felt the cost was slightly high for the duration and number of stops, but most agreed that the value for money was good when considering the quality of storytelling, the scenic highlights, and the inclusion of entry tickets.

The Sum Up

This tour is ideal for travelers who want a personalized, story-rich experience of La Palma’s natural and cultural landscape. It’s perfect for those who appreciate expert guides with genuine local knowledge, and for anyone interested in recent volcanic activity and the island’s ongoing story of resilience.

While the pace is structured, the variety of stops—from historic streets to volcanic scars—ensures you’ll leave with a well-rounded impression of La Palma’s beauty and history. The inclusive, friendly approach makes it especially suitable for curious travelers eager to learn beyond surface-level sights.

If you’re after a value-rich experience that combines natural beauty, local culture, and recent volcanic stories, this tour offers a memorable way to explore La Palma with the benefit of a knowledgeable guide leading the way.

FAQ

Is lunch included in this tour?
No, lunch is not included. You’ll have free time in El Paso to find a local restaurant or cafe to enjoy a meal.

What is the duration of the tour?
The entire experience lasts approximately 5 hours and 30 minutes, including stops and free time in El Paso.

Are tickets to sites included?
Yes, entry tickets to places like the Mirador de la Cumbrecita and other viewpoints are included in the price.

Is transportation comfortable?
Yes, transportation is in an air-conditioned vehicle, providing a comfortable ride between sites.

What is the group size?
The tour can accommodate up to 50 travelers, which balances a social atmosphere with comfort.

Is the tour suitable for all ages?
Most travelers can participate, but check with the provider if you have specific needs or mobility concerns.

Can I cancel the tour?
Yes, free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Who is the guide?
The guide is a government-certified local expert with extensive experience exploring La Palma’s terrain and history.

This carefully curated tour invites you to see La Palma through a lens of authenticity, history, and volcanic resilience—perfect for adventurers eager to connect with the island’s true spirit.