La Palma: Tour to the new Tajogaite volcano 360º.

Exploring La Palma’s recent volcanic activity with a guided tour of the Tajogaite volcano offers a rare chance to get up close and personal with this awe-inspiring natural phenomenon. This 3-hour trek takes you from the northern slopes of the volcano all the way down to Las Manchas, providing panoramic views and insights that you simply can’t experience from afar.

One of the best bits? You get to walk along a newly created trail that circles the volcano, offering 360º perspectives of the crater and the surrounding landscape. Plus, the tour is led by knowledgeable guides, including the highly praised Juan, whose storytelling and deep understanding make the journey even more memorable.

A potential consideration? The tour’s medium/high level of difficulty means it’s best suited for those with a reasonable level of fitness and mobility. It’s not ideal for young children, pregnant women, or anyone with mobility issues. But if you’re up for a bit of an adventure, this experience hits the sweet spot between awe-inspiring scenery and informative storytelling.

This tour is perfect for geology enthusiasts, nature lovers, and anyone curious about volcanic activity—offering both educational value and postcard-worthy views. If you’re looking for an authentic, immersive experience that brings you closer to La Palma’s volcanic heart, this might be just what you’re after.

Key Points

• Close-up views of the crater offer a unique perspective that’s otherwise impossible from afar.
• Expert guides provide deep insights, personal stories, and detailed explanations of the volcano’s history and ongoing activity.
• The scenic trail showcases diverse landscapes, from ash and lapilli-covered areas to regrowth of flora like fig, chestnut, and Canary pines.
• The experience offers impressive vistas and a chance to observe the ongoing scientific monitoring of the eruptive site.
• The cost of $46 includes transport, transfers, and the guided hike, making it good value for such a comprehensive experience.
• You’ll need comfortable hiking shoes, sun protection, and a camera—this is an active, three-hour walk with varied terrain.

A Detailed Look at the Tajogaite Volcano Tour

The Itinerary and Starting Point

The adventure begins in Llano del Jable, a typical starting point for outdoor excursions on La Palma. From here, your transportation is included—an important perk, especially considering the island’s winding roads. The bus, marked with the “La Palma Transfer & Tours” sign, is comfortable and reliable, and the transfer is part of the overall experience that sets this tour apart.

The guide will give a brief overview, setting expectations for the next three hours, and then you’ll set off along the trail. You’ll be walking on ash and lapilli, which adds a certain ruggedness to the experience but also makes good footwear essential. The terrain is varied, and the route has a modest positive elevation gain of about 20 meters but a more notable negative difference of 630 meters, meaning you’ll be descending into the volcanic landscape.

Walking Along the New Trail

This part of the tour is what makes it truly special. Until recently, visitors could only admire the volcano from a distance, about 300 meters away. Now, thanks to the new trail, you can walk directly on the volcanic deposits, gaining a 360º view of the crater’s imposing walls and the surrounding terrain.

The trail has been carefully created to provide impressive vistas at every turn. As you walk, you will observe the landscape’s transformation since the eruption in September 2021. The guides point out features like control and measurement instruments, which are still monitoring the volcanic activity. These details lend an educational layer to your walk, revealing ongoing scientific efforts.

Approaching the Crater

One of the tour’s highlights is arriving close enough to see the crater’s rim and to truly grasp the power of the eruption that reshaped this part of La Palma. Reviewers mention that “getting so close to the edge of the crater” was a defining moment, and the views are described as “impressive” and “breathtaking.”

While the terrain can be challenging, the guides ensure safety and provide insights into what you’re seeing. They explain how the landscape has evolved, with new plant life, such as fig and chestnut trees, now reclaiming the volcanic edges. The Canary pines are also reclaiming their territory, illustrating nature’s resilience.

The Scientific and Natural Aspects

Throughout the walk, you’ll see scientific instruments that monitor the volcano, helping scientists and visitors understand ongoing processes. This aspect is especially interesting for those curious about volcanic activity, as it offers a behind-the-scenes look at how scientists study eruptions and lava flows.

The guides, especially Juan, are knowledgeable and cheerful, adding depth to the experience. Reviewers noted that Juan shared “a wealth of information about the volcano, life on the island, and its inhabitants,” often supplementing his narration with photos and personal anecdotes. His storytelling makes the scientific details accessible and engaging.

The Descent to Las Manchas

In the final stretch, you descend into Las Manchas, an area heavily affected by the eruption. Here, you can see how the landscape has been permanently altered, yet also how life is returning. The area is one of the most impacted, but also one of hope—plants are already thriving on the volcanic ash, and the scenery is starkly beautiful.

The walk concludes back where it began, with an approximate total distance of 6.6 km. The duration of about 3 hours includes walking at a steady pace, with plenty of opportunities to stop, take photos, and absorb the views.

The Practicalities and Value

The price of $46 per person covers transportation, transfers from your hotel, and guided commentary, making it a solid deal considering the quality of the experience. What really stands out is the expert guidance—reviewers highlighted guides like Juan for their friendliness and detailed knowledge—and the unique opportunity to get close to the crater.

Since food isn’t included, you might want to bring some snacks or water, especially in warmer weather. The tour is recommended for those with a reasonable fitness level, as it involves walking on uneven terrain and some descent.

Who Would Love This Tour?

If you’re passionate about volcanoes, geology, or natural landscapes, this tour will satisfy your curiosity and leave you with unforgettable images. It’s perfect for adventurous travelers who enjoy active outings, but you should be prepared for a moderate to high level of physical effort.

It’s also well-suited for those interested in science and recovery stories, given the ongoing monitoring and the regrowth of vegetation on the volcanic deposits. The guides’ personal stories and local insights make the experience even richer.

However, it’s not suitable for very young children, pregnant women, or anyone with mobility issues. The terrain and physical demands require a certain level of fitness and stability.

The Sum Up

This guided trek to the Tajogaite volcano’s crater offers an authentic and immersive experience. Walking on volcanic ash, observing the ongoing scientific work, and witnessing nature’s resilience all combine to make this a genuinely memorable activity.

For the price of $46, you get a well-organized tour that includes comfortable transport, expert guides (notably Juan), and impressive views that photography can’t fully capture. The story of recovery and ongoing activity makes it especially compelling, adding layers of meaning to the scenery.

If you’re craving a close-up encounter with La Palma’s recent volcanic landscape and want a tour that balances education, scenery, and a bit of adventure, this experience is a strong choice. It’s best for travelers with a reasonable fitness level who want to deepen their understanding of the island’s dynamic geology.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for children?
Not typically. The tour is about 3 hours long with some uneven terrain, so it’s best suited for those over age 10 with a good level of fitness.

What should I bring with me?
Comfortable shoes, a hat, camera, hiking shoes, a jacket, comfortable clothes, a charged smartphone, hiking pants, and perhaps some snacks or water.

Are there any restrictions on mobility?
Yes, the tour is not suitable for people with mobility impairments, wheelchairs, or strollers due to the terrain and walking demands.

Will I see the crater closely?
Yes, guides take you along the new trail that allows close-up views of the crater and the surrounding landscape, providing perspectives that were previously inaccessible.

Is transportation included?
Yes, the tour includes bus transfers to and from your hotel, making logistics hassle-free.

How long is the entire experience?
The total activity lasts around 3 hours, with the hike itself about this duration, but including transfer and briefings.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, allowing flexible planning.

In short, this tour offers a fascinating, visually stunning, and educational experience for those eager to see La Palma’s volcano up close while learning about its ongoing story of resilience. The combination of expert guides, scenic beauty, and scientific insights makes it one of the best ways to connect with the island’s dramatic landscape.