Lanzarote: Timanfaya and Cueva de los Verdes Day Trip

This comprehensive tour around Lanzarote offers a balanced mix of volcanic landscapes, cultural highlights, and scenic views. For travelers keen on experiencing the island’s geological wonders and local charm without fuss, it’s an excellent choice.

What really makes this trip shine is the combination of iconic natural sights like Timanfaya National Park and the mysterious Cueva de los Verdes, plus optional extras such as a camel ride and a visit to Jameos del Agua. The tour’s flexibility—allowing you to choose whether to pay for certain entrances or experiences—adds a layer of customization that many travelers appreciate.

One potential consideration is that the tour is quite full, with a packed itinerary and a large group. The guide’s language skills have received mixed reviews, which may impact your experience if English is your preferred language. Overall, if you love learning about volcanic landscapes, enjoy scenic viewpoints, and want to see a bit of Lanzarote’s culture and scenery, this trip will suit you perfectly.

Key Points

• Diverse Itinerary: Visits to Timanfaya, Cueva de los Verdes, La Geria, Haria, and Mirador del Rio offer a well-rounded view of Lanzarote.
• Flexible Options: You can decide to join the camel ride or visit Jameos del Agua at an extra cost.
• Expert Guides: Many reviews praise guides who are knowledgeable, although some mention language barriers.
• Scenic & Unique Stops: Highlights include the geothermal demonstrations, lunar-like volcanic landscapes, and breathtaking cliff views over La Graciosa.
• Value for Money: At $87, including entry tickets, the tour offers an immersive experience at a reasonable price.
• Weather & Comfort: Bring comfortable shoes, as you’ll be walking and exploring diverse terrains.

An In-Depth Look at the Lanzarote Day Trip

This tour is a full 9-hour adventure that covers some of Lanzarote’s most iconic sights. It’s ideal for those who want to make the most of their day with minimal hassle, as transportation and entry fees are included, and you’ll be picked up from your hotel or nearby locations.

The Itinerary Breakdown: What You’ll See and Experience

Start of the Day: Pickup & Introduction

The day begins early with pickup from your hotel or a nearby meeting point. The tour is operated by LANZAROTEGUIDES S.L, with a live guide offering commentary in both Spanish and English. You’ll want to be prepared for a long day, but the itinerary is designed to maximize sightseeing without feeling rushed.

Cueva de los Verdes

First stop is the Cueva de los Verdes, known for its stunning underground passageways formed by volcanic activity. The cave’s natural acoustics and formations make it a highlight, and many travelers find this a fascinating peek into Lanzarote’s volcanic past. Entrance is included in the tour fee, but you also have the option to pay separately and visit nearby Jameos del Agua—a cavern transformed into an art and entertainment space by César Manrique. Reviewers appreciate the cave’s surreal atmosphere, though some mention that guided commentary here is minimal unless you pay for the extra entrance.

Mirador del Río & La Geria Wine Region

Next, you’ll visit the Mirador del Río, perched on a cliff with panoramic views over La Graciosa. The vistas are spectacular, especially on clear days, and make for excellent photos. You can also explore the Haria Valley, known as the “Valley of the 10,000 Palms,” offering a tranquil landscape that contrasts with the volcanic terrain.

In the heart of the island, the bus passes the Monumento al Campesino, a sculpture honoring Lanzarote’s farmers and their resilience. It’s a quick stop but one that adds cultural context.

Wine Tasting in La Geria

A highlight for many is the stop at a local wine cellar in La Geria, where you can sample a small glass of Lanzarote wine and purchase bottles. The volcanic soil and unique microclimate make the wines here quite distinctive, often described as crisp and refreshing. This stop combines cultural insight with a chance to relax and enjoy local produce, and guides are often praised for their knowledge of the region’s wineries.

Optional Camel Ride

Before heading into the national park, there’s an optional camel ride, which has garnered mixed reviews. For those who enjoy quirky experiences, it’s a fun way to connect with Lanzarote’s desert-like landscape, but it’s not included in the base price ($11 per person). If you prefer to skip it, there’s an alternative: visiting a free museum about camels.

Timanfaya National Park

The core of the trip is Timanfaya, renowned for its volcanic activity and lunar-like terrain. Here, you’ll see geothermal demonstrations like water boiling over underground fires and a “fire mountain” showcasing volcanic heat. The volcano route takes you through the rugged landscape, giving you a sense of the island’s fiery origins.

Laguna Verde and Lava Coast

The tour concludes with a visit to the Laguna Verde, a striking green lake set against dark lava formations. The contrast of colors and textures creates a stark, almost otherworldly scene.

What the Tour Includes and What You Might Want to Add

The price of $87 per person includes entry tickets to Cueva de los Verdes and Timanfaya, plus transportation and the services of a guide. It’s a solid value considering the number of sights visited and the logistical ease.

Extras such as the camel ride or Jameos del Agua visit cost extra, but many find that the optional activities enhance the experience. The guide’s commentary, which has received mixed feedback, is an important part of the tour’s educational value. Some travelers praise guides for their expertise, while others note language barriers or overly quick talks.

One thing to consider is that lunch is not included, so bringing snacks or planning for a quick meal during the day is wise. The tour is quite full, so the pace can be brisk, especially in the summer months.

Practical Tips for Travelers

• Wear comfortable shoes as you’ll be exploring caves and volcanic terrain.
• Bring a jacket or layers, since caves can be cool and wind can pick up at viewpoints.
• If you’re interested in the Jameos del Agua, decide whether to pay for the extra entrance beforehand.
• Listen carefully to the guide’s commentary—it adds valuable context, especially about Lanzarote’s volcanic features.
• Book in advance, as this trip is popular and fills up quickly during peak seasons.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This trip is perfect for travelers who want a rundown of Lanzarote’s highlights without the hassle of organizing multiple activities or transport. It suits those interested in volcanoes, caves, scenic views, and local wines, especially if they enjoy learning with a guide who can bring the story to life. However, if you prefer a very relaxed pace or have mobility challenges, you might find the busy schedule a bit tiring.

Final Thoughts

This Lanzarote day trip offers a good mix of natural wonders, cultural stops, and scenic viewpoints—all wrapped into a manageable 9-hour adventure. It’s especially valuable for first-timers wanting a well-rounded glimpse of the island’s volcanic landscape and unique features.

While some reviews note the guide’s language skills or the brisk pace, most agree the experience is worthwhile, especially given the included entry tickets and the variety of sights. The optional activities add fun and personalization, making this a flexible choice for diverse travelers.

If you’re after a value-packed, informative day exploring Lanzarote’s volcanic heart and scenic beauty, this tour provides a memorable and well-organized way to see the best of the island.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is transportation included in this tour?
Yes, the tour includes pick-up from your hotel or nearby tourist areas, with transportation provided by the tour operator.

Can I visit Jameos del Agua during this tour?
Visiting Jameos del Agua is optional and costs an extra €12.50. You can choose to pay and visit it during the day, or skip it if you prefer.

What should I bring for the tour?
Comfortable shoes are essential, as you’ll be walking in caves and on uneven volcanic terrain. Bringing a jacket is advisable since caves can be cool, and don’t forget sun protection and water.

Is the guide’s commentary available in English?
Yes, the tour provides guides speaking both Spanish and English. However, some reviews mention that English language skills may vary, so be prepared for possible quick explanations.

How long is the tour?
The full experience lasts about 9 hours, including travel time, sightseeing, and optional activities.

Is this tour suitable for children or people with mobility issues?
The tour isn’t recommended for those with mobility impairments due to walking in caves and uneven terrains. Children who enjoy outdoor activities and are comfortable with long outings will likely enjoy it.

This Lanzarote tour balances adventure, education, and scenic beauty, making it an excellent choice for travelers eager to see the island’s volcanic core and charming sights in one go.