Hike La Palma's New Volcano: 8km Trail to Active Craters

Walk across volcanic ash to stand at the crater's edge

A guided hike on La Palma's new volcano, erupted in September 2021, covers 8 kilometers of volcanic terrain over 3.5 to 4 hours with a 300-meter elevation gain and loss. The route now reaches within 1 meter of an active crater rim: previously the closest approach was 400 meters away. The trail is medium difficulty, crosses ash-covered ground, and starts at La Palma Outdoor in El Paso at 08:45. A guide leads in English or Spanish, and the route can be modified to a linear path to Las Manchas if weather requires it.

Step-by-step itinerary

Hike to the new volcano crater

• Meet at La Palma Outdoor office
• Start hiking the volcanic ash trail
• Approach the new volcano crater edge
• Follow marked trails during hike
• Return to La Palma Outdoor office

The experience

The hike starts at La Palma Outdoor on Calle Antonio Pino Pérez in El Paso at 08:45. From there, you walk 8 kilometers across terrain still covered in volcanic ash from the 2021 eruption, gaining and losing 300 meters of elevation. The defining moment comes near the end: you stand at the edge of one of the volcano's many craters, now only 1 meter from the rim instead of the 400 meters that was possible before the eruption reshaped the landscape.

The route takes 3.5 to 4 hours round trip and is graded medium difficulty. It demands a moderate level of fitness and steady footing on uneven ground, but it is not a technical climb. Your guide, speaking English or Spanish, leads the way and ensures you stay on marked trails. If weather turns, the route can shift to a linear path down to Las Manchas, covering 6.5 kilometers with a different elevation profile but the same duration. You'd be dropped back at the office afterward.

Bring water, wear sturdy footwear and a jacket, and pack sun protection and a hat. The volcanic ash reflects heat and sun, and weather on the mountain can change. Insurance is included in the booking.

What’s included

• Guided hike with a live guide in English or Spanish.
• insurance.
• all route navigation and safety oversight.

Before you book

Days and timesTuesday to SaturdayDeparts at 09:00

AgesAdult (13 to 90 years) · Child (3 to 12 years) · Infant (under 3): free

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.Operator's directions: “C/ Antonio Pino Pérez, Nº1, Office of La Palma Outdoor at 08:45”

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated yesterday

Good to know

Moderate physical levelPublic transport nearbyNot for heart conditions

Operated by VIMOTIONS

Is this one for you?This is a shared group hike led by a guide, so you walk with other hikers and follow a set route and schedule. Choose it if you want the expertise and safety of a guide on unfamiliar volcanic terrain and prefer not to navigate alone, or if you want to hear the story of the 2021 eruption from someone who knows the mountain.

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Top questions

What languages is the guide in?

Live guide in English and Spanish.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (3 to 12 years); Infant (under 3): free.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24h before the start.

How close do you actually get to the volcano's crater on this hike?

The trail now brings you within 1 meter of the crater rim: a dramatic change from the 400-meter distance that was the closest approach before the 2021 eruption. You stand at the edge and look down into one of the volcano's many craters.

What is the ground like on the new volcano trail?

The terrain is still volcanic ash from the recent eruption, uneven and loose underfoot. Sturdy, closed-toe hiking boots with good grip are essential, and the ash reflects intense sun and heat.

Can the route be changed if the weather is bad?

Yes, the hike can be modified to a linear route down to Las Manchas if weather conditions make the standard trail unsafe. The duration stays the same, but the elevation profile changes to +100 meters and -600 meters, and the distance shortens to 6.5 kilometers.

What should I bring on this hike?

Bring plenty of water, sturdy hiking boots, comfortable clothing, a rain jacket, sun protection, and a hat or cap. The volcanic ash reflects intense sun, and weather can shift quickly on the mountain.