Caldera de Taburiente National Park – The Wild Heart of La Palma

Geography and Setting
Caldera de Taburiente National Park is the vast natural amphitheater at the center of La Palma — a colossal volcanic crater with steep walls, deep ravines, and lush forests. Spanning over 4,700 hectares, the caldera is around 10 kilometers in diameter and opens to the south via the Barranco de las Angustias (Ravine of Sorrows). This immense geological formation defines the island’s landscape and offers a haven of biodiversity, peace, and dramatic beauty.

The park is surrounded by the island’s highest peaks, including Roque de los Muchachos, and drops down into valleys covered in Canary Island pine trees, waterfalls, and colorful volcanic rock. It is the green heart of the island — and one of the most important national parks in Spain.

History and Culture
The caldera’s formation dates back millions of years, the result of massive volcanic activity followed by collapses and erosion. Its name, Taburiente, comes from the indigenous Benahoarite language, believed to mean "plain" or "gathering place," referencing the inner valley where the ancient inhabitants lived and worshipped.

Declared a national park in 1954, Caldera de Taburiente became a protected space for its unique ecological value. It holds both natural and cultural significance, including archaeological sites, petroglyphs, and ancient paths once used by native islanders and later by shepherds and farmers.

Today, it is regarded as one of the most pristine areas in the Canary Islands — a symbol of La Palma’s dedication to conservation and sustainable tourism.

Population and Local Life
There are no permanent settlements within the park boundaries, but it is surrounded by small municipalities such as El Paso, Tijarafe, and Los Llanos de Aridane, where rural life blends with eco-tourism. These towns offer accommodations, restaurants, and services for visitors planning to explore the park.

Local life around the park reflects a deep respect for the land, with farming, beekeeping, and artisanal products forming part of the economy. The people of La Palma are proud of their national park, and it is often the backdrop to school trips, family hikes, and annual pilgrimages to viewpoints and springs.

Tourism and Attractions
Caldera de Taburiente is a paradise for hikers, nature lovers, photographers, and anyone seeking to disconnect in nature. It offers a wide network of well-marked trails, resting areas, campsites, and natural landmarks. Entry to the park is free, and visitor infrastructure is excellent.

Highlights include:

La Cumbrecita: A scenic lookout accessible by car with prior reservation. It offers sweeping views into the caldera and is the starting point for several popular trails.
Cascada de Colores: A vibrant waterfall known for its green, orange, and yellow mineral deposits.
Roque Idafe: A vertical rock monolith that was once sacred to the island’s indigenous people.
Barranco de las Angustias: The main entrance to the caldera floor, accessible by foot and used for full-day hikes.

The park is also known for its rich flora and fauna, including rare plants, birds, and butterflies found only in La Palma.

Transport and Accessibility
The main access points to the park are from El Paso and Los Llanos de Aridane. La Cumbrecita is reachable by car, but parking is limited and must be reserved online in advance. For deeper excursions into the caldera, hiking is the only option, starting from the Barranco de las Angustias trailhead.

There is no public transport into the park interior. Visitors typically arrive by rental car or taxi. Local tour operators offer transfers, guided hikes, and drop-offs at specific trail access points. Walking routes vary in difficulty, so visitors should check maps, wear appropriate gear, and prepare for changing weather conditions.

Worth to do!
A visit to Caldera de Taburiente can be as adventurous or as relaxing as you choose. Here are the top activities to consider:

Hike to the Cascada de Colores
One of the park’s most famous hikes, this route follows the Barranco de las Angustias and leads to a vibrant mineral waterfall — a colorful reward at the end of a rugged trail.
Visit the Viewpoints of La Cumbrecita
This panoramic area offers one of the best perspectives of the caldera without needing a full-day hike. It’s ideal for families, photographers, or those with limited time.
Camp Under the Stars
The park has a designated campsite in the caldera, available by reservation. It’s a rare chance to sleep in total silence surrounded by cliffs and pine trees.
Explore Roque Idafe and Ancient Trails
Discover one of the island’s sacred sites, located along trails that reveal the geology and spirituality of La Palma’s early inhabitants.
Join a Guided Nature Walk
Local guides offer insightful tours into the park’s biodiversity, geology, and legends — ideal for those wanting a deeper understanding of the landscape.

Conclusion
Caldera de Taburiente National Park is the soul of La Palma — a place of awe-inspiring scale, profound silence, and natural beauty untouched by time. Whether you're hiking across volcanic ridges, gazing at waterfalls, or simply breathing in the scent of pine trees, the experience is both physical and emotional. For visitors seeking nature at its purest, the caldera offers not just a journey through space, but through the essence of the island itself.

Caldera de Taburiente National Park - The Wild Heart of La Palma

See also

Stargazing at Roque de los Muchachos - Where Earth Meets the Stars on La Palma

Costa Adeje - on the Sunset Side

El Golfo Valley and Mirador de La Peña - El Hierro's Balcony Over the Atlantic