Hike Through Caldera de Taburiente National Park – La Palma’s Volcanic Cathedral of Nature

Geography and Setting
Located in the mountainous heart of La Palma, Caldera de Taburiente National Park is one of the most spectacular hiking destinations in the Canary Islands. This immense natural basin, shaped by ancient volcanic activity and erosion, forms a massive 10-kilometer-wide caldera encircled by steep cliffs, waterfalls, pine forests, and plunging ravines.

The park is situated in the center of the island, bordered by some of its highest peaks — including Roque de los Muchachos to the north — and is accessed primarily from the west, through the town of El Paso. Its dramatic scenery and tranquil atmosphere make it a haven for hikers, nature lovers, and photographers.

History and Culture
The word Taburiente is believed to originate from the language of the island’s original inhabitants, the Benahoarites, and is thought to mean "plain" or "meeting place." The area was once a key settlement for these indigenous people, and archaeological remnants such as rock carvings and sacred sites remain within the park’s boundaries.

Declared a national park in 1954, Caldera de Taburiente was one of the first protected areas in Spain. It represents not only a geological wonder but also a cultural and spiritual landscape tied to the island’s earliest history. Local traditions and legends are still told about the caldera’s springs, rocks, and natural altars.

Population and Local Life
The interior of the caldera is uninhabited, but it is surrounded by rural communities in El Paso, Los Llanos de Aridane, Tijarafe, and Barlovento. These towns serve as bases for hikers and park visitors, offering accommodation, guiding services, equipment rentals, and restaurants with local cuisine.

Local guides and eco-tourism providers help maintain the park’s trail network and promote sustainable outdoor recreation. Many families have generational ties to the land, and the cultural respect for the park is strong among La Palma’s residents.

Tourism and Attractions
Hiking is the primary attraction in Caldera de Taburiente, with dozens of well-marked trails ranging from short scenic loops to challenging full-day treks. The landscape is a blend of volcanic rock formations, crystal-clear streams, pine woods, and striking mineral colors.

Popular hiking routes include:

Barranco de las Angustias Route – The classic full-day hike from the ravine entrance into the heart of the caldera and back, often ending at the Cascada de Colores.
La Cumbrecita Viewpoints – A shorter, family-friendly walk that offers elevated views over the caldera, accessible by car (with a prior parking reservation).
Roque Idafe Trail – A moderately difficult hike leading to one of the park’s sacred geological monuments.
Hoya del Rehielo and Lomo del Tagasaste – High-elevation routes with panoramic views and dramatic changes in flora.

Camping inside the park is permitted at a designated site near the center of the caldera (with a free reservation). River crossings, steep sections, and uneven terrain require good footwear and basic hiking preparation.

Transport and Accessibility
Access to the park is mainly through the Barranco de las Angustias entrance near Los Llanos de Aridane or via the La Cumbrecita viewpoint from El Paso. While La Cumbrecita is reachable by car (with limited parking), most deeper trails require a combination of driving and walking.

There is no public transport into the national park itself. Visitors typically arrive by rental car, taxi, or guided tour. Specialized 4x4 taxis also operate between the ravine entrance and internal trailheads.

Maps, trail advice, and reservation assistance are available at the El Paso Visitor Centre, the park’s official information point.

Worth to do!
Hiking through Caldera de Taburiente is one of the most immersive and rewarding experiences on La Palma. Here are the top things to enjoy during your visit:

Trek to the Cascada de Colores
This iconic “Color Waterfall” displays vivid mineral hues of orange, green, and yellow — a natural canvas at the end of a dramatic walk through the ravine.
View the Caldera from La Cumbrecita
One of the easiest ways to witness the grandeur of the caldera is from this balcony-like viewpoint. It’s ideal for photography and short scenic walks.
Camp in the Heart of the Park
Spend a night inside the caldera for a peaceful and unforgettable experience, surrounded by cliffs and forest. Campsite reservations are free but required in advance.
Follow the Barranco de las Angustias Riverbed
Hike alongside streams, through tunnels, and over boulders as you enter the caldera from its lowest point — the classic and most adventurous access route.
Spot Wildlife and Native Plants
The park is home to endemic species, including the Canary Island pine, laurel shrubs, kestrels, and colorful butterflies. Naturalists will find plenty to observe along every trail.

Conclusion
Hiking through Caldera de Taburiente National Park is not just a physical journey — it is a passage through La Palma’s ancient geology, cultural history, and living wilderness. With its towering cliffs, volcanic colors, and deep silence broken only by birdsong and flowing water, the caldera offers a profound connection to nature. Whether for a half-day stroll or a multi-hour trek, it stands as one of the most breathtaking places to walk in the entire Canary archipelago.

Hike Through Caldera de Taburiente National Park – La Palma’s Volcanic Cathedral of Nature

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