Lanzarote: Timanfaya and Cueva de los Verdes Day Trip

If you’re planning a day in Lanzarote and want to get a good taste of its volcanic landscapes, caves, and local culture, this tour might catch your eye. It promises to take you from the fiery craters of Timanfaya to the mysterious underground worlds of Cueva de los Verdes, plus a handful of other scenic and cultural stops. It’s a full day, packed with diverse sights, and offers some flexibility with optional extras like camel rides and Jameos del Agua entrance.

What really wins us over about this experience is how well it balances nature, history, and local flavor. The chance to see volcanic demonstrations and feel like you’re on another planet is pretty incredible, and the wine tasting stop at La Geria adds a nice local touch. We also appreciate the opportunity to choose whether or not to participate in the camel ride, giving some control over your experience.

One thing to consider is that the guide’s English can sometimes be a bit challenging, which may impact how much you get out of the stories and explanations. Also, because it’s a busy, full-day tour, it’s not ideal if you prefer a slower, more relaxed pace or have mobility issues. But overall, it’s a solid way to see much of Lanzarote’s highlights in one go, especially if you’re keen on exploring both the volcanic scenery and cultural sites.

This tour suits travelers who want a comprehensive day out, enjoy learning about local history and geology, and appreciate the convenience of a guided trip that covers major attractions without the hassle of planning each stop. It’s especially good if you’re interested in wine and don’t mind an active, somewhat structured day.

Key Points

• Diverse stops including volcanic landscapes, caves, and scenic viewpoints
• Flexible options for activities like camel rides and Jameos del Agua entrance
• Knowledgeable guides add context to the sights, though English clarity varies
• Value for money with entrance tickets included and a full 9-hour itinerary
• Includes wine tasting at La Geria, highlighting Lanzarote’s local vineyards
• Not suitable for people with mobility impairments due to walking and uneven terrain

You can check availability for your dates here:

An In-Depth Look at the Tour Experience

If you’re curious about what a typical day on this Lanzarote tour looks like, here’s a detailed breakdown that will help you picture each stop and what it offers.

Starting the Day: Convenient Pick-ups and Early Start

The tour begins with a pickup from your hotel or nearby tourist areas. The guide typically communicates the exact pick-up location via WhatsApp the day before, which is handy for planning. The full day lasts about 9 hours, which means you’ll want to wear comfortable shoes and be prepared for a fair amount of walking and sightseeing.

First Stop: Cueva de los Verdes

The journey kicks off with a visit to Cueva de los Verdes, one of Lanzarote’s most famous underground attractions. This volcanic cave system has stunning formations and offers a unique perspective on the island’s geological past. To enhance the experience, there’s an option to pay an additional fee (around 12.5 euros) to visit Jameos del Agua, another cave complex that doubles as a cultural venue with art and a swimming pool. If you’re interested, it’s well worth the extra, especially if you’re into caves or art.

Scenic Views and Cultural Stops

Next, the tour takes you to Mirador del Río, perched on a cliff overlooking La Graciosa. You’ll get panoramic views that are simply breathtaking—perfect for photo ops and soaking in Lanzarote’s rugged beauty. Then, you’ll pass through Haria, known as the Valley of 10,000 Palm Trees, which adds a lush contrast to the volcanic terrain.

One of the highlights for many travelers is the visit to the Monumento al Campesino. This monument celebrates Lanzarote’s farming roots and offers insight into the island’s resilient inhabitants.

More Great Tours Nearby

Wine Experience at La Geria

The tour then makes a stop at La Geria, the island’s renowned wine-growing area. Here, you’ll have the chance to visit a local wine cellar, taste a small glass of Lanzarote wine, and even purchase bottles to take home. The volcanic soil and unique planting methods give the wine a distinctive character, making this stop a favorite for those interested in local food and drink.

Optional Camel Ride

One of the more fun and memorable options on this tour is the camel ride near Timanfaya. For around 11 euros per person, you can hop onto a camel and enjoy a short ride through the volcanic landscape—an experience that often surprises visitors with how gentle and amusing it is. If riding isn’t your thing, you can skip it and instead visit a free museum about camels, which still provides some cultural context.

The Heart of the Tour: Timanfaya National Park

The main event is the visit to Timanfaya National Park, a vast volcanic zone that looks as if it was plucked from another planet. Here, you’ll witness geothermal demonstrations at Islote de Hilario, where the guides show how the volcanic heat can cook food without fire. The highlight is the volcano route, a bus tour through the volcanic landscape that looks surreal—black lava fields, craters, and mountains that seem almost otherworldly.

Verde Lagoon and Lava Coast

Later, the tour takes you to see the Laguna Verde, a striking green-colored lake nestled among the volcanic terrain. It’s a vivid reminder of the island’s fiery origins. The coast nearby, covered with hardened lava, adds to the dramatic scenery that makes Lanzarote so unique.

What to Expect and How It Adds Up

This tour offers a comprehensive look at Lanzarote’s most iconic sights. From underground caves and volcanic landscapes to cultural monuments and local wine, it’s a well-rounded experience. The inclusion of entrance tickets to Cueva de los Verdes and Timanfaya means you won’t be scrambling for tickets or waiting in line, which is a real plus.

The guided aspect is a mixed bag, with most travelers appreciating the insights provided. However, a few, like one reviewer, noted that the guide’s English can be difficult to understand, and she spoke quickly at times. This might mean you miss some of the richer stories unless you’re a confident listener or have prior knowledge.

The participation options (like the camel ride and Jameos del Agua visit) allow you to tailor the day to your interests, though these are extra costs. The tour doesn’t include lunch, so you may want to bring snacks or plan to dine at the stops.

The Value Proposition

At $87 per person, this tour offers an excellent way to see many of Lanzarote’s top sights without having to plan each detail yourself. Entrance fees are included, and the full-day format means you get a lot of value in terms of time and sights. While the guide’s language skills could be better, the overall experience is engaging and informative.

The Realities and Considerations

For those with mobility issues, this trip may be challenging due to uneven terrain and walking. It’s also a busy, structured day, so if you prefer a slow pace or have specific needs, this might not be ideal. Still, for active travelers who want a broad overview and enjoy learning on the go, it’s a solid choice.

Who Will Love This Tour?

If you’re someone who enjoys geology, volcanic landscapes, and cultural insights, this tour is right up your alley. It’s perfect for travelers who want to pack in a lot in a single day, appreciate local wines, and don’t mind some optional extras. It’s also suitable for those who enjoy guided experiences that take the stress out of planning logistics.

However, if you’re sensitive to language barriers or prefer a more relaxed, unstructured day, you might find the pace a little brisk or the explanations a bit unclear. Also, if you’re traveling with mobility challenges, consider whether the terrain and walking involved are manageable for you.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this tour suitable for children?
While the tour is generally accessible for older children, it involves some walking and uneven terrain. The camel ride might be fun for kids, but younger children should be supervised, and parents might want to consider their child’s comfort with long bus rides and walking.

How long is the tour?
The tour lasts approximately 9 hours, including travel time, sightseeing, and optional activities. It starts at a time you can check upon booking, so plan your day accordingly.

Is lunch included?
No, lunch is not part of the package. You’ll want to bring snacks or plan to eat at one of the stops.

Can I skip the camel ride?
Yes, the camel ride is optional and costs around 11 euros per person. If you choose not to participate, you can visit a free museum about camels instead.

Do I need to book in advance?
Yes, booking ahead is recommended, especially since the tour includes popular sights and optional extras. You can reserve without paying upfront and pay later, offering flexibility.

How do I know where to meet the guide?
The guide will contact you the day before via WhatsApp to confirm your exact pickup point, usually at your hotel or nearby.

Are the entrance tickets included?
Yes, the tour includes entrance tickets to both Cueva de los Verdes and Timanfaya National Park, which saves you time and extra expense.

Final Thoughts

This Lanzarote day trip is a practical, lively way to see the island’s highlights if you’re after both natural wonders and cultural stops. It’s ideal for travelers who want a guided experience that covers volcanoes, caves, and wine in one jam-packed day. The inclusion of entrance fees and the flexible options make it good value, but be prepared for a busy schedule and some language barriers.

If you’re curious about Lanzarote’s volcanic past, enjoy tasting local wines, and like the idea of exploring caves and lunar landscapes all in one day, this tour could be just right. It’s a solid choice whether you’re traveling solo, as a couple, or part of a small group.

Overall, expect an engaging, energetic journey through Lanzarote’s most iconic sights—an experience that leaves you with plenty of stories and photos to cherish.

Note: Always check the latest availability and starting times, and consider your personal pace and interests when choosing activities like camel rides or cave visits.

You can check availability for your dates here: