Timanfaya and Cueva de los Verdes

If you’re planning a trip to Lanzarote, you’ve likely come across plenty of options to explore the island’s striking volcanic landscapes and unique attractions. One tour that consistently earns high praise is the Timanfaya and Cueva de los Verdes experience. Although I haven’t personally done this tour, I’ve gathered plenty of insights to help you decide if it’s the right fit for your Lanzarote adventure.

What really caught my eye is how comprehensive and well-organized this day trip sounds. The fact that it offers skip-the-line access to key sites means you’ll spend less time waiting and more time soaking up the sights. Plus, the knowledgeable guides seem to elevate the experience through interesting storytelling and local insights. That said, the long duration—around 9 hours—might be a consideration if you prefer shorter excursions or traveling with young kids. This tour definitely suits travelers who love learning about geology and landscape while enjoying a relaxed pace without sacrificing seeing the highlights.

<h3 id="section-0">Key Points

• All-in-one experience: Combines Lanzarote’s top volcanic sites with scenic viewpoints and cultural stops.
• Expert guidance: Guides are praised for their energy, knowledge, and friendliness, making the day more engaging.
• Skip the lines: Priority access to major attractions like Timanfaya and Cueva de los Verdes ensures a smoother visit.
• Value for money: At around $95.65 per person, it covers most entrance fees and offers a full day of sightseeing.
• Variety of stops: From caves and volcanoes to vineyards and palm groves, the tour offers a well-rounded look at the island.
• Weather-friendly: The tour is flexible, with cancellations possible if the weather isn’t suitable.

A Closer Look at the Itinerary: What You Can Expect

Starting Off with Cueva de los Verdes

The day kicks off with a 40-minute drive from your pickup point to the Cueva de los Verdes. This underground marvel is a highlight, often described as a landscape of extraordinary volcanic formations. The cave system was formed by volcanic activity and is now a protected site with a mysterious feel—think of it as stepping into a natural underground cathedral. Visitors get about an hour here, with the entrance fee included, so you’ll have plenty of time to marvel at the formations, listen to stories about its volcanic origins, and take photos.

What travelers say: Many find the caves fascinating, describing them as “breath-taking” and “absolutely interesting,” especially if you enjoy geology or natural wonders. The guided component makes a difference—our reviews praise guides for being engaging and informative, adding context that turns a walk through caves into a story of Earth’s power.

The Jameos del Agua and the Atlantis Tunnel

Next, the tour offers a chance to visit Jameos del Agua, a volcanic tunnel turned cultural space. This spot is rooted in the eruption of the Corona volcano, with a collapsed roof creating a volcanic hole called a jameo. The site features a small underground lake and a sunlit platform—though note, admission isn’t included here. If you’re not keen on entering, you can just enjoy the views from outside at the free “Jameo Revaro” next to the sea, or relax on the nearby beach.

Why it matters: The volcanic formations here aren’t just pretty—they tell stories of Lanzarote’s fiery past. The underwater tunnels, known as the Atlantis Tunnel, are considered some of the most important volcanic tunnels globally. Visitors often comment on how surreal the landscape feels—almost like stepping onto another planet.

Panoramic Views from Mirador Rincón de Haría

Mid-morning, you’ll stop at the Mirador Rincón de Haría, a vantage point 500 meters high. The views over Lanzarote and La Graciosa are stunning, giving you a broad perspective of the island’s rugged terrain and coastline. It’s a quick stop but one that rewards you with perfect photos and a sense of the island’s scale.

Exploring Haría and La Geria

After the scenic lookout, it’s a short bus ride to Haría, a charming valley dotted with white houses and bustling with local life. Many reviews mention the beauty of this oasis, surrounded by mountains and lush palms—a stark contrast to the volcanic landscapes. This stop is usually free time for lunch, so you can choose to eat at your leisure, perhaps sampling local cuisine or grabbing a snack.

Following Haría, the tour heads to La Geria, a volcanic wine-growing region. The vineyards here are uniquely planted in small crater-like hollows, which help retain moisture in the arid landscape. Visitors often enjoy a quick stop at a local winery, where they can sample some surprisingly good Lanzarote wines. The stop is brief but adds a tasting experience that many find memorable.

Camels and Volcanoes

Next, the group visits the Echadero de Los Camellos, where you can opt for a 20-minute camel ride. It’s a popular photo op and a fun way to experience Lanzarote’s landscape differently. If you prefer, you can visit a small museum about camels, which adds context about their role on the island.

Then, it’s time for the big show—the Timanfaya National Park. This area, known as the “Mountains of Fire,” is where you really see Earth’s raw power. The eruptions in the 18th and 19th centuries created a lunar-like landscape of craters, lava flows, and volcanic cones. The park covers around 200 km² and is famous for its demonstrations of geothermal heat, including the famous “cook over fire” demonstrations.

What you’ll love: The vivid reds and blacks of the lava fields are unlike anything else. Travelers often describe this as a “spectacle of lava and craters,” and many recommend taking photos of the geothermal demonstrations—they’re quite a sight.

The Green Lagoon: Charco de los Clicos

The day wraps up with a visit to the Lago Verde, a vivid green crater lake that’s formed by volcanic activity. The lake’s striking color comes from algae and minerals, making it one of Lanzarote’s most photographed spots. It’s a quick stop, but the scenery makes it well worth the visit.

What We Love About the Tour

This tour packs in a lot of Lanzarote’s highlights into just one day. The guides are consistently praised for their enthusiasm, knowledge, and friendliness, making the experience both educational and fun. Many reviews mention how the stories and explanations add so much to the sites—they’re not just sightseeing, but learning about the island’s volcanic soul.

The skip-the-line access to sites like Timanfaya and Cueva de los Verdes is a huge bonus. It means you’re not wasting precious time queuing, especially during peak season. Plus, the variety of stops—from caves and volcanoes to vineyards and scenic viewpoints—keeps things interesting and caters to different tastes.

The value for the price is clear, considering the number of attractions visited and the included entrance fees. At roughly $95.65, this tour offers a full day’s worth of sightseeing with transportation, guide, and some tastings covered.

Some Downsides to Keep in Mind

The main consideration for this tour is its length—around 9 hours. While many reviewers find it worth every minute, others with young children or limited stamina might find it a bit tiring. The schedule includes some walking and bus rides, so comfortable shoes and patience can help. Also, since some attractions have optional entrance fees, if you want to explore every site in depth, extra costs could add up.

Weather can influence the experience—if Lanzarote’s skies are cloudy or rainy, some outdoor sights might be less spectacular, but the tour offers flexibility with full refunds if canceled due to bad weather.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This experience is ideal if you’re eager to see the best of Lanzarote in one day without the hassle of planning multiple trips. It suits travelers who enjoy geology, landscapes, and cultural stops, and who appreciate guided commentary. It works well for those who don’t mind a long day on the bus and want a rundown that combines natural wonders with scenic views and a touch of local flavor.

Final Thoughts

The Timanfaya and Cueva de los Verdes tour looks like a solid choice for travelers wanting an immersive, well-organized exploration of Lanzarote. The mix of volcanic sites, cultural stops, and scenic viewpoints delivers a well-rounded experience that keeps pace with the island’s diverse geography. The high ratings and glowing reviews reflect its popularity and quality, especially praised for the guides’ energy and knowledge.

While the long duration might not be for everyone, those who love geology, photography, and sightseeing will find plenty to love here. It’s a good value, with most major sites included, and offers the chance to see Lanzarote’s volcanic heart without the stress of navigating alone.

If you’re after a full, enriching day on the island—seeing lava fields, caves, and vineyards—this tour is likely to satisfy your curiosity and give you lasting memories.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for children?
It’s generally suitable for most travelers, but the long duration and outdoor activities mean you should consider your children’s stamina. The tour involves some walking and bus rides, so plan accordingly.

Are meals included in the tour?
No, meals are not included. The tour provides free time at Haría for you to eat at your own pace.

What is the price of the optional camel ride?
The camel ride costs about $11, but it’s an optional activity, so you can skip it if you prefer.

Can I visit Jameos del Agua on this tour?
Not directly, as admission isn’t included. You can view the outside or choose to visit separately if desired.

What’s the duration of the tour?
It lasts approximately 9 hours, starting at 8:00 am, with most stops and transportation included.

Is there a cancellation policy?
Yes, you can cancel for free up to 24 hours before the tour. If canceled later or due to weather, a full refund is available, making it flexible for your planning.

If you’re seeking a full-day adventure that showcases Lanzarote’s volcanic beauty, cultural gems, and stunning landscapes—all with friendly guidance—this tour hits the mark. It’s perfect for anyone eager to learn, explore, and make the most of their time on this unique island.