From Tenerife: Tajogaite Volcano, La Cumbrecita and Casco Antiguo

Planning a trip to the Canary Islands and considering a day trip from Tenerife to La Palma? This tour promises an immersive experience, combining island highlights with the awe-inspiring power of volcanic activity. We’ve gathered all the details to help you decide if this adventure is worth your time and money.

What immediately caught our attention is how this tour balances iconic sights with moments that reveal the island’s raw, natural beauty. First, we love the carefully curated itinerary, which hits both cultural and geological highlights. Second, the presence of a knowledgeable guide adds a layer of insight that makes the experience much richer. That said, a potential consideration is the long ferry ride, which might be a bit rough for those prone to seasickness or who prefer shorter travel times.

This tour is best suited for travelers who want a comprehensive snapshot of La Palma’s landscape and history in just one day. If you’re curious about volcanoes, enjoy scenic viewpoints, or have a soft spot for charming towns, you’ll find plenty to love here. It’s particularly appealing for those who appreciate guided experiences with local insights, but be aware that a full day of travel and sightseeing can be quite intensive.

Key Points

• Well-designed itinerary offers a mix of natural wonders and cultural sights
• Knowledgeable guide enhances understanding of La Palma’s history and volcanic activity
• Long ferry ride might be tiring or challenging for some travelers
• Great value considering the included ferry, guide, and entrance fees
• Delicious local lunch included, adding to the overall experience
• Ideal for those with an interest in volcanoes and scenic views

The Itinerary in Detail: What to Expect

Starting Point: The Ferry from Tenerife

Your journey begins bright and early at the Los Cristianos Harbour, with the ferry leaving at 8:30 am. The ride lasts about two hours and fifteen minutes, crossing the Atlantic to La Palma. The ferry itself is comfortable, with plenty of seating options, and offers the chance to enjoy the ocean views. According to reviews, some travelers found the ferry ride a bit rough or long, but it’s an unavoidable part of the adventure if you’re island-hopping. The ticket cost is included in the tour price, which makes it a good deal considering the transport.

Santa Cruz de La Palma: A Charming Capital

Once ashore, your first stop is the picturesque town of Santa Cruz de la Palma. Here, you’ll have about 30 minutes to explore. This is your chance to stroll along colonial streets, admire the iconic wooden balconies, and soak up the atmosphere. Notable sites include the Ship of the Virgin, a replica of Columbus’s Santa María, and the Castle of Santa Catalina, which once played a key role on the route to the Americas. Several reviews praise the time allocated here, noting “enough time to visit these beautiful places” and describing the town as “spectacular.”

The Caldera de Taburiente National Park

Next, the tour takes you to the Caldera de Taburiente, a stunning protected landscape. From a viewpoint, you’ll observe the crater of La Caldereta volcano, offering breathtaking views of the island’s geological features. This quick stop is free of charge but provides a powerful visual of La Palma’s volcanic backbone.

Tacande de Arriba and the Volcano Approach

One of the highlights is approaching the Tajogaite volcano, which erupted in 2021. You’ll walk along a road built on lava flows, a surreal experience that underscores the island’s volcanic power. The area around Tacande de Arriba provides a first glimpse of the volcano and the devastation caused by recent eruptions. Since the volcano is quite new, seeing the fresh lava flows in Tazacorte is particularly striking. Travelers consistently mention how “amazed that it made so much damage” and how “seeing the destruction caused by ash from the volcanic eruption in 2021” leaves a lasting impression.

Tajuya Viewpoint: Witnessing the Cumbre Vieja

The tour makes a final volcanic stop at Tajuya, where you’ll take in the expansive view of the Cumbre Vieja volcano. This mountain erupted in September 2021, destroying over a thousand homes. It’s a powerful reminder of nature’s strength. Reviewers describe this as “mind-boggling to see the devastation” and appreciate being able to witness such a recent event firsthand.

Return to Santa Cruz and Ferry Back to Tenerife

After a full day of sightseeing, you’ll board the ferry at 5:00 pm for the return trip to Tenerife. The cruise again lasts about two hours and fifteen minutes, giving you a chance to reflect on what you’ve seen and perhaps enjoy the ocean breeze. The tour ends back at the departure point, around 7:45 pm, wrapping up a long but fulfilling day.

What We Loved About This Tour

One of the standout features is the expert guidance of Rosa, who many reviews highlight as extremely knowledgeable and multi-lingual. Her insights help you understand not just what you’re seeing but why it matters. Having a guide who can explain the significance of recent volcanic activity or cultural highlights really enhances the experience.

The scenic viewpoints and volcanic landscapes are genuinely memorable. Seeing the damage from the 2021 eruption up close is a sobering but powerful experience. The views from La Cumbrecita and other vantage points are particularly stunning, offering sweeping panoramas of the island’s rugged terrain.

The value for money is notable, considering the inclusion of ferry, guide, and entrance fees. Many travelers feel that paying around $162 for such a comprehensive day trip is reasonable, especially given the quality of the experience and the expert commentary.

Finally, the local lunch is often praised as delicious and well-situated, adding a satisfying culinary touch to the day. This makes the tour more than just sightseeing — it’s a taste of local hospitality.

Potential Downsides and Considerations

The most common concern is the ferry ride—it can be quite long and sometimes rough. If you’re susceptible to seasickness, it’s worth considering medications or preparing accordingly. Also, since the trip is tightly scheduled, some travelers wish for more time in Santa Cruz or at certain viewpoints; 30 minutes in town can feel brief, especially if you want to explore more deeply.

Plus, the tour is a full day, roughly 11 hours, which might be tiring for some, especially those with young children or mobility issues. It’s not specifically family-focused, but older kids or teenagers might enjoy the adventure.

Some reviews also mention the multilingual guides, which are generally a plus, but it means the guide might switch languages frequently. If you prefer an exclusively English-speaking guide, it’s good to check availability.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This experience is ideal if you’re eager to see La Palma’s volcanic landscapes and cultural sights in a single day without the hassle of organizing transportation or guides yourself. It suits adventurous travelers, geology enthusiasts, or anyone curious about recent volcanic eruptions.

It’s also a good choice if you value local guides with in-depth knowledge and appreciate value for money, with most fees and meals included. However, if you prefer shorter trips or dislike long ferry rides, this might not be your best fit.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the ferry ride?
The ferry from Los Cristianos to Santa Cruz de La Palma takes about 2 hours and 15 minutes each way.

Is the tour suitable for children?
While not explicitly designed for families, older children who enjoy scenery and nature may find it engaging. Keep in mind the long travel times and walking involved.

What is included in the price?
The tour fee covers the ferry, air-conditioned transport, a licensed guide from the Canary Islands, and all entrance fees and taxes.

Can I cancel if I change my mind?
Yes, there’s free cancellation up to 24 hours before the tour start time, allowing flexibility if your plans change.

Does the tour operate in all weather conditions?
The experience is weather-dependent. If canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

Is lunch included?
Yes, a local meal is part of the experience, which many reviews describe as delicious and well-situated.

What language does the guide speak?
The guide is multilingual, capable of speaking at least four languages, including English.

Final Thoughts

All in all, this tour offers a thorough, engaging look into La Palma’s natural and cultural treasures. The combination of volcanic landscapes, charming towns, and insightful guiding makes it a compelling choice for those wanting a full day of discovery without the hassle of organizing separate tours.

If you’re fascinated by volcanoes, enjoy scenic vistas, and want a guided experience that covers the essentials, this trip delivers. It’s especially well-suited for travelers who appreciate good value and local expertise, making it a memorable highlight of your Canary Islands adventure.

While it’s a long day with some travel fatigue, the stunning sights and heartfelt stories from your guide help make it worthwhile. Just prepare for the ferry ride and time on your feet, and you’ll be in for an unforgettable journey.