Las Palmas, Botanical Gardens and Bandama Volcano Tour

Exploring Las Palmas: A Guide to the Botanical Gardens and Bandama Volcano Tour

Planning a day trip in Gran Canaria and considering a tour that combines history, nature, and stunning scenery? This Las Palmas, Botanical Gardens, and Bandama Volcano Tour offers a balanced way to see some of the island’s most captivating sights without breaking the bank. Priced at around $35 per person, it promises a comprehensive experience that blends walking, sightseeing, and gentle exploration.

What we really like about this tour? First, it provides a well-rounded look at Las Palmas, from its charming historic district of Vegueta to the impressive volcanic crater of Bandama. Second, the visit to the Botanical Garden is a highlight; it’s considered one of the largest and most beautiful botanical gardens in Europe.

One potential drawback? The tour’s structure means quite a few short stops and a busy schedule, which might feel rushed if you prefer to take your time. Also, the tour doesn’t include entry tickets to attractions like the aquarium, so you’ll need to budget for those separately.

This experience would suit travelers who want a straightforward, guided day out with an emphasis on scenic views, cultural sights, and a touch of nature. It’s especially good for those who enjoy walking and exploring at a moderate pace, and for anyone curious about both the city’s history and its natural wonders.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Key Points

• Affordable price point offers good value for the variety of sights covered.
• Comfortable transportation in a modern air-conditioned bus makes the day easygoing.
• Diverse stops, from historic districts to volcanic craters, provide a well-rounded insight into the area.
• Guided commentary enhances understanding of each site, with multilingual guides available.
• Free time in Vegueta allows for personal exploration and photos.
• Entry to attractions like the botanical garden costs extra, so budget accordingly.

What’s Included and What’s Not

This tour is designed to give you a full day of sightseeing without the hassle of planning transport between sites. Included in the price are multilingual guides, modern air-conditioned buses, and pickup from select locations in touristic areas, which is pretty convenient. Plus, there’s liability insurance, so you can relax knowing you’re covered.

However, lunch isn’t included, so you might want to bring some snacks or plan to eat at one of the local spots during your free time. Entry tickets to attractions like the Poema del Mar Aquarium are extra, around 27 EUR for adults and 18.50 EUR for kids, which can add to your overall cost if you choose to visit.

The Itinerary Breakdown

Pickup and Early Morning Start

The tour begins with pickup options from around 37 different locations, mainly in the southern parts of Gran Canaria, such as Maspalomas, Playa del Cura, and Meloneras. This wide range of pickup points makes it pretty flexible, but keep in mind that there’s no city pickup in Las Palmas itself, so you’ll need to get to Parque Tropical on your own for the start.

Once onboard, the journey to Las Palmas takes about an hour, giving you some time to settle in and maybe review the day ahead.

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Vegueta: The Historic Heart

Your first stop in Las Palmas is the historic district of Vegueta. Here, you’ll experience a guided walk lasting about 20 minutes, where you’ll see landmarks like the Cathedral of Santa Ana, the Town Hall, and the ruins of the Bishop’s Palace. You’ll get a taste of the city’s colonial past and architecture, which really helps bring the place to life.

After the guided tour, you’ll have about 40 minutes free to explore on your own. This is a good chance to wander the cobbled streets, snap some photos, or grab a coffee at a local café. Many reviews mention that guides are knowledgeable, making these short stops more engaging and informative.

Las Canteras Beach Stroll

While not explicitly listed in the itinerary, the tour notes that you will pass by or have the opportunity to see Las Canteras Beach. It’s a popular spot for locals and visitors alike, with a lively promenade and plenty of cafes and shops. This brief mention suggests you’ll get a glimpse of one of the city’s most vibrant areas, suitable for a quick photo or a short walk.

Botanical Garden: A Serene Escape

Next, the tour takes you to the Jardín Botánico Canario Viera y Clavijo, which is known as one of the largest botanical gardens in Spain. For 45 minutes, you’ll wander among thousands of exotic plants and trees, enjoying a peaceful environment that showcases the diversity of Canary Island flora.

Our sources highlight that this is a real highlight, especially if you have an interest in botany or simply want a break from more urban sightseeing. The well-maintained gardens and informative displays make this a worthwhile stop, and many reviewers praise the beauty and tranquility of the space.

Caldera de Bandama: Nature’s Perspective

The last major stop is the Caldera de Bandama, a volcanic crater with spectacular views. About 15 minutes are allocated here for photos and soaking in the scenery. It’s a dramatic reminder of Gran Canaria’s volcanic origins and makes for some memorable snapshots.

This quick stop leaves you with a sense of awe at the island’s geological history, even if you don’t have time to hike down into the crater.

Return and Drop-Off

Your day concludes with stops at various pickup points across the south of Gran Canaria. The overall length of the tour, including travel, is about 8 hours, depending on traffic and group size. Many travelers find that the day is quite full, and the value lies in seeing many diverse sights without the need to plan each step independently.

The Experience from Travelers

Based on reviews, visitors generally find the tour a solid option for getting an overview of Gran Canaria’s highlights. One reviewer called it an “amazing tour,” especially appreciating the explanations from guides and the stunning views. Others mention the well-organized transportation and flexible free time in Vegueta as positives.

A common comment points out that the breaks can feel a bit frequent, which might leave some wanting a little more time at each stop. But overall, most agree that the guided commentary enriches the experience, making even short visits more meaningful.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This tour is perfect for travelers who want a cost-effective way to see diverse sights without spending the entire day on their own logistics. If you’re someone who enjoys guided tours with a mix of history, nature, and scenic views, this will suit you well. It’s also a good choice if you prefer a relaxed day with transportation taken care of but don’t mind a busy schedule.

However, if you prefer more time at each site or have specific interests like visiting aquariums or museums, you might find the schedule a bit tight. Similarly, those who want a more in-depth experience at each location might need to supplement this tour with additional visits.

The Sum Up

All in all, this Las Palmas, Botanical Gardens, and Bandama Volcano Tour offers a practical, well-rounded way to get a taste of what Gran Canaria has to offer. It expertly combines cultural sights, natural beauty, and iconic volcanic landscapes into one manageable day.

The overall value is quite good, especially considering the price and the inclusion of transportation and guides. It’s a solid choice for travelers who want a structured, informative day with some free time built in, and who appreciate seeing both the city’s historic core and its stunning natural features.

If you’re looking for an introduction to Gran Canaria that hits the highlights without needing to plan every detail, this tour could be just right. It’s especially suitable if you enjoy gentle walking, scenic views, and learning about the island’s natural and cultural landscape in a relaxed group setting.

FAQs

Is there a pick-up in Las Palmas city?
No, the tour does not include pick-up or drop-off in Las Palmas or the harbor. You’ll need to get to Parque Tropical on your own to start the tour.

How long is the tour?
The total duration is about 8 hours, including travel time, with starting times available depending on availability.

Does the price include entry tickets?
No, entry to attractions like the Aquarium Poema del Mar costs extra (around 27 EUR for adults and 18.50 EUR for children). These tickets are paid separately at the site.

What should I wear?
Dress appropriately for the season—comfortable shoes are recommended since there is walking involved. In winter, a sweater or light jacket is advised.

Can I visit the botanical garden on my own?
Yes, the visit to the Jardín Botánico Canario Viera y Clavijo is scheduled as part of the tour, but you are free to explore at your own pace during your allotted time.

Are children allowed on this tour?
While not specifically labeled as family-friendly, the tour’s pace and stops are generally suitable for most age groups. They do not mention any specific restrictions.

What languages are guides available in?
Guides speak German, English, and Spanish, offering a multilingual experience.

If you’re after a day filled with scenic views, cultural highlights, and a touch of natural drama, this tour is definitely worth considering. Just be prepared for a busy schedule and remember to budget for additional attraction tickets if they catch your interest.

You can check availability for your dates here: