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Hiking the wondrous landscapes of the Canary Islands
The Canary Islands
From
- Overview
- Itinerary
- Esential info
- Reviews
- Packing list
Grade:
Intermediate
Type:
Activity
Transfers
Duration:
9 Nights
4 - 12
Group size
Leaders
Tour Highlights
- Visit some of the most secluded parts of the Canaries, island hopping by ferry
- Tour the pre-historic forests of Tenerife
- Las Cañadas del Teid National Park
- Visit the spectacular viewing platform of Mirador de Abrantes
- City tour of Santa Cruz de La Palma
- La Caldera de Taburiente National Park
- Walk the mythical Volcanoes Route in La Palma
Step beyond the resorts of southern Tenerife to its forested, mountainous northern coastline, before hopping on a ferry to the lesser-visited islands of La Gomera and La Palma. Here you’ll enter an entirely different world of dramatically beautiful volcanic landscapes – superb for walking and hiking, peppered with colourful towns rich in local Canarian tradition and culture, and fine local food and wine.
The slower pace of island life provides a serene retreat from the hustle and bustle of the modern-day, although don’t be surprised to stumble upon festivals, local music, and traditional crafts which still play a significant role in the island’s social fabric.
For those looking for a more active break, this adventure offers a mix of gentle and intermediate hiking, venturing deep into the islands’ less-visited inner valleys and volcanic landscapes. Hike some of the Canaries’ best trails, circumvent volcanic craters and reach breath-taking viewpoints.
(Available as a small group tour or tailor-made holiday)
To find out more about the Canary Islands watch our podcast here.
About La Palma
La Palma, known as ‘La Isla Bonita’ (the beautiful island), is a haven for nature lovers, hikers and stargazers – indeed the island's clear skies and astronomical observatories attract star enthusiasts from around the world. It’s an island of pristine and diverse landscapes - lush forests, deep ravines, verdant valleys and volcanic craters in the interior, towering cliffs and black-sand beaches dominating the rugged coastline. The colonial capital, Santa Cruz de La Palma is a lovely small town that charms all entrants with its well-preserved colonial architecture, colourful houses with wooden balconies, and narrow, cobbled streets.
About La Gomera
La Gomera, spanning just 370 sq km, is a small island home to misty rainforest, terraced valleys, dramatic, ‘Jurassic Park’ like coastal cliffs and the ancient laurel trees and giant ferns of the Garajonay National Park. The island's population enjoys a slow-paced, traditional lifestyle, preserving some unusual cultural elements like the Silbo Gomero whistled language. The island is renowned for its untouched natural beauty, excellent hiking trails, and slow pace of life and it's historic capital, San Sebastián de La Gomera was the final jumping off point of Christopher Columbus on his way to discover the 'New World'.
About Northern Tenerife
Northern Tenerife could not be more different to its southern counterpart. Unlike the south, there’s not a package hotel to be seen - and it's where many of the islanders choose to live. The mountainous north is characterised by lush, rugged terrain and dramatic coastlines, including the Anaga Mountains, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, home to ancient laurel forests and picturesque villages. It is home to 'El Tiede', which at 3715m is the highest mountain in Spain.
Day 1: Arrival into Tenerife
Transfer
Dinner
Boutique Hotel
On arrival at the airport, you will be met and transferred to La Laguna, the island’s former capital and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
After checking in, there will be a short briefing about the programme, followed by a guided walk through the city. This offers an introduction to La Laguna’s history and layout, as well as time to get your bearings in its historic centre.
Dinner is included this evening, offering a relaxed start to your time on the island.
Flights must arrive into Tenerife North (TFN).
Accommodation: Hotel Aguere (La Laguna) or similar
Day 2: Cruz del Carmen to Punta del Hidalgo
Transfer
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Boutique Hotel
After breakfast, take a short transfer to Anaga, in the very north of Tenerife.
Enjoy a walk through the prehistoric forests of Tenerife, through beautiful landscapes in one of the most unspoiled parts of Tenerife, from Cruz del Carmen to Punta del Hidalgo.
Distance: 10.4 Km | Total ascent: +325 m | Total descent: -1200 m
Accommodation: Hotel Aguere (La Laguna) or similar
Day 3: National Park of Las Cañadas del Teide
Transfer
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Boutique Hotel
Today we will journey up to Las Cañadas del Teide to marvel at the awe-inspiring vista of the National Park, where the majestic Pico del Teide soars to a towering 3715 meters above sea level.
Our ascent will lead us to Guajara Mountain, affording us a breathtaking panoramic view of the entire expanse.
Distance: 10.6 Km | Total ascent: +700 m | Total descent: -700 m
Accommodation: Hotel Cuatro Esquinas (San Miguel de Abona) or similar
Day 4: La Gomera
Boat/Ferry
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Boutique Hotel
From the Los Cristianos harbor, in the south of Tenerife, take a 50-minute ferry ride to the neighboring island of La Gomera. A cultural walk through the city where Christopher Columbus stopped on his voyages to America will show you characteristic places as the Torre del Conde, the Asunción church, the archaeological museum, Casa del Pozo de la Aguada and Casa Bencomo, among others.
Accommodation: Hotel Torre del Conde (San Sebastián de La Gomera) or similar
Day 5: La Gomera
Transfer
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Boutique Hotel
Today you take a short transfer to Agulo, one of the most beautiful villages in La Gomera.
From Agulo, hike the northern side of La Gomera, guided by the breathtaking vistas of Mirador de Abrantes - a magnificent suspended viewing platform. Walk through some of the island's most impressive landscapes as you follow the path of the GR 132, eventually arriving at the sun-kissed village of Vallehermoso in the northwest of the island.
Distance: 12.8 Km | Total ascent: 850 m | Total descent: -875 m
Accommodation: Hotel Torre del Conde (San Sebastián de La Gomera) or similar
Day 6: La Gomera to La Palma
Boat/Ferry
Transfer
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Boutique Hotel
Take a short journey to El Contadero.
Todays hike takes a path where the trail gently winds its way amidst the captivating landscape adorned with twisted trunks and towering ferns. Descend steadily to reach El Cedro, a quaint village of just seven rustic dwellings nested in the laurel forest. Pause for a short break at the Las Vistas inn, then resume your descent through the enchanting El Cedro ravine.
Your journey culminates in Hermigua, a picturesque northern village steeped in agricultural heritage, renowned for its claim to "the world's finest climate."
Distance: 11.9 Km | Total ascent: 50 m | Total descent: -1300 m
This evening we will we will take an impressive 2.5 hour ferry crossing where we will enjoy a spectacular view of the 3 islands from the sea.
Accommodation: Hacienda San Jorge (San Sebastián de La Gomera) or similar
Day 7: La Palma
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Boutique Hotel
This morning you will take a leisurely stroll through the charming cobbled streets of the city.
In the afternoon, a 2-hour circular route takes us through the old water mills to the Church of Las Nieves.
Distance: 6 Km | Total ascent: +250 m | Total descent: -250 m
Accommodation: Hacienda San Jorge (San Sebastián de La Gomera) or similar
Day 8: La Palma - National Park of La Caldera de Taburiente
Transfer
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Boutique Hotel
Indulge in one of La Palma's most breathtaking vistas as we explore the splendor of the National Park of La Caldera de Taburiente.
Our journey today will lead us to the island's highest point: reaching a height of 2,426 meters above sea level. Trekking along the peaks of Roque de Los Muchachos and encircling the crater of La Caldera, we'll be treated to breathtaking views.
Distance: 11.5Km | Total ascent: +475 m | Total descent: -1,025 m
Accommodation: Hacienda San Jorge (San Sebastián de La Gomera) or similar
Day 9: La Palma - Volcanoes Route
Transfer
Breakfast
Dinner
4 star hotel
On our final day of walking, we follow the celebrated Volcanoes Route along the southern ridge of La Palma. Starting at Refugio del Pilar, we join the GR 131 and trace the Cumbre Vieja southwards towards Los Canarios, the main village of Fuencaliente.
This high level trail leads us across a striking volcanic landscape shaped by relatively recent eruptions. The path rises and falls along the ridge, with wide views over lava fields, craters and the Atlantic beyond, before descending towards the south of the island.
It is a fitting conclusion to our time on La Palma, bringing together the island’s dramatic geology and expansive scenery in one memorable final walk.
Distance: 17.1 Km | Total ascent: +775 m | Total descent: -1500 m (you can do a shorter version of this hike today if you prefer)
Accommodation: Hacienda San Jorge (San Sebastián de La Gomera) or similar
Day 10: La Palma - Departure Day
Transfer
Breakfast
Transfer to Santa Cruz de La Palma airport for departure.
Adventure Optional Extras
Single Room Supplement
Single rooms are available on a first come, first served basis. We will charge on a pro-rata basis if a single room is not available to book for part of the trip where it would have been possible.
Plant an additional 15 trees for your adventure
Carbon Compensation is not the perfect solution, and it is important to first reduce our carbon emissions as much as we can, yet trees remain an excellent natural technology to sequester carbon dioxide from the atmosphere to slow global warming.
For every client and guide who attends a YellowWood Adventure, we donate £30 to our partner charity WeForest to plant 15 trees to (over) compensate for the carbon footprint of the tour.
We also invite our clients to match this with an optional additional £30 for another 15 trees to be planted to help compensate for the carbon footprint of their international flights.
WeForest run many tree planting and tree maintenance projects such as this seedling nursery in the Amhara region of Ethiopia, the Amazon Rainforest in Brazil and many other projects in other countries including Zambia, Malawi, Tanzania & India.
Click Here to find out more about their amazing projects around the world.
Not Included
- International flights or ferry & taxes
- Insurance (compulsory)
- Snacks & drinks
Contents
Accommodation
We fully believe in, and practice, Responsible Tourism, using hotels run by locals. The accommodation on this adventurs is primarily comfortable and welcoming hotel accommodation offering rooms with ensuite facilities.
We put time and effort into building our relationship with accommodation suppliers to ensure you have a great trip;
We choose accommodation based on cleanliness, comfort, safety, proximity to our route (to avoid unnecessary extra travel) and a warm client welcome, as well as reliability in their service to us. Wherever we can we will choose smaller, more characterful, individual hotels, but in areas where tourism is still developing, or in remote areas (like the mountains), we may not have a wide range of options. An aspect of our adventures is to escape the ‘trappings’ of modern Western lifestyles and to experience new things with are exciting and memorable and reflects the countries we are visiting.
We list our first preference of accommodation. Where hotels and refuges are fully booked or unavailable, we will use an alternative of a similar standard, and equally well situated. We will provide you with an accurate list of accommodation, with contact information to leave with relatives, prior to departure on your adventure.
Facilities
Unless you have booked a single room (where they are available) and paid the single room supplement for those nights, you will be sharing a twin room with another client (of the same gender).
Guiding & Your Group
Supporting you on your holiday will be a local, English speaking Spanish guide who is qualified to lead walkers! This ensures you are in excellent hands and that you have access to local knowledge.
We work jointly with our Spanish Tour Operator partners both before and during your adventure to ensure that they understand your needs and the standard that YellowWood Adventures expects. We believe that it is a very important positive aspect of Responsible Tourism, to employ the expertise of local suppliers, as well as offering you a much more informative and authentic experience.
Your Group
Your group will be any number from our minimum group size of 4, up to a maximum of 12 clients. This number works really well with the ratio of guides, and ensures the optimum level of service to you during your adventure.
We get clients booking alone, as couples and in small groups of friends. If you have a group of friends or family who are interested in having their own customised trip, then please let us know and we can cost it for you.
Am I fit enough?
Your itinerary involves hiking and you will encounter rough terrain, steep gradients and some scree at varying times. The paths are generally defined but will be narrow and rocky at times. You will be walking for extended periods of time and on consecutive days.
To get the most of out of this adventure, you need to be a regular walker with experience of walking in the mountains, and be in good physical condition.
Any hiking is undertaken at the natural pace of the group, with regular stops for photos, snacks etc. Walking boots that have already been worn in are essential on this adventure.
You will be carrying just a day pack with camera, spare layers and a bottle of water.
For convenience, peace of mind, and to reduce the purchase of single use plastic water bottles, we highly recommend a filtration water bottle such as Aquapure Traveller (offer available - see section on Water)
Training
As with all active holidays, the fitter you are, the more you can relax and enjoy the stunning route, and the better you can cope with challenges such as the outside elements.
You are advised to get into a regular walking & or running pattern before the trip as convenient.
Travel
Your YellowWood adventure starts in Tenerife (North - TFN) and ends in La Palma (SPC). We can talk to you more about your travel options on an individual basis. We understand that arriving at an unfamiliar airport can be daunting, so we aim to give you as much information here as possible to help you prepare.
Finding flights
Flights are not included in the cost of your holiday, and whilst we are happy to help advise you, the responsibility for booking the correct flights rests with you. We recommend that you use a comparison tool when searching for flights, such as Skyscanner or Momondo.
We will send you a Flight Information Sheet with further pointers on which flights to book for your adventure.
Foreign Travel Advice
For the latest travel advice from the Foreign Commonwealth & Development Office including security and local laws, plus passport and visa information, check www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice. As the situation in our destination countries can change, please do ensure you check regularly before your adventure.
We also receive notifications direct from the Foreign Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) so we are always aware of the ‘status’ in our destination countries.
Arrival
Both Tenerife and La Palma airport are fully functioning, international airports welcoming domestic flights and those from Europe. Airport services include Duty Free, ATMs and Currency Exchange. On arrival at the airport you will go through passport control to baggage reclaim and onwards to Arrivals where you will be met by a driver / guide with a YellowWood Adventures sign.
All group specific, final details on where to meet your guide will be sent to you prior to the start of your adventure.
Insurance
Holiday insurance is essential for all Yellow Wood Adventures. Unfortunately, anyone without insurance is not able to take part in the holiday, so please make sure you arrange cover. We recommend arranging your insurance cover when you book so that if you have problems during the run up to your holiday, and need to cancel, you are covered.
YellowWood partners with battleface as a travel insurance provider. Click here for a quote.
battleface insurance is provided in the UK by battleface Insurance Services Limited, a UK insurance intermediary authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. Details provided on this webpage are for information only. Terms, conditions, exclusions, and limitations apply. Always read the description of cover contained within your policy to ensure it is suitable for your needs.
Prior to the holiday, we will ask you to send us details of your insurer, policy number, 24 hour emergency assistance contact details and the name, address, and telephone numbers of your NOK or persons to be notified in the event of an emergency.
You must ensure the travel insurance you purchase provides you with suitable cover for the entirety of your trip. Your travel insurance must include cover in the event that you have to cancel for a reason outside your control prior to departure, for any medical expenses you may incur whilst away (including repatriation in the case of medical need) and for the activities which you may participate in during your trip.
General information on Spain
For information on Spain, such as climate, weather, language, social norms, food & drink etc, please have a read of our Country specificinformation.
Reviews
Matthew Lemin - Canary Islands
An amazing holiday! The Canary Islands are stunning, and YellowWood and our guides were a great way to see them. A great itinerary, lovely hotels, great food, beautiful walks, knowledgeable and friendly guides. I can heartily recommend YellowWood Adventures!
Receive a 15% discount off Water-to-Go filtration water-bottles to help reduce plastic waste.
Compulsory
- € currency, or US$ or £GB to exchange
- Passport & insurance documents
- Credit / debit card for ATM use
- Prescription medication
- First aid kit: paracetamol, anti-diarrhoea tables, rehydration sachets, antihistamine cream, ibuprofen cream, thermometer & blister kit (eg plasters & zinc oxide tape).
- Insect repellent
- Washbag & usual contents - small travel bottles please! Biodegradable multi purpose soap can be used for washing clothes & self.
Items for walking / sightseeing
- 20-30L daypack for hiking / sightseeing, with waist and ideally, chest strap
- Waterproof jacket (GoreTex or similar quality)
- Waterproof walking boots- already broken in...
- Sunglasses and high factor suncream
- Sun hat / baseball cap
- Water-bottle & additional storage water-bottle - ideally 2 litres per person
- Waterproof stuff sacks & liners to keep kit dry.
- Walking poles if needed
Clothing
- General socks / underwear, including hiking socks
- Light clothes for day time - long & short sleeved tops. NB technical fabrics dry quickly in hot or wet weather when hiking.
- Lightweight walking trousers and shorts for hiking
- Sandals / trainers
Optional
- Buff or neck gaiter for cold weather / sun protection. Light scarf useful for church visits
- Camera & charging cables / plug
- Phone & charging cables / plug
- EU plug adaptor
- Walking poles
Need a little help?
All adventures can be tailored as private bespoke trips.
Please contact us for more information:
+44 207 846 0197
Related Adventures
Booking Process
Select dates: Choose the dates for your adventure and consider adding any extra adventures or add-ons to enhance your experience.
Check the box to agree to our Terms & Conditions.
Make Booking: Click on "Make Booking." If you're booking more than 56 days before your adventure, you'll be redirected to secure WorldPay to make your deposit. If it's 56 days or less before your adventure, you'll need to make full payment. Rest assured, your money is held securely by the Association of Bonded Travel Organisers Trust.
Your booking will show as 'pending' in your YellowWood online account.
Confirmation: We'll be in touch as soon as possible to confirm your booking or discuss any availability limitations. Please refrain from booking transport or flights until we've emailed you to confirm your booking. (Note: Receipt of your booking form is not confirmation.)
Making payment: Once your booking is confirmed, we'll change the status of your final invoice from 'Pending Approval' to 'Outstanding,' indicating that it's ready for payment online.
You will receive a reminder email for your final payment 56 days before the departure date.
Feel free to contact us with any questions about your adventure or booking, we're here to help!
Grading
To help you choose the right adventure for you, we have given each itinerary a grading that relates to the level of Walking / Trekking you will experience during the trip. This grading can be found on the Yellow map on the adventure page of the website.
All of our trips involve a level of general activity so are designed for people who are in good health, enjoy the outdoors, and have a taste for adventure and some level of fitness. As will be clear from our destinations, the climate (and altitude) may be different to that which you are used to, so please take this into consideration when choosing the most suitable holiday.
Please read our Adventure Itinerary & Essential Information for more information and don't hesitate to contact us if you would like to chat through whether you have found a suitable adventure for you.
Grade 1-3: Entry Level
You need to be in good physical health to enjoy your active holiday, but you don’t need to be an experienced hiker. These itineraries offer a mix of sightseeing and easier walking for around 2-4hrs a day, with the emphasis on sights and cultural experiences.
Walks will be well marked or on defined pathways, and often around sites of interest. The expected amount of descent/ascent will depend on the landscapes of the destination, but will not exceed 400m/day, and will often be much less. Walks are at low altitude (below 3000m).
You will not be required to carry more than a day sack with water and essentials. Ensure you are aware of the weather conditions likely in the destination you are visiting and have a pair of comfortable and worn in walking shoes/boots.
Grades 4-6: Intermediate
You need to have a good level of fitness and be a regular walker for these adventures, with ideally some trekking experience. You can expect to be walking for 3-6 hours per day, not including rest stops, normally on good trail paths but with some uneven surfaces at times.
You will not be required to carry more than a day sack. You may be walking in more challenging temperatures. You will generally be walking at low altitude (below 3000m) but may walk at altitudes up to 4000m. The amount of ascent could be up to 800m in a day but will frequently be less. You may walk on consecutive days.
Ensure you are aware of the weather conditions likely in the destination you are visiting and have suitable clothing for this adventure.
Grades 7-9: Challenging
You need to have a good level of fitness with previous experience of trekking. Extra training before your trip will ensure that you get the most out of your adventure. Areas will be remote and terrain uneven.
Expect to walk for 5 – 8 hours a day, not including breaks, with some very steep ascents and descents. You will be walking at altitude (over 3000m but not higher than 5000m).
Ensure you are aware of the weather conditions likely in the destination you are visiting and have suitable equipment/clothing for this adventure (see the packing list for your adventure).
Please check individual itineraries for details of what you will need to be carrying with you.
Get in touch
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