We just traded the beach for the « Badlands » with an incredible hike up to the Calderón Hondo volcano!
Located just outside the charming village of Lajares, this 50,000-year-old crater is one of the most iconic sights in the north of the island. The trail takes you through a Martian-like landscape of volcanic rock (known as malpaís) before reaching the 278-meter summit.
Standing on the edge of the 70-meter-deep crater is a surreal experience—you can even see the yellow sulfur streaks at the bottom! Looking out, the 360-degree panorama stretches across the lava fields all the way to the Corralejo Dunes, Lobos Island, and even Lanzarote.
If you’re looking for a bit of adventure with a massive reward, this is a must-do! 🥾✨
💡 Useful Information for Your Visit
- Difficulty: Easy to Moderate. The path is well-maintained and mostly flat until a short, steeper climb at the very end. It’s suitable for families and casual hikers.
- Time: Expect about 1.5 to 2 hours for the round trip from the Lajares trailhead.
- Best Time to Go: Sunrise or Sunset. Not only is the « golden hour » light spectacular for photos, but you’ll also avoid the midday heat. Since there is absolutely no shade, a midday hike in summer can be very intense.
- The « Local Residents »: You will likely be greeted at the top by very friendly Barbary squirrels. While they are adorable and great for photos, please do not feed them—they are an invasive species, and human food is bad for their health and the island’s ecosystem.
What to Bring:
- Sturdy Shoes: Even though it’s an easy hike, the volcanic rocks are sharp and uneven. Avoid flip-flops!
- Windbreaker: It can get very windy at the crater rim, even on a warm day.
- Water & Sunscreen: There are no facilities or shops once you leave the parking area.
