GUIDED VISIT TO THE CUEVA DE LAS PALOMAS VOLCANIC TUBE

DISCOVER A VOLCANIC TUBE

Visit the Cueva de Las Palomas, formed during the 1949 eruption of the San Juan volcano.

Enter a volcanic tube and experience a day as a cave explorer

Visiting the Cueva de las Palomas, one of the most impressive lava tubes in La Palma, with a local guide is an experience you shouldn’t miss. The Cueva de las Palomas lava tube is one of the youngest in the Canary Islands and is still evolving, making it a unique opportunity to explore the inside of a volcano and understand the geological processes that shape the island. Because visiting a place is not the same as truly experiencing and feeling it. Our goal is to inspire you and help you discover the volcanic world of La Palma in a unique way.

Route details:

DURATION: approximately 2 hours (45 minutes on the walkway and around 1 hour inside the lava tube, round trip). DIFFICULTY: easy. DISTANCE: 570 meters inside the lava tube (round trip) and 500 meters on the walkway (round trip). Total distance: approximately 1 kilometer. MINIMUM AGE: 5 years (parents should assess in advance whether the child is able to take part in the activity). IMPORTANT: we do not recommend this activity for people who suffer from claustrophobia.

LANGUAGE: English everyday

MEETING POINT: entrance to the lava tube walkway at the Centro de Interpretación Turística Caños de Fuego.

MEETING TIME: we recommend arriving 10 minutes before the tour starts.

RECOMMENDATIONS: it is strictly forbidden to collect volcanic ash or stones. Please do not leave the designated path under any circumstances. We recommend using the restroom before the activity.

Wear comfortable clothing and suitable walking shoes (sandals are not allowed) and bring a light jacket.

CANCELLATION POLICY: changes or cancellations can be requested free of charge up to 24 hours before the tour, subject to availability. After this period, cancellations will not be accepted. In case of no-show (not arriving at the booked date and time), no refund will be issued.

A minimum of 4 participants is required for the activity to take place. If this minimum number is not reached:

  • a full refund will be offered, or
  • an alternative date will be proposed to carry out the activity.

Guided tour of the Natural Monument Cueva de Las Palomas volcanic tube

It was on July 8th, 1949, when an eruptive fissure opened on the western side of La Palma. Lava began to flow rapidly towards the sea, reaching it just two days later, on July 10th. It was in this lava flow that the Cueva de las Palomas lava tube was formed, one of the most fascinating geological features of the island, which we can now explore with a certified guide. We will begin our route walking along the walkway that crosses the lava flow, where we will enjoy the landscape and observe the volcanic ridge of Cumbre Vieja, dominated by its most recent volcano, Tajogaite. During this part of the tour, you will learn about the volcanic processes that have shaped the landscape of La Palma. Gradually, we will approach the entrance of the lava tube. Equipped with helmets and headlamps, we will enter a fascinating underground world formed by solidified lava. Inside, we will discover plant roots that penetrate meters of volcanic rock in search of water, small animal species adapted to this unique environment, and minerals that continue to evolve in a cool and silent atmosphere. The Cueva de las Palomas lava tube is the youngest accessible lava tube in the Canary Islands and is still evolving, making this tour a unique opportunity to explore the inside of a volcano and understand the geological forces that shape the island.

Small group guided tour in the Cueva de las Palomas lava tube

The excursion to the Cueva de las Palomas lava tube with the certified guides of La Palma Natural is conducted in small groups, with a maximum of 14 participants. This allows for a more personal experience and better interaction between the guide, visitors and the environment. We aim to create a friendly and welcoming atmosphere, respecting the pace of all participants and especially the place we are exploring. The lava tube is an extremely fragile natural environment, of great geological value, which we must understand and protect. This way, you can enjoy a more authentic experience while respecting the volcanic environment of La Palma.

“Look deeply into Nature, and you will understand everything better. ”
Albert Einstein

Do you have any questions?

Available Monday to Friday, 8:30 – 16:30.

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