Los Volcanes Natural Park in Lanzarote

If you like walking and discovering unique, lunar landscapes, I’ve put together an article about my guided hike in Los Volcanes Park. Located right next to the famous Timanfaya National Park, the experience was really great. I’d even say that a hike in Los Volcanes Park is among the must-dos in Lanzarote. Personally, I have such great memories of it. It allowed me to get up close to the lava fields and even go inside a volcanic crater (yes, yes, I promise!).

On top of that, being accompanied by a local guide is a real plus. I learned lots of information and interesting anecdotes as I walked through nature—something I wouldn’t have had on my own. I’d say it’s a very accessible hike: all the trails are fairly flat, with a slight elevation gain. The small challenge is that there’s no shade and you walk on sand and rocky paths. But if you’re well equipped (with good shoes, water, a snack, a cap, a hat and sunscreen), it’s not really an issue, don’t worry.

Honestly, if you’re planning your trip, I recommend opting for this activity. In this article, I’m sharing my experience, which was one of my favorites of my entire vacation in Lanzarote.

When I booked this activity, I’ll admit I didn’t look at the route in detail. I wanted to keep the surprise to enjoy the moment even more! I simply knew I’d be walking among the volcanoes and that the hike was fairly accessible (just in case, haha). On this excursion, you’re picked up at a meeting point agreed with the organizer and then taken to the starting point of the hike. For me, the closest was Puerto Calero. We were picked up in a van at 9:30 a.m. to start our journey around 10 a.m.

We found ourselves facing Montaña Negra, in a small group. There were six of us in total, French and Spanish. Well, for me it wasn’t an issue—I could listen in the language I wanted to our guide’s explanations. Just before setting off, the guide gave us a small snack to eat along the way: a banana and a cereal bar. It’s a small touch that’s always nice and useful, especially on a hike. She then gave us a quick briefing to explain the itinerary, while keeping the surprise effect that builds up. We then took our first steps on the hiking trail, slowly but surely. Let me explain: we made several stops with explanations from our guide about the lava layers and the little vegetation that manages to grow over the ash and pillars.

I found it super interesting. We were told that 300 years ago, there were six years of continuous volcanic eruptions. That’s what destroyed several villages. So we were walking over ancient lava flows and old villages. The guide also explained that the lava flows were slow and continuous: that’s what meant there were no casualties. The inhabitants had time to leave, even if it was complicated to rebuild their lives elsewhere.

Heading toward Montaña Negra, we noticed there’s more vegetation on the mountain than in the surrounding fields. The explanation is simple but good to know: the mountains that were already there didn’t have lava flows. The flows stayed around them, but not on the mountains. We also noticed that all around the mountain, just at the bottom, there were olive trees, prickly pear trees and even a few palm trees. The guide explained that it was thanks to lapilli: the small volcanic stones that act like sponges by retaining water and moisture. They’re used to maintain the crops, because at night, contrary to what you might think, it’s very humid in Lanzarote. Even locals come to collect stones for their gardens. I find the hike gets more and more interesting: we learn as we approach Montaña Negra, and it’s only the beginning of our route.

We walked around Montaña Negra by walking on it and going up to a water tank. We saw some people climbing to the top, even though it’s forbidden. It’s a shame, but unfortunately there are always a few, even though it’s a protected area.

At the water tank (on the other side of Montaña Negra), we took a break to eat our snack and sit for a bit, as the sun was getting stronger and stronger. Honestly, you don’t really feel it, but we still got sunburned… But hey, that’s part of the game too, haha. During this little break, we had the company of the famous Lanzarote lizards: they’re more or less big, but all harmless. And they’re quite fond of bananas, actually. That’s the only reason they come up to you. They’re important because they’re the main land species populating the island.

We continued our hiking route to the famous Volcán del Cuervo (“raven” in English). Its particular name is explained by the fact that, inside the crater, you’ll find many raven nests. It’s not common, but since there are hardly any trees in Lanzarote, the ravens had to find another habitat.

Speaking of the crater, we headed inside. Personally, I didn’t know what to expect regarding the inside of a crater. You imagine lots of things and, in the end, the crater looks like a mountain, a peak. It’s truly incredible: you can stroll around the crater in complete tranquility and freedom. It’s pretty unique, really. You wander between the huge ochre, purple, red and black cliffs, with some vegetation (succulents, for example). Even though, between us, vegetation is very limited in Lanzarote compared to other Canary Islands like Tenerife, La Gomera or La Palma, for example.

The guide gave us free time to discover the crater as we wished, take photos and above all enjoy the exceptional scenery. We then continued our route between the vineyards. Over there, the crops are unique and beautiful to look at. To give you an idea, for a single vine, you have to dig a hole three meters in diameter, with a small stone wall to protect it. That’s what gives us a unique landscape and, above all, one that’s typical of the island.

We were on the edge of fields that look like small black craters, with stone walls in an arc shape and, in the middle, a little vegetation: the vine. What’s more, it’s very regular and measured very precisely. It’s lovely to look at. If you look more closely at the production side, it’s very hard work and everything is done by hand. So there are fewer and fewer producers, especially since each vine requires a great deal of natural space and work. It’s a shame, but understandable.

I hope these landscapes and this production can endure over time. All these vineyards lead to the village of La Geria. If you’re interested, there are bodegas: places created by winegrowers to help you discover the history of the vineyard and, above all, offer tastings of white and red wines, with tapas. It’s a nice, typical thing to do. In our case, our beautiful hike ended a bit before the bodegas, and we were quietly taken back to the morning meeting point: Puerto Calero.

I enjoyed this hike/walk, which I found very complete. We had a friendly group, and in any case, the guide adapts well to our pace. She spoke French and Spanish very well. And then we learned interesting information about Lanzarote. The verdict on this lovely walk is therefore very positive. I’ll tell you more about it in detail just after.

As you’ve probably gathered, I had a very good time during this guided hike in Los Volcanes Park. Honestly, nothing to complain about in terms of organization: everything was well thought out and smooth. All we had to do was follow the route, enjoy, take photos and listen to the guide’s explanations. We really unplugged! I also found the hiking route great: accessible to everyone (no need to be seasoned hikers) and very complete. In the space of three hours, we saw a wonderful variety of spectacular panoramas: lava fields with their different layers, vegetation, mountains, craters and vineyards. I’m tempted to say: what more could you ask for?

The guide’s explanations are a real plus: they make the hiking circuit all the more enriching. I’ve given you some information, but rest assured, you’ll discover even more if you choose to do this outing in the very heart of Los Volcanes Park. I really felt it was more than just a hike: it was an immersive experience in the midst of the volcanoes. And that’s the memory I’ll keep! What I also appreciated was the group size. There were fewer than ten of us: it makes it possible to ask questions, chat, stop to admire the lunar landscapes and, above all, enjoy the peace and quiet. And then the explanations helped me really understand what makes Lanzarote so unique (and similar to Mars).

Specifically, the organization with which we did this guided hike is Canary Trekking. It’s a local organization that’s been around since 1998. Suffice to say that, over time, Canary Trekking has proven itself. This local agency specializes in guided hikes to explore Lanzarote’s typical volcanic landscapes: from the lava fields of Los Volcanes Park to the southern cliffs.

The reviews are unanimous, and I agree. Their approach is meant to be human and warm. With them, you hike in a small group, you take time to observe nature, listen to the guide’s explanations and, above all, fully enjoy unique settings at your own pace. The guides are very often French-speaking, but also English-, Spanish- and German-speaking. The advantage is that they know the island inside out: its history, geology, flora and, more specifically, the volcanic eruptions that have shaped the landscapes of this Canarian island.

Whether you’re coming to Lanzarote for a long stay or just passing through for a few days, Canary Trekking offers several routes suitable for all levels: from beginners to seasoned hikers. In any case, they always bring the same attention: clear explanations, a passion for nature and the island’s history, all in a calm and cheerful atmosphere. They’re also present on the other Canary Islands: Tenerife, Fuerteventura, Gran Canaria, La Gomera, La Palma, etc.

And then, walking along trails on the edge of black and ochre landscapes is gorgeous. You look everywhere, staying attentive. Honestly, if you like hiking, trekking or even lovely walks, I can only recommend Canary Trekking. This agency doesn’t offer touristy strolls or hikes, but authentic experiences. I’d say that’s their strong point and that a walk, trek or hike with them is a real plus for your trip to Lanzarote!