3-Hour Walking Tour in Los Volcanes Nature Reserve

Experience the Lava Fields of Lanzarote in a 3-Hour Guided Walk

Imagine walking through a landscape shaped by fiery eruptions, with jagged lava formations and volcanic craters stretching as far as the eye can see. This 3-hour walking tour in Los Volcanes Nature Reserve offers just that—an up-close look at Lanzarote’s volcanic past, guided by knowledgeable experts who bring the landscape alive. Starting from the small town of San Bartolomé, the tour covers roughly 7 kilometers (about 4.5 miles) on an easy-level route that’s accessible to most active travelers.

What makes this experience stand out are the spectacular views of lava-sculpted terrain and the chance to learn how the eruptions that took place in the 18th and 19th centuries created the volcanic features we see today. We appreciate the small group size—only up to 15 travelers—which ensures a more personal, engaging experience. Plus, hassle-free pickup from your hotel makes the planning straightforward.

If you’re someone who enjoys learning on the move, appreciates breathtaking scenery, and prefers an informative guide who can answer your questions, this tour is a solid pick. However, it’s worth noting that walking over rough volcanic rocks requires sturdy shoes and a moderate level of physical fitness. For those who don’t mind a bit of terrain, this trip offers authentic insight into Lanzarote’s volcanic history.

Key Points

• Accessible Route: An easy, 7-kilometer walk suitable for most fitness levels, with plenty of stops to enjoy the scenery.
• Expert Guides: Guides are knowledgeable and provide engaging facts about volcanoes, lava tunnels, and eruptions.
• Stunning Landscape: Expect to see lava lakes, craters, and tunnels carved out by eruptions from the 18th and 19th centuries.
• Convenient Pickup: Includes pickup from popular tourist areas like Costa Teguise, Arrecife, Puerto del Carmen, and Puerto Calero.
• Limited Group Size: Small groups ensure personalized attention and a relaxed atmosphere.
• Weather Dependent: The tour runs only in good weather, so check the forecast.

A Detailed Look at the Tour Experience

Location and Duration
This tour begins at Montaña Testeina near San Bartolomé, a small but scenic launch point, with pickups available from various areas including Costa Teguise, Arrecife, Puerto del Carmen, and Puerto Calero. Starting at 9:00 am, the tour lasts approximately 3 hours, making it a perfect half-day activity—leaving plenty of time to explore other parts of Lanzarote later.

What You’ll See and Do
Your guide will lead you through Los Volcanes National Park, a landscape that’s been shaped by eruptions in 1730-36 and 1824. You’ll walk across lava flows, ascend volcanic cones, and peer into craters, lava tunnels, and even lava lakes—features that evoke the raw power of nature.

The terrain is rough, with volcanic rocks and uneven surfaces, but the overall route is considered low difficulty. Guides take the time to stop frequently, allowing you to admire the scenery and ask questions. As one review enthusiastically noted, “Laurent’s knowledge of the local geology was exceptional,” making each stop educational as well as scenic.

What Makes the Landscape Special
Lanzarote’s volcanic terrain is both dramatic and well-preserved thanks to its arid weather. The erosion has been minimal, leaving the lava formations intact—almost like walking through a prehistoric movie set. Expect to see lava lakes, which are still, crater walls, and tunnels formed by ancient lava flows, providing a tangible connection to the island’s fiery history.

Guide Quality and Educational Value
Authenticity and knowledge are what set this tour apart. Multiple reviews rave about the guides, mentioning “Giacomo” and “Marcello” as being well-informed and engaging. One reviewer pointed out, “The guides shared stories about the locals and the land, making it more than just a walk.” That personal touch enhances the experience and helps you understand the island’s geology and history.

Value for Money
At $60.43 per person, this tour offers good value. You’re getting expert guidance, transportation, and snacks (a cereal bar and fruit), plus a unique landscape experience that would be difficult to replicate independently. The small group size enhances the value, giving room for personalized attention and a more relaxed atmosphere.

Potential Drawbacks
While most reviews highlight the enjoyable nature of the walk, some mention the terrain being a bit challenging—especially for those not used to walking over rocky surfaces. Plus, bottled water is not included, so bringing your own is strongly recommended, especially on hot days, and footwear must be sturdy and well-laced.

Who Should Consider This Tour?
This experience is ideal for active travelers who enjoy outdoor walks and want an authentic, educational look at Lanzarote’s volcanic features. It suits those with moderate fitness levels, as the route involves walking over uneven volcanic terrain. History buffs, geology enthusiasts, and anyone looking for a less touristy, more intimate experience will find this tour particularly rewarding.

A Thorough Breakdown of the Itinerary

1. Starting Point and Pickup
The journey begins early at Montaña Testeina, where the meeting point is easily accessible via public transportation or car. The pickup service from central areas like Costa Teguise or Puerto del Carmen simplifies logistics, so travelers don’t have to worry about navigation.

2. Setting Off into the Lava Fields
Once collected, the journey to the park itself is smooth, with a scenic drive that gets you in the mood. The guides typically arrive around 9:55 am at the meeting point, ready to start the walk shortly thereafter.

3. Exploring the Lava Flows and Craters
The route takes you through lava fields filled with frozen flows and craters that tell stories of eruptions from centuries past. The lava tunnels are particularly fascinating—dark passages formed by flowing lava that you might get a glimpse of, or even walk through if accessible.

4. Ascending Volcanic Cones
One of the highlights is climbing volcanic cones, where you get spectacular panoramic views. From these vantage points, you’ll see the lava lakes below—some of the most striking features of Lanzarote’s volcanic landscape.

5. Rest Stops and Educational Moments
Throughout the hike, the guide will pause at key sights, explaining the formation of lava bombs, the composition of the rocks, and the history behind each feature. This helps you appreciate not just the scenery but the geological processes that created it.

6. Concluding the Tour
The walk concludes back at the starting point, with time to reflect on the landscape and ask any remaining questions. The small group size ensures a comfortable pace, allowing you to absorb the sights without feeling rushed.

Authentic Experiences and Review Insights

Many travelers praised the knowledgeable guides and the breathtaking scenery. One reviewer shared, “We saw lots and the landscape is so breathtaking!” while another noted, “Our guide was excellent and told us lots of interesting facts about the volcanic park!” This emphasizes the tour’s educational component and the genuine enthusiasm of the guides.

A common theme among positive reviews is the personalized attention and attention to safety, especially in navigating the uneven terrain. Travelers appreciated the trekking poles provided and the clear instructions on footwear requirements—laced shoes or hiking boots are essential for comfort and safety.

Some feedback pointed out organizational quirks, like delays in pickup times or communication issues, but these appear to be exceptions rather than the norm. Overall, most reviews highlight excellent value, fascinating landscapes, and guides who make the experience memorable.

Final Thoughts: Who Will Love This Tour?

This guided walk in Los Volcanes captures Lanzarote’s volcanic spirit in a way that’s both accessible and immersive. It’s perfect for adventurous travelers eager to see the island’s geological wonders firsthand without the need for strenuous activity. It suits those who value learning from expert guides, small-group intimacy, and the chance to capture stunning photos of lava lakes and craters.

If you’re looking for an activity that combines nature, education, and authentic scenery, this tour offers a well-balanced experience. It’s especially recommended for travelers who don’t mind walking over rocky terrain and who want to leave with a deeper appreciation of Lanzarote’s volcanic origins.

FAQs

Is transportation included?
Yes, the tour includes pickup and drop-off from designated areas such as Costa Teguise, Arrecife, Puerto del Carmen, and Puerto Calero, making logistics hassle-free.

How long is the walk?
The route covers about 7 kilometers (roughly 4.5 miles) and takes approximately 3 hours, including stops for explanations and photos.

What should I wear?
Sturdy, laced shoes like trainers or hiking boots are essential due to the rocky terrain. It’s also wise to bring sunscreen and a bottle of water.

Is this suitable for children or less active travelers?
The route is considered easy in difficulty, but the terrain can be uneven. Travelers with moderate fitness will enjoy it most, and children comfortable with walking on rocky surfaces can participate.

What’s included in the price?
Your fee covers expert guiding, trekking poles, snacks (a cereal bar and fruit), and transportation from select areas.

Can I cancel the tour?
Yes, the booking offers free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start, allowing flexibility if your plans change.

To sum it up, if you’re seeking a personalized, educational, and visually stunning** experience in Lanzarote’s volcanic landscape, this 3-hour guided walk strikes a good balance. It’s ideal for active, curious travelers who want to see the island’s fiery origins with expert guidance and authentic scenery as their backdrop.