North Route (Price per vehicle, not per person)

Exploring La Palma’s North Route: A Private Day Trip Full of Stunning Views and Natural Wonders

If you’re heading to the Canary Islands and want to truly see La Palma’s natural beauty and authentic charm, this North Route private tour offers a well-rounded glimpse into the island’s lush landscapes, scenic viewpoints, and distinctive spots. For around $403.34 per vehicle, up to four people can enjoy a personalized adventure that lasts about 7 to 8 hours. Your journey takes you through Santa Cruz de la Palma, the Bosque de Los Tilos, the charming villages of San Andrés y Sauces, and several impressive viewpoints like Mirador de El Time and Mirador de La Tosca.

What we particularly love about this tour is its focus on natural highlights—from ancient laurel forests to volcanic vistas—delivered at a relaxed, personalized pace. You’ll also appreciate the flexibility of a private experience, which means your guide can adapt to your interests. The second highlight: the scenic stops that provide perfect photo opportunities and chances to stretch your legs amid some of the most beautiful landscapes on the island.

The only consideration? With only a 4-person vehicle, the experience is intimate, but this also means you’ll want to book well in advance—this tour is popular, averaging 49 days ahead. It’s best suited for travelers eager to explore off-the-beaten-path scenery and who prefer a more customized, less crowded way to see La Palma’s highlights.

This tour suits nature lovers, photography enthusiasts, or those wanting an authentic, local experience without the hassle of self-driving or large group tours. If you’re looking for a leisurely day with plenty of scenic stops and insightful commentary, this could be just the right choice.

Key Points

• Private, personalized experience tailored to your group’s interests and pace.
• Focus on natural wonders, including laurel forests, volcanic viewpoints, and charming villages.
• Flexibility and local knowledge enhance the experience, especially with guided commentary.
• Scenic viewpoints such as Mirador de El Time and La Tosca offer unforgettable vistas.
• Value for money considering the private nature and the comprehensive itinerary.
• Booking well in advance is advisable due to high demand.

An In-Depth Look at La Palma’s North Route Tour

When we think of La Palma, the lush greenery and volcanic landscapes immediately come to mind. This 7 to 8-hour private tour captures the essence of the island’s natural beauty, taking you from the historic streets of Santa Cruz to the mystical laurel forests of Los Tilos, with plenty of scenic stops along the way.

Starting Point: Santa Cruz de la Palma

Your day begins in the charming capital, Santa Cruz, along the Maritime Avenue. This stroll gives you a taste of the local life—colorful buildings, bustling markets, and waterfront cafes—but soon, the focus shifts outward to the island’s natural treasures. Having a private guide means the trip can be tailored: maybe you want more time exploring Santa Cruz, or you prefer to head straight into the countryside.

The Laurel Forest of Los Tilos

Our first major stop is the Bosque de Los Tilos, one of the most significant laurel forests in the Canary Islands. These forests are remnants of an ancient ecosystem, dating back to the tertiary era, and in Los Tilos, they are preserved as a Biosphere Reserve. The lush, green canopy is a cool, tranquil contrast to the volcanic landscapes elsewhere on the island. Visitors can expect well-maintained pathways, and the hour-long visit is perfect for a short walk amid towering trees and mossy branches.

One reviewer emphasizes the importance of this stop: “Los Tilos is home to one of the most important laurel forests in the Canary archipelago. It is an ecosystem inherited from the tertiary era that became, in its day, the first Biosphere Reserve on the island.” This stop offers a chance to breathe in the fresh air, take photos, and appreciate the unique ecology that has survived for centuries.

Scenic Viewpoints: Mirador de Las Vueltas, San Bartolomé, and Salto del Enamorado

Next, your journey takes in some spectacular scenic vistas. The Mirador de las Vueltas de San Juanito provides sweeping views of the coastline and the Atlantic beyond. If your schedule allows, a visit to Casa Luján in Puntallana offers a glimpse into local architecture and perhaps a taste of regional products.

The Mirador de San Bartolomé or the Salto del Enamorado offers dramatic overlooks—perfect for snapping photos or just soaking in the vastness of the ocean and rugged cliffs. These viewpoints are strategic stops, allowing you to appreciate the island’s volcanic origins and dramatic coastline.

The Forests and Villages of San Andrés y Sauces

Descending into the municipality of San Andrés y Sauces, the tour visits the Charco Azul, a natural swimming spot that’s as inviting as it sounds. The calm, protected pools are ideal for a quick dip or just a relaxing break. This area is also rich in local flora and fauna—a highlight for nature lovers.

From there, your tour continues to the village of San Andrés, where narrow streets and traditional Canarian houses give you a tangible sense of local life. It’s a great spot to stretch your legs and enjoy some local snacks if your guide offers.

Barlovento and Mirador de La Tosca

Traveling eastward, the route takes you to Barlovento with its striking Mirador de La Tosca, which offers panoramic views over the coast and the lush valleys. This stop encapsulates why this route is so appealing: incredible views combined with the lush, green landscape that characterizes northern La Palma.

The Volcanic Highlights: Tijarafe and El Time

Heading further west, the tour reaches Tijarafe, where we stop at the Mirador de El Time—a favorite among travelers for its spectacular volcanic vistas. Here, you can imagine the ancient eruptions that shaped the landscape. Notably, one reviewer mentioned the tour’s flexibility in including sights like the 2021 volcanic lava flows, which adds an extra layer of interest for geology buffs.

Ending with Puerto de Tazacorte and Return

The trip winds down at the Puerto de Tazacorte, a lovely seaside town where you can enjoy the ocean breeze before heading back to Santa Cruz. The return journey offers a chance to reflect on the diverse scenery you’ve experienced—cliffs, forests, volcanic craters, and coastal views.

Real Traveler Experiences: What People Say

One enthusiast notes, “Manuel was a great driver/ guide. He showed us the real La Palma with excellent detail and patience. It was a superb experience and recommend it to anyone.” From this, we see how the guide’s local knowledge and passion can make a significant difference.

However, not all reviews are equally glowing. One traveler pointed out, “Nice guide, clean van, but he did NOT speak English as promised in tour descriptions. We had no idea where we were going or what we were seeing. Soooo disappointing,” highlighting the importance of clear communication.

Another traveler appreciated how well the tour was managed despite limited time: “Se realiza con un taxista experimentado, no con un Guia. El conductor es muy amable y hace un tour bien pensado y muy interesante.” This suggests that the experience is also about the quality of the driver-guide, who often wears multiple hats on such tours.

The Practical Side: Transportation, Booking, and Value

This tour is a private vehicle experience, which offers intimacy, comfort, and the flexibility to customize to your interests. The admission is free for natural sites like Los Tilos, which keeps costs manageable. The price of approximately $403.34 for a group of up to four makes it a good value, considering the personalized service and the extensive itinerary covered.

Booking in advance is recommended, especially during the high season, as the tour averages nearly 7 weeks ahead. The tour includes pickup service and a mobile ticket, making it straightforward to organize.

Cancellation Policy and Weather Considerations

The tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, which adds peace of mind. Keep in mind, the experience is weather-dependent, and if canceled due to poor conditions, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund. This is important since La Palma’s weather can change quickly, especially in the mountainous or coastal areas.

Who Will Love This Tour?

If your idea of a perfect day involves driving through lush forests, scenic viewpoints, and charming villages—all at your own pace—this private tour fits the bill. Nature lovers, geology buffs, and those wanting to avoid large crowds will especially appreciate the personalized attention and the chance to explore hidden or less commercialized areas** of La Palma**.

Travelers seeking detailed insights into the island’s ecology and volcanic history will find the stops at Los Tilos and El Time particularly rewarding. The flexibility of the tour also makes it ideal for those with specific interests or who wish to linger longer at particular sites.

Final Thoughts: Is This Tour Worth It?

For travelers wanting a comprehensive, customized look at La Palma’s north side, this private tour offers excellent value. It combines natural beauty, scenic viewpoints, and local culture in a well-organized, intimate package. The small group, guided experience allows for a flexible, in-depth exploration that big bus tours simply can’t match.

While there’s some variability in guide language skills—so if understanding every detail is crucial, confirm language options beforehand—it’s clear the local guides are passionate and knowledgeable about their island. The scenic stops are truly breathtaking, especially for those who love landscapes and the outdoors.

If you’re eager to see La Palma from a local, natural perspective and enjoy a tailored experience with plenty of photo opportunities, this tour might be just what you need. Planning ahead and communicating your interests will help ensure you get the most out of this memorable day.

FAQ

Is this a group or private tour?
This is a private tour, meaning only your group will participate, offering a more personalized experience.

How many people can this tour accommodate?
The price is for a group of up to four people in one vehicle, making it suitable for families or small groups.

What is included in the price?
The cost covers transportation in a private vehicle, with free entry to natural sites like Los Tilos. Pickup service is also included.

Can I cancel this tour if my plans change?
Yes, you can cancel free of charge up to 24 hours before the scheduled start, with a full refund.

Will I see volcanic landscapes?
Yes, stops like Mirador de El Time and the volcanic areas around Tijarafe provide impressive views of La Palma’s volcanic past.

Is lunch or food included?
The tour description doesn’t specify meals, so you should plan to bring snacks or plan for stops where local food may be available.

What about language?
While many guides are knowledgeable, one review indicated that English might not be guaranteed, so clarify language preferences when booking if English is essential.

In all, this private North Route tour offers a fantastic way to explore La Palma’s most scenic and natural highlights with the flexibility to tailor your day. It’s ideal for those who want an intimate, insightful experience—especially if they love discovering the island’s landscapes away from busy crowds.