Lanzarote Short South Tour with Timanfaya Volcano Entrance
If your schedule only allows a few hours to explore Lanzarote’s volcanic landscape, this half-day tour offers a perfect blend of natural beauty and fun activities. For $52.25 per person, you get to visit the stunning Timanfaya National Park, home to 300 volcanic craters, and have the chance to upgrade your experience with an optional camel ride around the Fire Mountains. The tour lasts about 4 to 5 hours, making it ideal for those who want a quick, yet memorable peek into Lanzarote’s fiery heart.
Two things we particularly like about this tour are the front-door hotel pickup—which saves you the hassle of finding your way—and the included park admission, ensuring smooth entry and no extra fuss. The guides, often praised as knowledgeable and entertaining, help bring the volcanic landscape to life with facts and humor, making the experience both educational and enjoyable. The comfortable, air-conditioned bus keeps you cool on the journey, while the opportunity to add a camel ride makes the day even more special.
A possible consideration is the group size—some reviews mention large groups and long waiting times, especially during peak season. If you’re seeking a more intimate experience, this might be something to keep in mind. Still, many find the overall value and scenic highlights well worth it, especially given the excellent reviews and competitive price.
This tour suits travelers who want a quick, engaging overview of Lanzarote’s volcanic wonders, especially those short on time but eager to see the island’s most iconic sights. Whether you’re traveling with family, on a cruise stop, or just want a taste of Lanzarote’s volcanic landscape, this trip hits the mark.
Key Points
- Convenient logistics with hotel pickup and drop-off
- Park admission included, saving time and extra costs
- Optional camel ride around the Fire Mountains
- Knowledgeable guides enhance the experience with facts and humor
- Great value for money considering the highlights and included entry
- Group size varies, which can affect the experience for some travelers
Planning more time in Lanzarote? We've covered other experiences worth considering.
A Deep Dive into Lanzarote’s Volcanic Landscape
When we think of Lanzarote, the first image that comes to mind is the dramatic volcanic scenery of Timanfaya National Park. This tour provides a compact yet compelling introduction to this otherworldly landscape, perfect for travelers who want to see the highlights without wasting precious vacation time.
What’s Included and How It Works
The tour is designed to get you straight into the action with front-door hotel pickup, meaning you won’t have to worry about complicated directions or transportation logistics. Most travelers find the pickup process smooth, although a few noted that early pickups might extend the morning. After boarding the comfortable, air-conditioned bus, you’ll head towards the massive volcanic area.
The admission ticket to Timanfaya National Park is included, allowing you to skip long lines that might otherwise slow you down. Once inside, your guide—often praised as funny, knowledgeable, and engaging—will give you a detailed overview of the park’s formation and features, making the landscape come alive with stories and facts.
The Highlights: Fire Mountains and Volcano Craters
The main attraction is Timanfaya National Park, famous for its craters, geothermal demonstrations, and surreal scenery. The guided drive around the park’s roads offers fantastic views of the volcanic terrain, with many reviews mentioning how stunning and unique the scenery is. Several travelers remarked that the volcanoes look like something from a different planet, with some describing the drive as a “rollercoaster ride” thanks to the winding roads along the lava fields.
One reviewer, Karen, called the trip “amazing”, emphasizing the fantastic scenery of the mountains of fire. Another, Cheryl, highlighted that the volcano visit was very informative and that the camel ride (if added) is a fun extra, complementing the natural drama of the landscape.
The Optional Camel Ride: Fun and Quirky
The camel ride at Echadero de Los Camellos is a popular add-on, costing around 11 euros. While not included in the base price, many find it to be a quirky, fun experience and a unique way to see the area from a different perspective.
Several reviews mention how entertaining and memorable the camel ride is. Alex praised guides Michael and Roberto, calling them “great”, and appreciated that they made the experience fun while providing good information. The ride takes you around the base of the Fire Mountains and is a favorite among families and those looking for an offbeat activity.
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The Logistics and Group Size
While most reviews praise the bus condition, safety, and professional driving, some mention that large groups can make the experience feel less intimate. The double-decker buses can carry large numbers—up to 99 travelers—so expect a busy atmosphere, especially during peak times.
The wait times for pickup and drop-off can sometimes be lengthy, especially if you’re among the earliest to be collected. One reviewer, Norman, pointed out the discrepancy in directions and timing, which is worth considering if you’re on a tight schedule or arriving by cruise ship.
What to Expect During the Day
Your day typically starts around 9:00 am with pickup from your hotel or designated meeting point. After about 50 minutes at Timanfaya, including the park tour and geothermal demonstrations, you’ll have roughly 50 minutes to explore the park on your own or take the optional camel ride. The tour concludes with a drop-off back at your accommodation around 3:00 pm.
Many reviews mention that the tour is well-paced, with enough time for sightseeing and photos, but a few found the drop-off to be lengthy due to multiple stops. Still, it’s a small sacrifice for the value of seeing one of the island’s most iconic sights.
Authentic Experiences and Genuine Value
The reviews speak strongly to the value of this tour. Travelers frequently mention how Michael’s passion and humor make the trip special, and the scenery does not disappoint. The price of $52.25 includes not only the park admission but also the guided commentary, making it an efficient way to learn about Lanzarote’s history and geology without feeling rushed.
Reviewers also appreciated the clean, well-maintained bus, especially when compared to more crowded or less organized tours. The opportunity to see the volcanic field and crater landscapes up close, plus the option to ride camels, offers a mix of educational and fun, perfect for casual travelers.
Who Will Appreciate This Tour?
If you enjoy scenic drives, learning about geology, and seeing iconic landscapes in a short amount of time, this tour will suit you perfectly. It’s especially valuable for those with limited time or who prefer a guided experience that takes care of logistics. Families, cruise passengers, and anyone wanting a highlight reel of Lanzarote’s volcanic wonders will find this trip rewarding.
The Sum Up
This Lanzarote Short South Tour offers solid value, combining a guided drive through Timanfaya’s volcanic landscape with the chance for a quirky camel ride. Its inclusive admission, knowledgeable guides, and scenic highlights make it a practical choice for travelers wanting a concise yet enriching experience.
While the large group size might not suit everyone—particularly those craving intimacy or a more flexible pace—the overall positive reviews and excellent scenery justify the trip. The average 4.5-star rating reflects consistent satisfaction, especially from travelers who prioritize value, fun guides, and impressive views.
In the end, this tour is best for those who want a well-organized, scenic, and educational glimpse of Lanzarote’s volcanic core in just a few hours. If you’re content with a guided group experience and enjoy a bit of quirkiness, it’s a great way to add a memorable chapter to your Lanzarote adventure.
FAQ
Is hotel pickup included?
Yes, the tour offers hotel pickup and drop-off, making it convenient and saving you time and hassle.
What’s included in the price?
The admission ticket to Timanfaya National Park and the guide are included. The camel ride is optional and costs around 11 euros.
How long is the tour?
It lasts approximately 4 to 5 hours, starting around 9:00 am and returning around 3:00 pm.
Can I skip the camel ride?
Yes, the camel ride is an optional extra. If you prefer just to see the landscape, you can choose not to participate.
Are large groups a problem?
Some reviews mention large groups and long wait times for pickup and entry, which can affect the experience slightly, especially during busy periods.
Is the tour suitable for families?
Absolutely. The scenic drive, informative guide, and fun camel ride make it family-friendly, though parents should be mindful of any height or age restrictions for the camel ride.
What should I wear or bring?
Comfortable clothing and footwear suitable for walking or sitting, and sun protection like hats or sunglasses are advisable. The bus is air-conditioned, but outdoor parts can be warm.
Whether you’re a geology enthusiast, a lover of scenic drives, or just want to tick off a must-see site in Lanzarote, this tour combines accessibility with authentic scenery. It offers a thoughtful way to experience the island’s volcanic legacy without a full-day commitment—and the reviews suggest it delivers on both fun and education.
More Tours in Lanzarote
- Arrecife/Playa Blanca: Timanfaya National Park Area Day Tour
- Teguise: Market and César Manrique Foundation Tour
- Lanzarote: Janubio Salt Flats Guided Tour
- Lanzarote Cesar Manrique Excursion with Jameos del Agua Entrance
- Small Group Dolphin Sunset Tour on Electric Catamaran Lanzarote
- North Tour, Viewpoint, Brunch, White beach & lava pools
More Tour Reviews in Lanzarote
- Arrecife/Playa Blanca: Timanfaya National Park Area Day Tour
- Teguise: Market and César Manrique Foundation Tour
- Lanzarote: Bike Rental and Discovering The Island
- Lanzarote: Janubio Salt Flats Guided Tour
- 4h Shared Catamaran sailing to Papagayo Beaches (12pers max)
- Lanzarote: Visit a traditional mill and taste our gofio.
More Lanzarote experiences we've covered
- Arrecife/Playa Blanca: Timanfaya National Park Area Day Tour
- Teguise: Market and César Manrique Foundation Tour
- Lanzarote: Bike Rental and Discovering The Island
- Lanzarote: Janubio Salt Flats Guided Tour
- 4h Shared Catamaran sailing to Papagayo Beaches (12pers max)
- Lanzarote: Visit a traditional mill and taste our gofio.
- Lanzarote: César Manrique & Teguise Market from Cruise Port
- Lanzarote: César Manrique Foundation and Teguise Market
- San Bartolome: Karting Sessions In 200cc Biz Karts
- Aquapark Costa Teguise tickets with Optional Transfer
- Scuba Diving (Basic Diver – 2 dives)
- YogaSup Lanzarote