Lanzarote South Tour with Timanfaya Entrance

Lanzarote South Tour with Timanfaya Entrance: A Well-Rounded Day of Volcanoes and Vibrant Landscapes

If you’re visiting Lanzarote and want a taste of the island’s fiery landscapes, this Lanzarote South Tour offers a solid overview of some of its best sights. For around $61, you’ll spend about 7 to 8 hours exploring Timanfaya National Park, La Geria’s wine region, the Green Lake (Charco de los Clicos), and enjoy an optional camel ride at the Camel Park. The tour is run by First Minute Travel, with pickup included from Puerto del Carmen and Las Palmas, making it convenient to join without fuss.

Two things we particularly like about this tour are the inclusion of the Timanfaya entrance fee—saving you money—and the free wine tasting at La Geria, which adds a charming local flavor. The stops are thoughtfully spaced, giving you enough time to enjoy each without feeling rushed. A possible consideration is the limited time at some sites, like the Green Lake, which might leave you wanting a bit more time to soak in the scenery. Still, this tour is ideal for travelers who want a comprehensive, affordable taste of the island’s volcanic beauty and local culture.

It’s best suited for those who appreciate guided experiences that blend nature, history, and local flavor. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or short on time, this tour provides a practical and engaging way to see Lanzarote’s highlights with a knowledgeable guide. We’ve found the reviews to be mostly positive, especially praising the well-organized itinerary and enthusiastic guides.

Key Points

• Comprehensive itinerary covers volcanoes, vineyards, and unique landscapes.
• Included entrance fees and wine tasting add value to the experience.
• Optional camel ride offers fun but costs extra.
• Efficient group size (up to 99 travelers) keeps the tour manageable.
• Convenient pickup and drop-off in key tourist areas.
• Insightful guides help you understand the island’s volcanic activity and culture.

Exploring Lanzarote’s South: A Closer Look

Lanzarote’s volcanic terrain is unlike anywhere else in the Canary Islands, and this tour offers a curated journey through some of its most iconic spots. Starting early at 8:30 am from Puerto del Carmen, we’re whisked away on a bus that feels more like a mobile introduction to the island’s fiery depths. The first stop is the Camel Park at Echadero de Los Camellos, where you can opt for a camel ride—an activity that, while not included in the base price, adds a fun, traditional element. As one reviewer, Peter, noted, “Our guide Yvette was very informative,” emphasizing the importance of a good guide to enrich the experience.

Stop 1: Echadero de Los Camellos

We begin with a 30-minute visit to the Camel Park, a classic Lanzarote experience. Though the admission is not included, it’s worth mentioning that it’s a brief stop designed more for photos and the chance to see these gentle desert dwellers. The optional camel ride costs around €12, which some travelers find well worth it for a bit of local flavor and a photo memory.

Stop 2: Timanfaya National Park

The highlight of the day—Timanfaya—has to be seen to be believed. The guide’s commentary really brings the landscape alive, explaining how the volcanoes formed and why the terrain remains so dramatic. The 55-minute visit includes a bus tour that takes you through the volcanic terrain, with some stops to walk around and admire the view. The admission fee is included, so you can focus on the scenery and the stories.

Travelers often praise the geothermal demonstrations, like the “cooking” of food with the heat from the earth. It’s a surreal experience, watching the grill cook meat without fire. One reviewer mentions, “The tour managed the sites efficiently, and the guide was very knowledgeable,” which is key when time is limited.

Stop 3: La Geria – Wine Tasting

Next, we visit the La Geria wine region, famous for its unique volcanic soil and malvasia grapes. The 20-minute stop includes free wine tasting, giving you a chance to sample some local varieties. The reviews highlight how much this adds to the trip—“enjoyed the wine the most,” as one person put it. It’s a delightful break, especially if you appreciate wine and want to learn how Lanzarote’s volcanic landscape influences its vineyards.

Stop 4: El Lago Verde / Charco de los Clicos

The final stop is the Green Lake, a striking natural lagoon with a vivid green hue caused by algae and minerals. It’s a short 20-minute stop, but many find it worth the effort—it’s a vivid photo opportunity amid stark volcanic scenery. One reviewer noted, “El Lago Verde was well worth the visit,” appreciating the unique landscape.

Practical Insights: What You Need to Know

Transportation & Group Size: The tour uses a comfortable bus, with a maximum of 99 travelers, which keeps the atmosphere lively but manageable. Pickup is offered, which saves time and hassle.

Timing & Pace: Starting early, the tour’s schedule balances sightseeing with enough time to appreciate each stop. The total duration, around 7 to 8 hours, is suitable for a full day but not exhausting.

Value for Money: At $61.35, the tour includes entrance fees, wine tasting, and transportation, making it a good deal compared to booking individual tickets. The optional camel ride is extra, but many feel it’s a fun add-on.

Guide & commentary: Reviews consistently praise the guides, particularly their knowledge and professionalism. This makes a big difference in understanding the volcanic features and the island’s culture.

The Authentic Experience

Beyond the sights, this tour offers a taste of Lanzarote’s local character. The wine tasting showcases the island’s adaptation to volcanic soil, while the landscape itself is a testament to nature’s power. Many travelers appreciate the informative narration—one review highlights how “Yvette was very informative,” helping to turn a sightseeing trip into an educational experience.

Who is This Tour Best For?

If you’re someone who loves geology, volcanoes, and landscapes, this tour provides a comprehensive look at Lanzarote’s most dramatic features. It’s also ideal for those who want a guided, hassle-free day that takes care of logistics and offers insights. Food and wine lovers will enjoy the local tastings, adding a cultural dimension.

However, if you prefer more time at each site or deeper exploration, you might find the schedule a bit rushed. Also, for those wary of optional costs, the camel ride and some extras are pay-as-you-go.

Final Thoughts

This Lanzarote South Tour offers a well-balanced experience of natural beauty, local culture, and volcanic history. It’s a solid choice for travelers who want a comprehensive, reasonably priced introduction to the island’s highlights without the fuss of planning every detail themselves. The inclusion of Timanfaya’s entry fee and free wine tasting makes it feel like good value, especially with the knowledgeable guides making the sites come alive.

While it may not satisfy those seeking an in-depth exploration of each site, for a full-day overview that covers Lanzarote’s fiery soul, this tour hits the mark. It’s a practical, engaging, and fun way to deepen your appreciation of this volcanic island.

FAQ

Is transportation included?
Yes, pickup and drop-off are offered from Puerto del Carmen and Las Palmas, making it easy to join without arranging separate transport.

How long is the tour?
The entire experience lasts about 7 to 8 hours, starting at 8:30 am, giving you plenty of time to enjoy each stop.

Are entrance fees included?
Yes, the ticket to Timanfaya National Park is included in the price. The Camel Park visit is optional and costs extra if you choose to ride.

Can I do the camel ride?
Yes, the camel ride at Echadero de Los Camellos costs around €12 and is a popular add-on, though not included in the base price.

What’s the highlight of the tour?
Most travelers mention Timanfaya’s geothermal demonstrations and the Green Lake’s vivid landscape as the standout moments.

Is the wine tasting worthwhile?
Absolutely. It’s free and offers a chance to sample local wines influenced by volcanic soil, which many reviews highlight as a favorite part.

Is this tour suitable for all ages?
Most travelers can participate, but the tour involves some walking and vehicle touring. It’s best suited for those comfortable with a full day of sightseeing.

In essence, this Lanzarote South Tour is a reliable and enriching way to experience the island’s volcanic charm, with plenty of local flavor and fascinating landscapes to savor. Whether you’re into geology, scenery, or simply want a hassle-free day, it’s a trip worth considering.