LOS CANCAJOS ATTRACTION FIELD GUIDE
Inside La Palma’s Caldera de Taburiente: a six‑hour traverse from Los Brecitos into the island’s river‑cut heart
A guided hike that follows PR LP 13 from the Mirador de Los Brecitos into La Caldera de Taburiente, covering roughly six hours and showcasing waterfalls, pine forests and the island’s iconic rock formations.
Inside La Palma’s Caldera de Taburiente: a six‑hour traverse from Los Brecitos into the island’s river‑cut heart.
La Caldera de Taburiente is one of the world’s great erosion craters: a broad, forested basin where canary pines, permanent streams and waterfalls carve a mosaic of ochres, greens and reds. This route drops from the Mirador de Los Brecitos into the heart of the National Park, following the PR LP 13 across wooden bridges, through barrancos and alongside the Río Taburiente to sites such as Roque Idafe and the Cascada de Colores.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
A caldera of scale and biodiversity
The route traverses one of the largest erosion craters in the world, a National Park where diverse flora and fauna inhabit steep walls and a basin roughly eight kilometres across and with relief reaching up to 2,000 metres.
PR LP 13 into the river heart
Following the PR LP 13 trail from Los Brecitos, the hike threads wooden footbridges and riverine barrancos, passes permanent streams and waterfalls, and reaches the Río Taburiente camping area where a dip in clear, cool water is possible.
Roque Idafe and the Cascada de Colores
Along the descent you encounter Roque Idafe, a peak long held as sacred by the island’s original inhabitants, and the Cascada de Colores, where ochres, greens and reds combine to form one of La Palma’s emblematic scenes.
What the day feels like
What the hike feels like
Beginning at the Mirador de Los Brecitos (1,040 m), the route leads down through fragrant canary pine forest into a deeply incised valley. Walks alternate between shaded riverside sections—complete with bridges, riachuelos and cascades—and more exposed stretches that reward effort with expansive views of the caldera interior and the Pico Bejenado. The trail tests the legs with sustained descent and varied terrain but culminates in the basin’s clear waters and color‑streaked cliffs.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this hike suits—and who should reconsider.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
Allow approximately 6 hours for the route as outlined; the itinerary moves from the Mirador de Los Brecitos into the caldera basin and back via marked trails.
Trail sections include wooden footbridges, barrancos with permanent water, riverside camping areas and waterfalls; there is an opportunity to take a dip in the Río Taburiente’s clear, cool water in the camping zone.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
How long does the hike take?
The itinerary is approximately 6 hours in duration.
Where does the hike start?
The walk begins at the Mirador de Los Brecitos, at about 1,040 metres altitude.
What age or fitness level is required?
The route is recommended for ages 6 and up; expect elevation changes and trail sections that will test the legs (+100 m / –700 m noted in the trip context).
Are there places to swim?
Yes — in the Río Taburiente camping area hikers can enjoy a dip in the cool, clear waters.
Can the route change on the day?
Yes. Depending on weather and recommendations from the competent authorities (Parques Nacionales), the route may be changed, including entry and exit at the Mirador de Los Brecitos.
What are the route’s signature sights?
Signature sights include the forested caldera interior, Roque Idafe and the Cascada de Colores with its ochre, green and red tones.