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.
Adventure brief
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.
Caldera de Taburiente sits on La Palma in the Canary Islands, Spain, a vast erosion crater turned national park that feels like the island’s raw interior. From the Mirador de Los Brecitos (starting point for many hikes) the trail drops into a forested basin where Canarian pine grips steep slopes and water carves channels through lava and sediment.
The PR LP 13 route threads the heart of the Caldera de Taburiente, an roughly eight-kilometer diameter crater with up to 2,000 meters of relief formed by erosion rather than an explosive summit. You’ll pass wooden footbridges spanning clear mountain streams, cross narrow barrancos, and find the Río Taburiente running cold and transparent beneath the canopy. The trail rewards patience with the Cascada de Colores, a stained waterfall where iron and mineral-rich rocks flush the cliff faces in ochres, reds and greens — one of La Palma’s signature views. Roque Idafe, a freestanding rock pillar revered by the island's aboriginal people, punctuates the skyline and gives the place a threaded cultural note.
This guided six-hour hike, suitable for ages six and up, balances technical ease with sustained walking: expect roughly +100 m of climbing and -700 m of descent depending on route adaptations. The route is physically engaging but non-technical; hikers with steady fitness will appreciate the stair-step switchbacks and the river-side sections that offer a chance to cool off. Depending on park authority and weather decisions, the itinerary may start and finish at Los Brecitos viewpoint.
What makes Caldera de Taburiente special is its scale and diversity. Within a single day you move from exposed rim vistas and ocean glimpses to damp, mossy ravines where endemic flora like Canarian pine and laurel relatives thrive. Geological formations here are textbook: layered volcaniclastic deposits, steep erosional walls, and sculpted basalt that tell La Palma’s volcanic and erosional story. The park’s 1954 national-park designation helped protect these ecosystems; Roque Idafe’s cultural presence links modern hikers to millennia of human relationship with the land.
Practical notes: carry plenty of water, plan for midday sun on exposed sections and sudden mountain weather changes, and check Parque Nacional advisories before heading out. Respect trail closures and stay on marked paths to protect rare plants and fragile soils.
For travelers based in Los Cancajos or elsewhere on La Palma, the Caldera de Taburiente hike is a compact wilderness immersion — dramatic geology, living forests, and clear mountain water that make a compelling counterpoint to the island’s volcanic vistas. Allow extra time for slow sections and short photo stops; toilets and services are limited inside the park, so pack out trash, and arrange return transport in advance — local guides often provide context that enhances daily safety and cultural understanding.
Route Schematic
Route schematic
Key stops and scenes along the PR LP 13 line the way from the rim into the caldera basin.
Mirador de Los Brecitos
The starting viewpoint at 1,040 m that looks into the caldera and toward Pico Bejenado; the trail departs from here.
PR LP 13: pine forest and bridges
Descent through canary pine forest on the marked PR LP 13 route, passing wooden bridges and ravines with permanent watercourses.
Río Taburiente (camping area)
A riverine section with a camping area where hikers can enjoy a dip in the cool, clear waters.
Cascada de Colores
A renowned cascade where mineral tones—ochres, greens and reds—create a visually striking waterfall setting.
Exit via Barranco de Las Angustias
The final stretch follows the natural outlet of the Barranco de Las Angustias, notable for its distinct rock formations.
The route may change depending on weather and the recommendations of park authorities (Parques Nacionales); expect sustained descents and varied terrain that will test the legs, and be attentive to rock formations and stream crossings.
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.
How this guide was prepared
This field guide is synthesized using verified supplier specifications, route descriptions, and destination data. Some booking links may generate affiliate revenue for ADV Guides.
- Verified: 2026-09-12T12:11:41.912Z
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Availability, pricing, schedules and operating details can change.
Trip details and contextual sources were reviewed by ADV Guides Editorial.