Description
Difficulty Level
GR131 La Palma: Trekking Along the Mountain Ridge to Roque de los Muchachos
The GR131 on La Palma is a challenging trek for hikers who enjoy combining long-distance walking with significant elevation changes. The route runs from the volcanic south towards the north of the island, crossing high mountain ridges, pine forests and impressive volcanic landscapes. The absolute highlight is Roque de los Muchachos* at 2,426 metres the highest point on La Palma.
The trek starts in Los Canarios, in the south of La Palma. From the volcanic landscape, you hike towards El Paso, immediately experiencing the elevation changes and rugged character of the island.
The route then continues along the high mountain ridge. One of the highlights is Pico de las Nieves, where, on clear days, you can enjoy extensive views across the island and the Atlantic Ocean. Much of the route stays at high altitude, meaning you will often find yourself walking above the clouds.
The absolute highlight is Roque de los Muchachos, at 2,426 metres. Here, you literally walk above the clouds, with clear-day views across large parts of La Palma and the surrounding Canary Islands. The combination of altitude, volcanic landscapes and the tranquillity of the mountains makes this a memorable hiking experience.
As there are no accommodations directly along the GR131 on the mountain ridge, this trip includes taxi transfers. You are taken to the start of each stage at the appropriate time and picked up again at the end. This allows you to follow the GR131 on La Palma as closely as possible without having to arrange your own transport.
What makes the GR131 La Palma special?
✅ Roque de los Muchachos: reach the highest point of La Palma at 2,426 metres and walk above the clouds.
✅ Volcanic south: start among the volcanoes around Los Canarios and hike towards the greener interior of the island.
✅ Walking along the mountain ridge: much of the route stays at high altitude, offering extensive views across La Palma and the Atlantic Ocean.
✅ Pico de las Nieves: enjoy one of the spectacular viewpoints along the route towards the highest part of the island.
✅ Above the clouds: at higher elevations, you can often look out over a sea of clouds with the mountain peaks rising above it.
✅ Taxi transfers included: all transfers to and from the hiking routes are arranged, allowing you to focus entirely on the walking.
Hiking level
The GR131 on La Palma is a challenging mountain trek suitable for experienced hikers with a good level of fitness and experience with longer hikes in mountainous terrain. The route includes significant climbs and descents, as well as several stages at high altitude. The combination of distance and elevation changes makes this a demanding trek.
Included in this hiking holiday
✓ Individual trek along the GR131 on La Palma
✓ Overnight stays in carefully selected accommodations
✓ Luggage transfers
✓ All necessary taxi transfers to and from the hiking routes
✓ Detailed Canary-Hiking travel guide with practical information
✓ Access to the Canary-Hiking Travel App with daily itineraries, routes, GPX files and accommodation information
✓ 1 month of free use of the Canary-Hiking Komoot app from the start of your trip
Travelling to La Palma
You can fly directly from Amsterdam to La Palma. Please check the available flight days carefully. Alternatively, you can fly to Tenerife and travel from there to La Palma by ferry.
- Trek along special views
- The magical sea of clouds
- The roof of La Palma Roque de la Muchachos
- Pico de las Nieves
- Colorful villages
- Ruta de Los Volcanes
- Overwhelming starry sky
- La Isla Bonita
1 | Arrival on La Palma
Our transfer will be waiting to take you to your accommodation in the island’s capital, Santa Cruz de La Palma. This charming port town is full of life, known for its colorful colonial architecture and rich history. A lovely place to settle into the rhythm of the island.
2 | Time to land – explore Santa Cruz or start unwinding in El Paso
Before your hiking adventure begins, today is all about relaxing and easing into island life. Stroll through the picturesque streets of Santa Cruz de La Palma, admire the vibrant flower-filled balconies, visit the fascinating Island Museum, browse local shops, or simply enjoy a moment on the city beach.
Prefer a taste of the mountain calm already? You can swap this day for an extra rest day in El Paso, tucked into La Palma’s rugged interior.
3 | Hiking Through Volcanic Worlds and Mystical Pine Forests
The trek begins with a spectacular stretch from Fuencaliente Los Canarios to the El Pilar recreation area, covering roughly 18 km. You’ll cross vast lava fields and pass iconic volcanoes like San Antonio and Teneguía. The climb is challenging, but every step rewards you with sweeping views of a raw, volcanic landscape.
From El Pilar, the scenery shifts dramatically. The second stage to El Paso (7 km) is gentler, winding through shady pine forests. The lush green and gradual descent offer a peaceful contrast to the morning’s rugged terrain.
This route beautifully showcases La Palma’s contrasts – from fiery volcanoes to tranquil woodlands.
Distance: 25 km
Elevation: +1350 m up / –1400 m down
4 | El Paso to Pico de la Nieve
Your day starts in El Paso, nestled at the foot of the mountains. You’ll climb steadily through pine forests, with the trail becoming steeper as you ascend. The transition from forest to stark volcanic highlands is nothing short of breathtaking.
At Pico de la Nieve (2,236 m), one of La Palma’s highest peaks, you’ll be standing where clouds often drift below your feet. The name means “Snow Peak,” a nod to the rare but magical snowfall in winter.
Distance: 18.8 km
Elevation: +1680 m up / –460 m down
5 | Pico de la Nieve to Los Muchachos
This route is one of the most stunning hikes on the island. You’ll walk along the rim of the Caldera de Taburiente, with dramatic vistas of La Palma’s volcanic spine and sweeping ocean views.
Starting at Pico de la Nieve (2,236 m), the trail leads you past Pico de la Cruz, a perfect spot for a quiet break and awe-inspiring panoramas.
The route ends at Roque de los Muchachos (2,426 m), La Palma’s highest point and home to world-famous astronomical observatories.
Distance: 13.2 km
Elevation: +320 m up / –700 m down
6 | Los Muchachos to Tazacorte
From summit to sea – this hike descends from the top of the island all the way to the coast. You’ll start at Roque de los Muchachos (2,426 m) and gradually make your way down through ever-changing landscapes.
Along the way, don’t miss La Torre del Time, a breathtaking viewpoint overlooking the Aridane Valley.
Your journey ends in Tazacorte, where the ocean greets you after days of mountain magic.
Distance: 17.7 km
Elevation: +60 m up / –2460 m down
7 | Rest Day
A well-deserved day off in sunny Los Llanos. Soak up the atmosphere, enjoy a café terrace, or just relax by the sea.
8 | Hasta luego, La Palma!
Today your journey comes to an end… or maybe not? You’ll be transferred to the airport, or if you’re flying out via Tenerife, take a leisurely walk to the harbor to catch your ferry.
Not quite ready to say goodbye to this enchanting island? Let us know – we’d be happy to help you extend your stay and keep the adventure going!
Inclusive
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Travel duration: 8 days
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Return Transfer Airport
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Return transfer to and from the departure points
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Hiking tour over 75 km
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Accommodations with breakfast
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STO travel guarantee
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Luggage transport
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WhatsApp support during the trip
- Acces to our travel app
Exclusive
- There and back journey
- Crossing to and from Tenerife (optional)
- Travel and cancellation insurance
- All meals other than breakfast (unless stated)
- Booking costs
- Possible single room supplement
- Transfers outside the program
Our special accommodations
Distance
75 km
Difficultly
Hard
Up
3410 m.
Down
5020 m.
Frequently Asked Questions GR131 La Palma
How difficult is the hike on La Palma?
The GR131 is a challenging hike through mountainous terrain with considerable differences in altitude. A good basic condition is required, but with the right preparation the hike is doable for most hikers. You walk an average of 15 to 20 km per day with alternating ascents and descents.
What is the start and end point of the route?
The GR131 starts in the south of La Palma, in the village of Los Canarios (Fuencaliente), and ends on the west coast at Tazacorte. Along the way you walk via El Pilar, El Paso, and the Roque de los Muchachos – the highest point of the island.
Where do I stay during the tour?
You will stay in small-scale, characterful accommodations on a bed and breakfast or bed and breakfast basis. All locations have been carefully selected for comfort and atmosphere, which completely matches this trip.
How do I get to the starting point of the walk?
Upon arrival at La Palma you will be picked up at the airport with a transfer and taken to your first accommodation. During the trek, the necessary transfers to or from the route are included together with your luggage.
If you arrive at the port from Tenerife, your accommodation is within walking distance.
Do I have to carry my own luggage?
No, your luggage is transported for you! You only walk with a daypack. The rest of your stuff is ready every day in your next accommodation – very comfortable.
What is the best time to travel for this hike?
The GR131 can be walked all year round, but the best periods are spring (March-June) and autumn (September-December). Summer can be warm, especially in the lower parts, while winter can be cool and fresh at altitude. The higher parts can be snow-covered in the winter months. Always keep an eye on the weather forecast.
Is it safe to hike along the volcanoes?
Yes, the hiking trails are closely monitored. You only walk on permitted and safe paths. Especially the path from Los Canarios to El Paso you walk parts of the volcano route. You do not pass the new Tajogaite volcano that recently erupted.
Can I also make this trip solo?
Absolutely! The GR131 is ideal for individual hikers. Everything is taken care of – from luggage transport to route descriptions and support along the way. You are alone, but never left alone.
Are walking poles recommended on the GR131?
Yes, walking poles are highly recommended. The GR131 runs through rough and often steep terrain, with considerable differences in altitude. Poles provide extra support during the ascent and especially when descending they relieve the knees and ankles. They also help your balance on loose ground, lava rock or in muddy parts of the pine forest.
Do you already have experience with poles? Then you know how nice they are. Never used them before? Then this is a perfect route to start with!
