Ruta de los Volcanes (GR-131)

One of the most spectacular ridge walks in the Canary Islands — the Ruta de los Volcanes (Volcano Route, GR-131) is a 18 km linear trail that follows the volcanic spine of La Palma along the Cumbre Vieja ridge from the El Pilar refuge (1,440 meters) south to Fuencaliente. This is a journey through the island's geological history, past dozens of volcanic cones, craters, and lava flows that tell the story of the youngest and most volcanically active part of the archipelago. The trail undulates between 1,200 and 1,800 meters along a narrow ridge where both coasts of La Palma — the green, cloud-forested east and the sunny, terraced west — are visible simultaneously, and on clear days, the islands of La Gomera, El Hierro, and Tenerife rise from the Atlantic on the horizon. The landscape is starkly beautiful: dark volcanic ash and cinder, red and black lava bombs, sparse Canarian pines clinging to crater rims, and the ever-present wind. The route passes notable craters including the Volcán de San Juan (last erupted 1949), Hoyo Negro, and Duraznero. The 2021 eruption of Cumbre Vieja (Tajogaite volcano) dramatically altered the trail's southern section — the route has been partially realigned and offers a unique perspective on the fresh lava fields, still steaming in places years after the eruption, creating an extraordinary landscape of recent geological creation. The full trail is 18 km point-to-point (approximately 6–8 hours one way) with approximately 800 meters of ascent and 1,000 meters of descent. The trail is well-signed (GR-131 markers). Most hikers arrange transport — leave a car at Fuencaliente and take a taxi to El Pilar, or use the island bus service (Line 300, check schedules). Alternatively, hike the upper section from El Pilar to the Volcán de San Juan (approximately 6 km, 2–2.5 hours) as an out-and-back. Free access, no permits required. Essential: sturdy boots, at least 3 L of water, sun protection (zero shade), windproof layers, and food — there are no facilities on the ridge. Best months: March–June and October–November (summer heat and winter storms can make the ridge dangerous). The Ruta de los Volcanes is the definitive La Palma hiking experience — a walk along the fiery spine of La Isla Bonita that ranks among the great linear hikes of Europe.