GR 131 Stage 3
Volcano Route
The Volcano Route is one of the most emblematic sections of the GR-131 trail in La Palma. It connects the Refugio del Pilar with the municipality of Fuencaliente, crossing the ridge of Cumbre Vieja, where some of the island’s most spectacular volcanoes are concentrated. The path begins among pine forests, in a green and fresh environment, and gradually ascends towards a more arid and open landscape, dominated by craters, lava flows and extensive views over both sides of La Palma.
Along the way, you’ll cross places of great geological and scenic interest such as the cones of Hoyo Negro and Duraznero, vestiges of the 1949 eruption; the crest of Las Deseadas, the highest point of the route at almost 1,950 meters above sea level; and the Martín volcano, with its reddish lavas that contrast with the dark tones of the volcanic gravel. The final descent leads to Fuencaliente, with the possibility of extending the route to the historic cones of San Antonio and Teneguía, recent symbols of the island’s intense volcanic activity.
More than just a path, the Volcano Route is a journey through the natural history of La Palma, where you can observe the force of volcanism, the adaptation of vegetation, and unique panoramic views that accompany the walker from beginning to end.
