El Paso
El Paso
El Paso is the largest municipality on La Palma and, without a doubt, one that you will pass through during your visit to the island.
Tajogaite, La Palma’s Latest Volcano
What will most likely catch your attention upon arriving here is Tajogaite, the island’s most recent volcano, which marked a turning point in the lives of the people of La Palma. Its immense lava flow, which destroyed more than 3,000 buildings and forced the evacuation of around 7,000 residents, can still be observed from the spectacular viewpoints of Tacande and Llanos del Jable.
Of course, you should not miss the guided hike to its crater, organised by companies such as La Palma Outdoor. For safety and conservation reasons, access to the crater is not permitted without an authorised guide.
El Paso and Its Volcanoes
If you are interested in volcanology, you should also visit the Cueva de Las Palomas, a volcanic tube — a cave formed by magma from the San Juan volcano, which erupted in 1949 and created numerous underground cavities.
However, El Paso is much more than a single volcano. In fact, many volcanoes are found throughout the municipality. Tacande, San Juan, and the Campanarios de Jedey are examples of volcanic formations that have shaped this landscape. The Volcano Route (Ruta de los Volcanes), one of the island’s most famous hiking trails, follows the ridge of Cumbre Vieja, allowing hikers to explore several craters while enjoying spectacular views of lava flows descending towards both sides of the island and the Atlantic Ocean beyond.
The Caldera de Taburiente
El Paso is, above all, a municipality best explored on foot. Some of the island’s finest hiking trails are located here, as the heart of La Palma is home to the Caldera de Taburiente National Park, an impressive valley created by the collapse of what was once the island’s highest mountain.
Visiting the Caldera de Taburiente is almost essential during any trip to La Palma. There are two main hiking options:
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A shorter route from La Cumbrecita (approximately 2 hours).
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A full-day route from Los Brecitos, ideal for mountain enthusiasts.
If you choose this unforgettable hike, you will have the opportunity to swim in the only permanent river in the Canary Islands, which flows through both sides of the Caldera, forming natural pools and waterfalls along its course.
More Hiking in El Paso
El Paso is also home to the most recognisable peak on the island’s western side: El Bejenado. This iconic summit offers breathtaking views of the Caldera de Taburiente and Roque de los Muchachos.
For those seeking a greater challenge, we recommend hiking along La Hilera, the mountain ridge that separates the eastern and western sides of the island, and spending the night at the Punta de Los Roques Mountain Refuge, one of La Palma’s most spectacular yet lesser-known locations.
The refuge provides water (although it is not treated), tables, and good shelter. It is free to use and remains open year-round, although visitors should bring their own sleeping bag and sleeping mat for a comfortable stay. From here, you can enjoy both sunset and sunrise in an extraordinary mountain setting.
Have you written everything down? If you cannot fit it all into a single visit, be prepared to return — every one of these places is truly spectacular.
Guided Hiking Excursions
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Guided visit to Tajogaite Volcano.
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Sunset visit to Tajogaite Volcano with picnic.
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Guided tour of the Cueva de Las Palomas volcanic tube.
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Guided hike through the Caldera de Taburiente.
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Guided hike along the Volcano Route.
Natural and Historical Heritage
La Cumbrecita Viewpoint
Free parking is available, although spaces and time slots must be reserved online due to limited capacity. Several hiking trails within the National Park begin from this location.
Punta de Los Roques Mountain Refuge
Reservations can be managed online. This mountain refuge is intended as a resting place or overnight shelter for hikers and forms part of the Crestería Route within the long-distance GR-131 trail, also known as the Bastón Route. Management is overseen by the Caldera de Taburiente National Park. At present, its use is free of charge.
Petroglyphs
Among El Paso’s cultural attractions are several important archaeological sites containing aboriginal petroglyphs, valuable remnants of La Palma’s pre-colonial history.
The El Verde Petroglyphs are located very close to the historic town centre. Also noteworthy are the La Fajana Petroglyphs, remarkable both for their setting and for the richness of the engravings found there.
Heritage Interpretation Centres
El Paso Tourist Information Office
A useful source of information about La Palma, where visitors can also purchase souvenirs, gifts, and a variety of local products.
Las Hilanderas Silk Museum
Learn about the traditional local silk-making process through exhibitions, demonstrations, and a gift shop featuring handcrafted products.
Benehauno Interpretation Centre – El Paso Petroglyphs
An excellent introduction to El Paso’s archaeological heritage. During the aboriginal period, this territory was divided into four independent cantons: Aceró, Aridane, Tihuya, and Guehebey.
Caldera de Taburiente Visitor Centre
Features geological exhibitions and a garden dedicated to the native flora of La Palma.
Traditional Canarian Restaurants
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Bodegón Tamanca
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Restaurante Balcón de Taburiente
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Restaurante Tajogaite
Other Recommended Restaurants
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Tasca Barbanera
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Tasca Donde Andrés
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Pizzería-Arepera Yaracuy
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La Cantina del Gecko
Local Products
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El Paso Farmers’ Market
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La Cernícala Cooperative
Transport
El Paso Taxi Association
Local taxi association serving the municipality of El Paso.
Photo Gallery
Locations on Google Maps
- Mirador de La Cumbrecita
- Refugio Punta de los Roques
- Los petroglifos de El Verde
- Petroglifos de La Fajana
- Oficina de Información Turística de El Paso
- Museo de la Seda Las Hilanderas
- Benehauno Centro de Interpretación Petroglifos de El Paso
- Centro de Visitantes de La Caldera de Taburiente
- Bodegón Tamanca
- Restaurante Balcón de Taburiente
- Restaurante Tajogaite
- Tasca Barbanera
- Tasca Donde Andrés
- Pizzería-Arepera Yaracuy
- La Cantina del Gecko
- Mercadillo del Agricultor de El Paso
- La Cernícala cooperativa
- Asociación de taxi Ciudad de El Paso