Marcos y Cordero: Between Tunnels and Ravines
Discover the route with the most water on the entire island of La Palma, in its greenest and most lush area, and be amazed by the height of its ravines!
This route follows the edge of a water channel, running through impressive ravines and a series of tunnels excavated 100 years ago, until reaching the best-known water springs on the island.
We will learn about the history of water on La Palma and the incredible engineering works carried out on the island so that this vital resource could reach its inhabitants, as well as how water was used to generate energy and electricity.
The meeting point is next to the Las Cancelas Nature Classroom, in San Andrés y Sauces. From there, we will take a 4x4 taxi to Casa del Monte, a house built for the workers who constructed the water channel and located right at the beginning of the trail.
From there, a true adventure begins along the edge of the channel, going from tunnel to tunnel. In total, we will pass through 12 tunnels, the longest of which is an impressive 400 metres long! And since water is abundant in this area, the lush laurel forest vegetation will accompany us along the way.
We will cross several "dykes", huge walls of volcanic formation, so this route will also give us the opportunity to learn about the volcanism of La Palma.
Once we have completed the tunnel section (out and back), we will begin the descent on foot from Casa del Monte to Las Cancelas, where we parked. An impressive trail with a mysterious touch.
NOTE: Due to trail maintenance, the route is an out-and-back walk, extending only as far as the Naciente de Cordero, just before Tunnel No. 13. The path follows the canal and the tunnels.
General information
- Duration: 7:00 hours (approximately, may vary depending on the characteristics of the group):
-
- 45 min taxi transfer
- 4:45h route through the tunnels (11 km)
- 1:30h laurel forest trail to the car park (3 km)
- Distance: 14 kilometres
- Elevation gain/loss: -1,050m / +800m
- Difficulty: moderate/high
- Route type: linear (out and back)
- Included: helmet, headlamp and poncho (provided at the beginning of the route)
- IMPORTANT: Bring sandals with a back strap (your shoes will get completely wet in Tunnel No. 12) or, alternatively, spare socks.
- Meeting point: Las Cancelas Nature Classroom, San Andrés y Sauces
From the meeting point, we will travel by 4x4 taxi to Casa del Monte, where the route will begin.
- Languages: Spanish and English.
The activity is not offered exclusively in one language, so the guide may give explanations in 2 languages.
- Price: 55€
- Group size: minimum 4 people (total of bookings received).
The taxi service requires a minimum of 4 passengers (€20 per person) to operate. If this minimum is not met—for example, if there are only 2 clients—the group will be cancelled, or clients will be given the option to pay the remaining amount to reach the €80 minimum taxi fare. The activity price already includes this €20 transfer fee; the only additional cost would be the €20 per person needed to meet the minimum requirement. - Pets: Not allowed.
Recommendations
- Wear comfortable clothing and suitable footwear, as well as a jacket and some rain protection if necessary.
- Bring a spare pair of socks.
- Sun protection and a cap or hat.
- Enough water (1.5L per person), as well as a snack or sandwich.
- Never leave the marked trails.
Cancellation policy
You will receive an email with your booking details, including a link in case you need to change or cancel the activity.
- 100% refund for cancellations made at least 12 hours before the activity.
- 50% refund for cancellations made at least 2 hours before the activity.
- No refund in case of a no-show without prior notice.
