Calderón Hondo is one of the seven volcanoes of the Bayuyo mountain range, and one of the best preserved. This group of volcanic cones formed about 50,000 years ago in a series of eruptions that resulted in the creation of Isla de Lobos. The magnitude of this activity increased the surface area of Fuerteventura and its neighboring island, Lanzarote.
As you can imagine, the calderas, lava fields, and hiking routes at Calderon Hondo make this one of the most popular attractions in Fuerteventura. Trekking around Calderon Hondo is a one-of-a-kind experience that allows you to fully appreciate the unique landscapes of this area.
Guide to Visiting Calderon Hondo in Fuerteventura
I had the opportunity to climb this famous volcano a few years ago, and I can tell you that the views from the top are unmatched. Also, getting to the rim of the crater isn’t as hard as it sounds, so it’s something you can do even if you aren’t an experienced hiker.
So, if you want to do one of the best excursions in Fuerteventura, keep reading. In this guide, I’ll tell you everything you need to know about this volcano, including how to hike it on your own or with a guide, as well as how to get there and other tips.
How to get to Calderon Hondo in Fuerteventura
As one of the most important volcanoes in Fuerteventura, Calderon Hondo is well worth visiting. It’s in the town of Lajares, a charming town with traditional white houses and local customs and food.
The easiest way to get to the Calderon Hondo volcano is by renting a car in Fuerteventura. We always use DiscoverCars whenever we need a vehicle in Fuerteventura, and we’ve never had any issues. Plus, their website has some of the best deals on rental cars.
How to get to Calderon Hondo in Fuerteventura
Having your own vehicle will help you get around faster and explore the rest of the island at your own pace. Even if you plan on taking a guided hike to Calderon Hondo, it’s still worth renting a car for convenience, especially if you plan on visiting other attractions.
Once you arrive at Lajares, take the roundabout and head towards the first exit, which goes to Majanicho. From there, drive another mile or so until you reach the parking lot, which is where the trailhead is located.
If you aren’t renting a car, you can take the bus (guagua) from Corralejo. Bus line 08 goes from Corralejo to Lajares and takes about 40 minutes.
How to climb Calderon Hondo on your own
The climbing route to Calderon Hondo is considered one of the best hikes in Fuerteventura, thanks to its well-maintained trail and low difficulty. Even if you’re traveling with kids, you should be able to thoroughly enjoy this hike, so I wouldn’t worry too much.
The path to the Calderon Hondo volcano leads to the crater’s highest point, at about 912 feet above sea level. From there, you can see the entire coast of Fuerteventura, as well as the surrounding islands. You’ll also notice the yellowish tones of the 230-foot-deep crater, which is the result of sulfur.
How to climb Calderon Hondo on your own
Finding the trailhead is easy since it’s well-marked and right in the parking lot. During the first 1.5 miles of the hike, you’ll travel through a field of volcanic rocks, known as the malpaís. Be sure to stay on the marked path, as this area is super rocky and uneven, and the stones have jagged edges that can hurt you if you’re not careful.
Climbing up Calderon Hondo
Once you reach the base of the volcano, you can start your climb up Calderon Hondo. The path has been carved out of the volcanic stones, so it’s not terribly complicated. Depending on your hiking pace, you can complete the climb in about 45 minutes.
Calderon Hondo crater
That said, don’t miss the chance to walk around the perimeter of Calderon Hondo’s crater. It’s about 0.8 miles around, and you’ll get to see different perspectives of the volcano from above, so I recommend it. Once you’re done admiring the views, you can take the same path back down to the parking lot.
- Distance: 2.9 miles
- Duration: 1.5 hours
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Type: Loop
- Elevation gain: 577 ft
Guided hike to Calderon Hondo
If you prefer doing the trek to Calderon Hondo with a guide, you have a few tour options to choose from. First, I like this tour, which is led by a local guide who will take you up the volcano and share interesting geological information.
Guided hike to Calderon Hondo
It’s a great option if you’re unsure about your hiking skills, plus you don’t have to drive to the parking lot since hotel pick-up is included. A photographer will also accompany your group and capture amazing moments from your hike, so you can bring home incredible memories of the excursion.
- Highlights: Calderon Hondo, Lajares
- Starting point: Lajares
- Duration: 3 hours
- Price: €35+
There are other tours of the Calderon Hondo volcano, such as this day trip that includes other landmarks in northern Fuerteventura. This excursion includes a visit to the Cañada de Melian Canyon and El Cotillo, one of the most famous towns on the island. Here, you’ll have time to see some beautiful beaches and attractions like the Tostón Lighthouse.
- Highlights: Calderón Hondo, panoramic views, El Cotillo, Tostón Lighthouse
- Starting point: Lajares
- Duration: 5.5 hours
- Price: €40+
Tips for hiking Calderon Hondo
Before you hike up Calderon Hondo, I want to share some helpful tips and recommendations, so you get the most out of this incredible experience:
- Wear appropriate footwear. Although it’s a simple route, the path has some uneven terrain and sharp rocks that can be dangerous if you’re not careful. I recommend wearing hiking boots or shoes with good traction to prevent falls.
- Remember to bring sunscreen and a hat to protect your face.
- Keep in mind that there is no water source in this area, so bring enough water to keep yourself hydrated throughout the hike.
- Bring a trash bag with you so you can clean up after yourself and leave this natural area as beautiful as you found it.
- Respect the trail markers and do not stray from the path. This will help to preserve the environment so other hikers can enjoy its natural beauty as much as you did.
- Finally, the best time to climb the Calderón Hondo volcano is early in the morning, or just before sunset to watch the sun go down from above. During these times, the temperatures are lower, so the hike will be easier and more enjoyable.
What to see around Calderon Hondo in Fuerteventura
I recommend planning about half a day to do the route to Calderon Hondo. If you go early in the morning, you’ll have time to explore other areas of the island. That’s what we did, and in the afternoon, we decided to hang out at the beach. Some of the most beautiful beaches in Fuerteventura are a short drive away, and they look especially beautiful at sunset.
In particular, I suggest going to La Concha Beach or Los Charcos, which are absolutely gorgeous and have fine sand and turquoise waters. They’re both close to El Cotillo, so you can use this time to visit the town and maybe stop for a traditional Canarian meal at one of the local restaurants. There are lots of things to do in El Cotillo, but I like to just get lost in its little streets and admire its pretty viewpoints.
What to see around Calderon Hondo in Fuerteventura
That said, you may want to check out one of the best beaches in El Cotillo, Playa del Aljibe (or Piedra Playa). Here, you’ll find a natural, wild landscape that’s away from the tourist crowds, so it’s a great escape. It’s one of my favorite beaches in all of Fuerteventura, so if you go, be sure to tell me what you think!
On the other hand, you can go to Corralejo, one of the busiest and most popular towns on the island. Spend some time exploring the top attractions in Corralejo, or take this ferry to Isla de Lobos, a small islet that’s full of hidden gems.
Finally, I recommend stopping by one of the most curious sights on the island: Playa Bajo La Burra. This is one of Corralejo’s best beaches, and it’s known for its shoreline that’s covered in peculiar algae. These rodolitos look like popcorn, which is why many tourists call this place “Popcorn Beach.”
That’s it from me! Now you know everything about hiking Calderon Hondo, one of the most impressive places in all of the Canary Islands. If you have any questions about the Calderon Hondo volcano or any of the tours I mentioned, leave me a comment below. I’d also love to hear what you thought of this famous volcano.
Have a wonderful trip!
