The volcanic landscapes of Lanzarote take the spotlight on this half-day tour of Timanfaya Natural Park, recognised as a core part of the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve that covers all of Lanzarote. Luis, our expert local guide, says “did you know Lanzarote has over 300 volcanoes? This tour is a great way to explore some of them, including Timanfaya National Park, which is so unique that NASA has used it for Mars simulations.” Plus, if you've rented a car, this excursion is a perfect addition to your Lanzarote adventure, making it easy to fit into your itinerary for those on a tighter schedule.
From the meeting point, you'll hop onto the bus and head towards the iconic Fire Mountains, formed hundreds of years ago by a series of volcanic eruptions. These eruptions left the park with an otherworldly appearance, forming over 100 volcanic cones and covering the area in volcanic ash – you'll see this in the black, red and orange hues of the park's terrain. While Lanzarote is known for its volcanoes, Timanfaya is the only one on the island still considered active, even though its last eruption was in 1824. This is because of the geothermal activity below the surface, where temperatures can reach up to 600°C. During your visit, your guide will show you just how intense this heat is with a few geothermal demonstrations – you might see how an artificial geyser is created, or watch kindling burst into flames spontaneously.
There'll be time for a quick visit to the Aloe Vera Museum in Yaiza, too, where you'll learn about the benefits of Lanzarote's high-quality aloe vera products. Despite not being native to the island, this well-known plant thrives in the warm climate and volcanic, mineral-rich soil here.
