Thie Montaña Caldereta walk is quite a long one to do as a circular route, a good 15km. We were not rushing and we took a little tour to the rim of the crater and it took us about 5 hours. The ascent and descent of the crater rim is quite steep, but the views from the top are quite special.
Directions
Take the LZ-67 out of Yaiza and follow it all the way towards Mancha Blanca. You pass the Camel Rides, Timanfaya Visitor Centre and the Volcano Visitor Centre all on your left. Just before you enter the village there is a dirt track on the left which is the start of the Ruta Volcan Caldera Blanca. Up the track a little is some parking, but it is single track and fills up quickly during busy periods.
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The Walk
Follow the track for Montaña Blanca, it is well marked, but it can be a little tricky under foot as the path is made up of volcanic cobbles. There are notice boards along the route explaining about the volcanic eruptions and the views you can see along the way.
As you approach the base of Monatña Caldereta, follow the path to the right until you come to where the volcano exploded outwards, forming the typical horseshoe.
The first crater you come to is Montaña Caldereta. You can see that inside was cultivated at one time and/or used to corral livestock. There is a steep narrow path up to the lip of the volcano just past some old ruins on the left hand side.
Once at the top the views are fantastic, With care you can walk around the lip of the crater, but take extra care if its’s a windy day. At the far side the path down isn’t quite as steep, but it is a little tricky in places.
Once back at the base of Montaña Caldereta follow the path towards Montaña Blanca and again bear to the right around its base.
Behind Montaña Blanca there is a fork in the path, both routes eventually hit the dirt road LZ-601, but I think the right hand route is the prettier.
At the end of the path, turn right on to the LZ-601 and follow it all the way to the T junction with the track to Playa de Madera, Playa de las Malvas and Playa de Chó Gregorio .
Turn right here away from the beaches and follow the track until it becomes a tarmac road. Left would take you to the small village of Tenasar, we however want to continue ahead.
After about 800m take the next right turn on to the unnamed road back to Manca Blanca. This lane has many small holdings on either side of the road as well as many grape plantations. As you approach the village take the lane on the right to bring you back to the Ruta Volcan car park.
Other walks in this area:
- Montaña Blanca