North Island Discovery
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Port
Santa Cruz de La Palma, Canarias, Spain
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Activity Level
Strenuous Activity
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Excursion Type
All
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Wheelchair Accessible
No
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Starting At (prices in USD)
$90
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Minimum Age
Information Not Currently Available
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Duration
Approximately 4 Hours
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Meals Included
Meals not included
Setting off from the pier, you'll drive north, following a coastal route that leads toward a scenic lookout wedged between two deep-cut gorges. After taking in the stunning views, you'll wind through the mountains to Cubo de La Galga, covered by the largest, most pristine laurel forest in the Canary Islands. You may also see indigenous plants such as the orange-blossomed Canarian bellflower and blackberry tree, whose edible fruits resemble bright blackberries. Re-boarding your coach, you will descend toward the coast, passing several sprawling banana plantations along the way.
Bananas flourish on the island and fuel much of the economy, as does sugar cane, which is used in the production of rum. At a nearby rum distillery, you'll see how the popular spirit is produced. You'll also sample some rum, whose distinct taste comes from the local sugar cane variety that was introduced to the Canary Islands from India in the 15th century. The sugar cane is also used to produce brandy and liqueurs flavored with bananas, mulberries, and loquat.
One of the island's most impressive natural wonders awaits you at Charco Azul--a cluster of clear natural swimming pools formed long ago by a lava flow that reached the sea. Here, you'll have time to walk along the coast or simply relax and take in the gorgeous scenery before it’s time to rejoin your coach for the drive back to the pier.
Please note: The tour involves gaining 1,500' elevation in the first 20 minutes on a winding road with tunnels, which may require motion sickness precautions. The walk at Cubo de La Galga includes a steady incline with a 250' elevation gain over approximately 1,700 paces. In San Andres, there is a 25-minute downhill walk on cobbled streets and about 75 stairs to climb. Additionally, guests must climb a hill to reach the rum distillery. Not suitable for those with mobility limitations.