Excursion by car to El Roque de los Muchachos in La Palma

The quality of the clear skies and unique conditions for its observation has made the island of La Palma holds the Starlight distinction, which recognizes the skies with the best astronomical quality. Northeast of the island is El Roque de los Muchachos, located in the municipality of Garafía, about 46km from Santa Cruz de La Palma and 1 hour 45 min via car by mountain road, where the highest point of La Palma is reached. There you will discover one of the most emblematic natural monuments of the island through which to stroll in a spectacular environment with privileged views, getting to know one of the biggest tourist attractions of the Canary Islands.

From the boat to El Roque de los Muchachos

An excursion to El Roque de los Muchachos is one of the most popular activities amongst visitors to the island of La Palma. At an altitude of over 2400 metres, this natural monument, which is very appealing to tourists due to its network of trails, provides visitors with spectacular scenery and magnificent views both around it and of the sky. With the appropriate equipment, you can walk from one viewing point to another, along part of the trail that runs all around the edge of La Caldera de Taburiente or simply contemplate and enjoy the magnitude of the spectacular view provided by this nature spot.

El Roque de los Muchachos Observatory: returning from the heavens to the boat

At El Roque de los Muchachos and at an altitude of 2396 metres is El Roque de los Muchachos Observatory, which houses one of the most complete sets of telescopes in the world. For €9 with advance booking required (622805618 or ana@astrocamp.es), you can take an unforgettable guided tour to inside one of its telescopes (GTC, William Herschel Telescope, Telescopio Nazionale Galileo, etc) from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. (mornings only) and feel even closer to the heavens. A perfect activity for any cruise-goer visiting La Palma who has several hours free.

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Sustainability

Never leave waste of any type lying around, including cigarette butts. Leftover food leads to a proliferation of rats and wild cats, which pose a serious threat to the fauna.
Use the waste- paper baskets and, insofar as possible, separate and place your recycling waste in the appropriate containers.
Do not throw any waste or other objects into the sea.
Respect the animals. Do not bother them or feed them. If you see an injured specimen, you can call the emergency number: 112. Do not pick flowers or plants.
Do not pick up or take away stones or any other item from the natural environment. And do not move them to pile them up into sadly famous 'towers'.
In natural spaces and at viewpoints, do not leave the trail or the spaces designated for people to be in.
Respect and look after the area's historic and cultural heritage, along with the public furniture and items for visitors, such as information panels or telescopes and binoculars.