PR LP 9: Santo Domingo to Mirador de Los Andenes

An insight into the hike:

This exceptional linear hike crosses northern La Palma from Mirador El Chorro into the high mountains. After leaving Santo Domingo, rural paths pass the Ermita de San Antonio del Monte and the archaeologically important La Zarza area. The line then continues through La Mata and Roque del Faro, progressively entering the pine forest.

Beyond Barranco de los Hombres, PR LP 9 climbs persistently over Lomo de los Corraletes. Humid northern woodland gives way to open pine forest and finally bare mountain terrain. At Mirador de Los Andenes, the Caldera de Taburiente lies below—an emphatic finish on the island's rooftop.

Its 18.3 kilometres, immense 2,286 metres of ascent and up to ten and a half hours make this a serious undertaking. It demands exceptional fitness, exact timing and stable high-mountain weather. The relatively small descent must not disguise the overall load.

Start and finish are far apart, so a pre-arranged pick-up or taxi at Los Andenes is essential. Anyone uncertain should divide the connection into shorter stages. Sunhikes provides the full sequence and the crucial transitions from coast to crater rim.