Timanfaya National Park: Best Tours & Trips

Are you ready to explore one of Spain’s most otherworldly landscapes? If you’ve ever dreamed of walking on what feels like another planet without leaving Earth, Timanfaya National Park in Lanzarote should be at the top of your travel bucket list. This volcanic wonderland, created by massive eruptions between 1730 and 1736, offers visitors a glimpse into the raw power of nature and landscapes so unique that NASA has used them to train astronauts!

I’ve visited this incredible park multiple times, and each experience has been more memorable than the last. In this guide, I’ll share five fantastic ways to experience Timanfaya that go beyond the standard tourist visit. Whether you’re a photography enthusiast, adventure seeker, or simply someone who appreciates natural wonders, these trips will help you make the most of your time in this extraordinary place.

1. The Classic Volcano Bus Tour: Experience the Heart of Montañas del Fuego

Let’s start with what I consider the essential Timanfaya experience – the volcano bus tour through the Montañas del Fuego (Mountains of Fire). This 14-kilometer route winds through a landscape that honestly looks more like Mars than Earth, with rusty-red volcanic peaks, black lava fields, and absolutely zero vegetation.

What makes this tour special is that it’s the only way to access the heart of the national park. Private vehicles aren’t allowed on these roads (for good reason – the volcanic landscape is incredibly delicate), so this guided bus tour gives you exclusive access to areas you simply can’t reach otherwise.

The buses are equipped with audio guides in multiple languages that explain the geological history as you travel. They’ll tell you about the devastating eruptions that transformed more than a quarter of Lanzarote, burying villages and creating the surreal terrain you see today.

Pro tips for the bus tour:

• Arrive early (before 10 AM) or late (after 3 PM) to avoid the midday crowds
• Sit on the left side of the bus for the best views
• Don’t forget to check out the geothermal demonstrations at the visitor center before or after your tour
• The entire experience, including the demonstrations, takes about 45 minutes to an hour

The entrance fee (around €12 for adults) includes the bus tour and access to the visitor center, making this one of the most affordable and comprehensive ways to experience the park.

2. Camel Safari: A Traditional Journey Across the Volcanic Landscape

For something truly memorable, try seeing Timanfaya the way locals have traversed it for generations – on camelback! Just outside the main entrance to the park, you’ll find the camel station (Echadero de Camellos), where you can take a 20-minute ride on these gentle desert animals.

I was initially a bit hesitant about this experience (camels don’t exactly have a reputation for comfort!), but I found it to be surprisingly enjoyable. The camels walk in pairs with comfortable saddles, and the pace is gentle enough for you to really soak in the otherworldly surroundings.

As you sway back and forth on your camel, you’ll get a unique perspective of the volcanic landscape that’s quite different from what you see on the bus tour. There’s something special about connecting with the traditional way people navigated this harsh terrain before modern transportation.

What to know before your camel ride:

• Each ride costs about €12 per person
• The camels are well-cared for and work in shifts
• Wear sunscreen and a hat – there’s no shade on the route
• It’s suitable for most ages, though very small children might need to share a saddle with an adult
• Book your ride before or after the bus tour, as they operate in different areas

3. Guided Hiking Tour: Discover the Volcanic Secrets Up Close

If you’re like me and prefer to experience nature at a slower pace, you’ll love the guided hiking tours available in Timanfaya. While independent hiking isn’t permitted in most of the park (to protect the fragile ecosystem), there are authorized guided walks that give you incredible access to areas most visitors never see.

The park offers a free guided hike called “Ruta de Tremesana,” which takes you on a 3km journey through some of the most fascinating volcanic features. A park ranger leads these walks, explaining the geological processes, endemic species, and conservation efforts along the way.

What I found most fascinating was learning about how life finds a way to exist in this seemingly barren landscape. The rangers point out tiny lichens and other pioneer species that are slowly colonizing the lava fields – the first steps in what will be a centuries-long process of nature reclaiming the land.

Important information for the guided hikes:

• Tours are free but require advance reservation through the national park website
• Group sizes are limited to 8-10 people
• Walks typically take place Tuesday through Sunday mornings
• Wear sturdy shoes, bring water, and prepare for sun exposure
• Tours are available in Spanish and English

For more serious hikers, there’s also the challenging “Coastal Route” (Ruta del Litoral), which takes you along the spectacular coastline where lava meets ocean – truly a sight to behold!

4. Sunset Photography Tour: Capture Timanfaya’s Magical Light

For photography enthusiasts,Timanfaya National Park is a dream destination – but timing is everything. The park’s standard opening hours (9 AM to 5:45 PM) mean that most visitors miss the golden hours of photography. That’s where specialized photography tours come in.

Several local companies offer sunset photography tours that provide special access to selected viewpoints during the magical evening light. These tours are led by professional photographers who know exactly where to be and when for those perfect shots.

I took one of these tours on my second visit to Lanzarote, and it completely changed my appreciation of the park. The way the setting sun paints the volcanic cones in shades of orange, red, and purple is simply breathtaking. Plus, the smaller group size means you can really take your time setting up shots without feeling rushed.

Tips for photography tours:

• Book well in advance as these specialized tours fill up quickly
• Bring a tripod for low-light shooting
• A wide-angle lens is essential for capturing the vast landscapes
• Consider bringing ND filters to handle the strong contrasts
• Most tours include transportation from major hotels

Even if you’re not a professional photographer, these tours are worth considering just for the unique experience of seeing Timanfaya transformed by the evening light.

5. Gastronomy Experience at El Diablo Restaurant

No visit to Timanfaya would be complete without experiencing the park’s most unique dining venue – El Diablo Restaurant. Designed by the famous Lanzarote architect César Manrique, this circular restaurant sits atop an active volcanic area and uses geothermal heat from the volcano itself to cook the food!

That’s right – the chefs here grill meat and fish over a volcanic vent where temperatures reach 400°C (752°F) just a few meters below the surface. It’s not just a gimmick; the food is genuinely delicious, with a subtle smoky flavor you won’t find anywhere else.

Beyond the novel cooking method, the restaurant offers panoramic views of the Montañas del Fuego through its floor-to-ceiling windows. There’s something magical about enjoying a meal while surrounded by such dramatic scenery.

What to know before dining at El Diablo:

• Reservations are highly recommended, especially for lunch
• The restaurant is only open during park hours (no dinner service)
• Prices are surprisingly reasonable considering the unique experience
• The Canarian potatoes (papas arrugadas) with mojo sauce are a must-try
• You’ll need to pay the park entrance fee to access the restaurant

Planning Your Perfect Timanfaya Experience

To make the most of your visit to Timanfaya National Park, here are some practical tips:

Best time to visit: The park is open year-round, but the most pleasant weather is from April to June and September to November. Summer can be intensely hot, while winter offers milder temperatures but slightly higher chances of rain.

Getting there: Timanfaya is located in the southwestern part of Lanzarote. If you’re driving, it’s about 30 minutes from Puerto del Carmen or 20 minutes from Playa Blanca. There are also public buses from major tourist areas, and many hotels offer excursions.

What to bring:

• Sunscreen and a hat (there’s virtually no shade in the park)
• Water bottle
• Camera
• Light jacket (it can get windy, especially in the winter months)
• Comfortable walking shoes

Combined tickets: Consider purchasing the combined ticket that includes both the bus tour and the camel ride for a small discount.

Accessibility: The visitor center and El Diablo Restaurant are accessible to visitors with mobility issues, as is the bus tour. However, the camel rides and hiking tours require a certain level of physical ability.

Final Thoughts

Timanfaya National Park truly offers one of the most unique landscapes you’ll ever experience. Each time I visit, I’m struck by how alien and yet beautiful this volcanic terrain is. It reminds us of the tremendous forces that shape our planet and the resilience of nature.

Whether you choose to experience it through the classic bus tour, atop a camel, on foot with a knowledgeable guide, through your camera lens at sunset, or while enjoying a meal cooked by volcanic heat, Timanfaya is sure to leave a lasting impression. The Montañas del Fuego have been captivating visitors for generations, and they’re waiting to amaze you too.

Have you visited Timanfaya National Park? Which of these experiences appeals to you most? I’d love to hear about your plans or experiences in the comments below!