Description:
Named after the Dutch merchant Daniel Van Dame, Caldera de Bandama is a stunning volcanic crater located on the northeast inland of Gran Canaria. This 3.5 hours volcano and wine guided hiking excursion will begin with a 200 meters descent to the bottom of this crater.
Once we started walking inside the crater, it will be as though we are entering into a different space. Due to its location and depth, you might feel like you are inhaling different kind of air, hearing different sound and seeing a different vegetation. This is how a walk to the Caldera de Bandama begins – it feels like getting into a new world of idleness yet full of wonder.
The hike to the Caldera de Bandama offers an understanding and glimpse into the geological origin of Gran Canaria. The lush crater forms part of the Natural Monument of Tafira Protected Landscape and the whole area is a result of millenniums of volcanic activities on the island. As we approach the bottom of the crater, we will all realize how small we are as compared to the towering walls surrounding us. This area has become a perfect habitat for endemic plants in the area such as the Dama de Bandama - a rare and unique flower that cannot be found elsewhere. The inhabitant (named "Agustinito") once lived at the Bandama crater for decades.
After seeing the Caldera de Bandama, enjoy a view of Pico de Bandama volcano just on the side of the Caldera which rises 1000 meters high above sea level. The hiking tour then continued with a walk around volcano rim, allowing us to appreciate the beauty of the volcano from different angles and views.
Because of its soil and temperature, the Bandama area has become the wine granary of Gran Canaria. Farmers in the area have been producing wine from their vineyards hence you will find a number of quaint family wineries here. History shows that the economy of Gran Canaria had started and developed around wine production and the exquisite wine was even cited in some of Shakespeare’s work.
And there's no matter way to end the Caldera de Bandama hiking tour with some wine tasting activity to give everyone the taste of authentic Gran Canaria wine.
Hiking route profile:
- Medium
- Aprox. 3.5 hours
- 6 km
- Ascend: 268 m
- Descend: 268 m
- Type of route: Circular
- Stony trail, dirt paths, Tarmack
- 2
- 8
- English, Spanish (French and German by request)
- Notes: please wear proper walking shoes and bring a backpack for your essentials
- Meeting point and time: Tourist Information Office at Yumbo Shopping Center by 08:15AM, or pick up from hotels within central of Maspalomas/ Playa del Ingles at an agreed time.
SUMMER DEPARTURES: Please notice that due to the high temperatures on the centre of the Island during June, July and August, this route might follow the Caldera’s border itinerary and will not descend to the crater.
What's included & what's not
Price includes:
- Specialist route leader
- Transportation
- Picnic snacks including a sandwich, piece of fruit and water
- Wine tasting after the hike
- Route insurance
Price does not include:
-
Important notes:
- Due to high demand, should your preferred date is fully booked (and no suitable alternatives dates available), iHoppers will provide full refund of deposit paid.
- After you book, you will receive in 24 hours (48 during the weekends) the voucher that you have to show to your route coordinator. This voucher contains all the information required to make the route.
- In case of bad weather where the route is taking place, your Route Leader might propose an alternative route. The Route Leader has the final decision regarding a potential route changing or cancellation due to weather conditions.
CANCELLATION POLICIES:
- Cancellation by 12:00 noon 3 days before departure - 100% refundable.
- No refunds will be made for no-shows at the departure time specified in the walking route description neither for cancellations made on the 2 days before the date of the walk or later.
