CALDERÓN HONDO VOLCANO: RECOMMENDED HIKING ROUTE IN FUERTEVENTURA
Fuerteventura, recognized for its volcanic origin, reveals its splendor when viewed from the right perspective. One of the island's most outstanding places to enjoy an impressive landscape is the Calderón Hondo volcano, located near the charming village of Lajares.
From this privileged point, you can appreciate the alignment of volcanoes that has extended the island northward, giving rise to Lobos Island. It is easy to visualize the active volcanic history of this region. The seven volcanic cones that stretch over 4.5 km in the famous Bayuyo alignment are truly breathtaking.
There's no denying it, this landscape is stunning! In fact, I would say it's one of the most visited spots on the island, so take your time exploring it. Sure, visiting the seven volcanoes is no small feat, so it's best to focus on just one. Perhaps the most popular is the route to the Calderón Hondo volcano, which is about 5 km.
The Calderón Hondo is one of the best-preserved of the seven Bayuyo volcanoes. Getting there is a piece of cake, and climbing it to peek into its crater is super easy. From the summit, which stands at 278 meters high, you can look down and see a crater 70 meters deep, and the views of Fuerteventura are just insane!
How to Get to Calderón Hondo
When you arrive in Lajares, you will encounter a roundabout near the soccer field. You need to turn right towards Majanicho on La Cancela street, and you will see some camels waiting by the roadside (you can ride them if you dare!). There, some signs will indicate the beginning of the trail. Leave your car and get started. There are two options: the GR-131 that crosses the island (which takes you to Corralejo) and the local trail FV-2, which is the one we are going to choose.
Challenge: Crown a Volcano in Fuerteventura
The path to the top of Calderón Hondo can become a bit steeper just before it becomes the landmark of our adventure. But trust me, that effort is worth every drop of sweat. At only 278 meters above sea level, you will be rewarded with views that will take your breath away: an extensive malpaís stretching before your eyes, as well as the distant beauty of the islands of Lobos and Lanzarote. If you can, I encourage you to explore this place at sunset; the golden light will transform the landscape into an unforgettable memory.
Along the way, you might be greeted by some curious goats and playful squirrels looking for a snack. Did you know that the latter were introduced to the island as an invasive species in 1965? With no natural predators present, their numbers have multiplied to nearly a million individuals, making them a charming part of the landscape.
However, if we seek to unveil the true charm of Calderón Hondo, we must turn our attention inward. With a depth of 70 meters and remnants of yellow sulfur at the bottom, the crater invites us to contemplate the ancient heart that shaped this part of Fuerteventura. If the weather is favorable, I invite you to circle the crater for different perspectives of the landscape.
So, if you are looking for an adventure that you can share with your family or enjoy on your own, the route to Calderón Hondo is perfect. It's accessible, suitable for everyone, and each step will bring you closer to nature in its purest form.
The Bayuyo Alignment, a Volcanic Treasure North of Fuerteventura
In a distant past, the Canary Islands were of a different size than we know today. Specifically in Fuerteventura, which is geologically considered the oldest island in the archipelago, its elongated shape is the result of natural processes that occurred thousands of years ago. Approximately 50,000 years ago, seven volcanic emission centers were activated in a straight line along 5 kilometers. This volcanic activity caused lava eruptions, leading to an expansion of the island's surface by up to 110 square kilometers, in addition to contributing to the emergence of the Lobos islet.
Currently, those ancient lava emission centers have evolved into what are considered veteran volcanoes. These are part of what is known as the Bayuyo alignment. This term has its origins in pre-Hispanic languages, inherited from the tribes that inhabited the island in times past.
The alignment extends from northeast to southwest and includes various volcanic craters such as Bayuyo, Las Calderas, Caldera Encantada, Caldera Rebanada, Calderón Hondo, Montaña Colorada, Montaña de la Mancha, and Montaña de Lomo Blanco. These volcanoes, along with their respective malpaíses, contribute to forming one of the most impressive landscapes in northern Fuerteventura.
Recommendations:
-Footwear that is suitable; it doesn’t have to be hiking boots, but something appropriate for walking is better
-Water, a cap, and sunglasses
-A good camera because the views are spectacular
As we always recommend, the best way to get to know places is by respecting and caring for them..
I hope you enjoy it..