The El Time Trail is an accessible and panoramic route connecting Puerto de Tazacorte with the El Time viewpoint, part of the famous GR-131 (El Bastón).
It’s perfect for those looking for an easy hiking experience on La Palma, combining nature, history and spectacular views.
Why This Easy Trail Stands Out
- Clear signage. Information panels at the start and waymark posts along the path.
- Incredible views. Panoramas of the Barranco de las Angustias, the wide Valle de Aridane, Los Llanos, and Tazacorte’s port and beach.
From some spots, you can even see the new lava fields formed by the Tajogaite volcano and, far out to sea, the floating fish farms for sea bream and sea bass near Punta Juan Graje. - Historic route. An ancient communication path between the coast and the summit, used since pre-Hispanic times and passing near caves once inhabited by the island’s Benahoarite people.
- Ideal for beginners and families. Short, well-marked, and free of difficult technical sections.
Technical Information
| Parameter | Details |
|---|---|
| Distance | 3–3.8 km (one way or round trip) |
| Elevation gain | +480 m |
| Maximum altitude | 524 m (El Time viewpoint) |
| Duration | 1–1.5 h uphill, 2–3 h round trip |
| Difficulty | Easy to moderate; well-marked trail |
| Type of route | Linear (uphill/downhill) or circular (GR-131 variant) |
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Practical Tips for the Trail
- Not suitable for vertigo sufferers: Much of the path runs along a cliff edge without safety barriers. The views are breathtaking but can be dizzying.
- Best light for photos: Morning or late afternoon, when the sunlight enhances the contrast between sea, mountains and the valley’s greens.
- Choose your direction: You can start from Puerto de Tazacorte and hike up to the El Time viewpoint, or go the other way down.
- Rest stop at Mirador de La Punta: A shaded area with benches and incredible views, perfect for a break or a quiet moment.
- Comfortable shoes and hydration: The path is easy but exposed. Bring trekking shoes, water, and sun protection, there’s no shade or fountains.
- Camera ready: The natural lookouts over the Barranco de las Angustias and the Valle de Aridane deserve a few great photos.
Fun fact: This route is part of the “Vertical Kilometer” during the Transvulcania, La Palma’s most famous mountain running event.
The Valle de Aridane
From the El Time viewpoint, you’ll enjoy one of the most impressive views on La Palma: the Valle de Aridane, a fertile and emblematic landscape to the north and the lava flows of the San Juan volcano to the south.
The valley includes the municipalities of Los Llanos de Aridane, Tazacorte, and El Paso, and is filled with banana plantations, rural homes, ravines, and palm trees.
On its western edge lie some of the island’s best-known beaches, including Puerto de Tazacorte.
In 2021, the Tajogaite volcano eruption left a deep mark on this region. Around 10% of the land and a third of the banana plantations were affected by ash, water shortages, or damaged irrigation systems.
Recovery is ongoing, but the valley remains a symbol of resilience and natural beauty.
Map El Time route
