With out volcanoes, we wouldn’t even have the Canary Islands – the islands themselves are the peaks of big underwater volcanoes, so climbing Calderon Hondo with children topped my wishlist throughout our household vacation to Fuerteventura.
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My daughter has already seen the lava-blasted panorama of Timanfaya in Lanzarote, whereas I’ve explored the height of Mount Teide on Tenerife, so this appeared like the right straightforward journey.
One among a number of extinct volcanic caldera on Fuerteventura, Calderon Hondo was fashioned greater than 50,000 years in the past in a collection of eruptions which created the eight volcanic peaks within the north of the island.
And whereas climbing Calderon Hondo with children may sound difficult, it’s truly greater than doable for households, with paths resulting in the crater 278m up.
In actual fact, there are three completely different routes that you could take, relying how a lot of a problem you need. We went for the simplest possibility, which took round 20 minutes from the automobile park at Camino Calderas.
Staying simply outdoors Corralejo within the north of the island, the drive was as a consequence of take round 15-20 minutes, though we rapidly realised Google Maps hadn’t factored in the truth that the previous few km was on un-tarmacked roads.
As we had been in a rent automobile, and I didn’t fancy returning it with further chips, I took these previous few km at round 15km per hour – we truly obtained overtaken by somebody on a mountain bike at one level. However so long as you’re cautious, you don’t want a 4×4 (though one is a bonus over our trusty white Seat Ibiza, which obtained distinctly dusty).
When you’ve parked, there’s a path manufactured from volcanic stones – at a distance, it seems lots smoother than it’s, so this isn’t a stroll to aim in flipflops, though trainers are positive for those who don’t need to pack strolling footwear.
The trail itself weaves pretty slowly up the slope till the final part which is a steeper climb, however nonetheless very straightforward for anybody of common health.
And on the high, there’s a railing by a viewpoint wanting down into the caldera, with the bottom 70m beneath onto the deep brown, black and burned pink soil.
Based on weblog posts I’d learn, there’s additionally a path across the caldera, which I’d been warned was tough, particularly in excessive winds (which Fuerteventura is understood for). Once we obtained to the highest, I couldn’t even work out the place it was, until you balanced on the very fringe of the caldera – so we didn’t even attempt to try that!
From right here, there’s a view onto a number of different small stone outlines and different ruined buildings if you wish to discover additional on the best way down.
On a transparent day, you’ll be able to even see out so far as Isla de Lobos though the clouds meant we had a extra restricted panorama.
For those who’re fortunate, you can too spot a few of the chipmunks which make their house on the slopes across the volcano, however we solely noticed a collection of cute sparrow-sized birds, which flitted off at pace each time we checked out them.
For those who fancy an extended trek, there are two different routes which result in the highest, each ranging from Aparcamiento Sendero Volcano Calderon Hondo – you’ll be able to take one up and the opposite down for a little bit of selection if you’re blissful to stroll across the rim.
Taking Route 2 up and Route 3 down is the simpler possibility, in keeping with this handy weblog put up I discovered, or keep on with Route 2 for much less scrambling, and a path that results in the identical viewing level. Permit round 90 minutes for those who’re taking the longer path.
For those who’re visiting Corralejo, together with the sand dunes within the pure reserve, it’s very easy to suit right into a day trip. And better of all, you get the satisfaction of climbing a volcano and having fun with an journey that could be very family-friendly.
For extra concepts of the perfect issues to do in Fuerteventura with children, try my high picks
Climbing Calderon Hondo with children: Have to know
Earlier than you set off, right here’s all the pieces you want to learn about climbing Calderon Hondo with children.
Go ready
Unsurprising, there’s no shade in any respect on the stroll up or when you’re on the caldera, so it’s finest to time your stroll for earlier within the day or late afternoon to flee the strongest solar. We arrived at round 9.30am on a cloudy day in October, and it was a straightforward climb, however even in autumn, it will have been a lot tougher in full solar.
Do take loads of water (and any snacks you may want, particularly for the longer stroll), SPF and respectable footwear. The shorter path is straightforward sufficient in trainers, and even strolling sandals, however with uneven volcanic rock, you want one thing supportive.
It may be windy on the high, so you might also need to carry a hoody, though even at round 10am in October, it was heat sufficient for us to not want one as soon as we’d began strolling.
Bear in mind that you simply’ll must drive on dusty roads with unfastened stones to achieve the beginning level. You are able to do it in a regular compact automobile, however permit for the truth that you’ll need to go slowly (until you’re very relaxed about your paintwork).
Go to responsibly
Be accountable – Calderon Hondo is in a protected space and also you’re requested to maintain to the paths to keep away from damaging the delicate atmosphere. You’ll see numerous dusty trails main off the volcanic stone path as short-cuts but additionally indicators asking you to not stroll alongside them.
As ever, go away solely footprints (on the marked trails!) and take solely images. There’s nowhere to eliminate litter till you get down.
Don’t feed the chipmunks (truly Barbary floor squirrels) – they’re truly an invasive species as they haven’t any pure predators on the island, nevertheless cute they give the impression of being.
Are you able to go to Calderon Hondo with children?
It’s all completely doable for major faculty age children who can keep on with a path and received’t wander away – the climb isn’t laborious and it’s properly marked.
The trail itself is uneven, so it’s not appropriate for anybody who does have mobility points, however in any other case the shortest route are straightforward for youths, and the longer ones are positive if in case you have extra time/children who aren’t fazed by a brief hike.
Do pay attention to the risks on the high. Whereas there may be one viewing platform behind a steel rail, the remainder of the caldera shouldn’t be fenced and it’s a 70m drop – this isn’t the place to carry a toddler who thinks it’s humorous to run off!
How a lot does it price to go to Calderon Hondo?
It’s fully free to climb for those who’re blissful to do it independently. For those who favor to discover with a information, there are guided excursions to Calderon Hondo.
You possibly can even select a sundown hike in addition to stargazing on the volcano though I’d recommend these are higher with tweens and youths given that you simply’ll be mountaineering not less than a technique in darkness.
When can I go to Calderon Hondo?
There aren’t any opening hours so you would go to at any time you select – for sure, there’s no lighting alongside the dust highway to the automobile park, or to the height, so the thought of making an attempt to climb the volcano in the dead of night is a very actually unhealthy one (until you’re with a information/group).
When you’ve got your personal rent automobile, you’ll be able to go at any level throughout the hours of daylight although. It’s finest to keep away from the most popular interval in the midst of the day, and keep on with early morning or late afternoon although.
How lengthy does it take to climb Calderon Hondo?
It will depend on which route you need to take, and the way a lot you need to discover alongside the best way. For those who’re following the shortest path to the highest, and stopping for a couple of minutes right here and there to take images, it’s straightforward to do it in round 45-60 minutes.
For those who’re taking the longer route, permit not less than 90 minutes. And for those who’re planning to comply with a few of the little paths to the opposite factors of curiosity, think about some further time, though you’ll be able to in all probability see most issues inside round half-hour max.
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