Among the numerous hikes to explore in La Palma, there was one I had deliberately set aside, favoring other sections deemed “more beautiful”: the Pico de la Nieve. It’s one of the iconic peaks of the Caldera de Taburiente, and I had never been there before! With my ferry to Tenerife scheduled for late afternoon and my route to the port taking me through the island’s highlands, it seemed like a good opportunity to visit this peak.
The trail is extremely pleasant, starting in the pine forest on the island’s eastern side. It offers cool and shaded conditions for a while before the forest gradually gives way to a more desert-like landscape, still rich in vegetation. The clouds, which have been prominent on the eastern coast since the beginning of my stay, slowly ascend towards the ridges. However, I’m not concerned as they’re expected to hover below 2000 meters in altitude.
The ascent remains gentle but becomes more rounded as it approaches the summit ridge. The view of the Caldera de Taburiente unfolds on one side, with the Pico de la Nieve to my right, an additional small hill to climb. Given the splendid weather conditions (bright light, no calima this time), I decide to extend the hike and take the ridge trail of the caldera heading north.
I don’t have a specific goal, except for the ferry’s departure time that I can’t miss! I walk briskly, enjoying the sun on my back and the breathtaking views on both sides. Checking the map, I spot a small peak named “El Cotillon” and decide it would be a fitting end to my hike and stay in La Palma! It’s a good choice as there’s a small promontory overlooking the Caldera de Taburiente, perfect for a lunch break with a view of the distant smoking Tajogaite volcano.
After retracing my steps, I climb the Pico de la Nieve. While the views aren’t particularly more impressive than elsewhere, there’s a peculiar shrine topped with a beautiful raven. La Palma’s ravens are notably large and, like all ravens, very intelligent and curious. I’m quite fond of these so-called ominous birds!
For the descent, I make a small loop following the ridge trail south and then head towards another renowned site I’ve never visited: the petroglyphs of La Erita, right next to Pico de la Sabina, which I also climb in a short detour. The petroglyphs are “unfortunately” fenced off, but I understand it’s a necessary measure to protect them from potential vandals.
It’s time to head back to the car, crossing the pine forest again, which now has a more surreal atmosphere as the clouds have moved higher, shrouding the forest in mystical mist. The coolness returns, even though the sun struggles more than in the morning to raise the temperature. I hit the road towards the port. I already want to return to La Palma…
Photos from the hike to Pico de la Nieve:
