With out volcanoes, we wouldnโt even have the Canary Islands โ 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 Iโve explored the height of Mount Teide on Tenerife, so this appeared like the right simple journey.
One among a number of extinct volcanic caldera on Fuerteventura, Calderon Hondo was shaped 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, itโs really greater than doable for households, with paths resulting in the crater 278m up.
Actually, there are three totally 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 automotive park at Camino Calderas.
Staying simply exterior Corralejo within the north of the island, the drive was resulting from take round 15-20 minutes, though we shortly realised Google Maps hadnโt factored in the truth that the previous few km was on un-tarmacked roads.
As we had been in a rent automotive, and I didnโt fancy returning it with further chips, I took these previous few km at round 15km per hour โ we really acquired overtaken by somebody on a mountain bike at one level. However so long as youโre cautious, you donโt want a 4ร4 (though one is a bonus over our trusty white Seat Ibiza, which acquired distinctly dusty).
When youโve parked, thereโs a path fabricated from volcanic stones โ at a distance, it appears rather a lot smoother than it’s, so this isnโt a stroll to try in flipflops, though trainers are effective for those who donโt need to pack strolling sneakers.
The trail itself weaves pretty slowly up the slope till the final part which is a steeper climb, however nonetheless very simple for anybody of common health.
And on the high, thereโs a railing by a viewpoint trying down into the caldera, with the bottom 70m beneath onto the deep brown, black and burned purple soil.
In response to weblog posts Iโd learn, thereโs additionally a path across the caldera, which Iโd been warned was tough, particularly in excessive winds (which Fuerteventura is understood for). After we acquired to the highest, I couldnโt even work out the place it was, except you balanced on the very fringe of the caldera โ so we didnโt even attempt to try that!
From right here, thereโs 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.
In case youโre fortunate, it’s also possible to spot a number of the chipmunks which make their residence 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.
In case you fancy an extended trek, there are two different routes which result in the highest, each ranging from Aparcamiento Sendero Volcano Calderon Hondo โ you’ll be able to take one up and the opposite down for a little bit of selection in case you are blissful to stroll across the rim.
Taking Route 2 up and Route 3 down is the simpler possibility, in response to this handy weblog put up I discovered, or follow Route 2 for much less scrambling, and a path that results in the identical viewing level. Permit round 90 minutes for those whoโre taking the longer path.
In case youโre visiting Corralejo, together with the sand dunes within the pure reserve, itโs 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 most effective issues to do in Fuerteventura with children, take a look at my high picks
Climbing Calderon Hondo with children: Have to know
Earlier than you set off, right hereโs all the things it is advisable find out about climbing Calderon Hondo with children.
Go ready
Unsurprising, thereโs no shade in any respect on the stroll up or whilst youโre on the caldera, so itโs 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 simple climb, however even in autumn, it might have been a lot more durable 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 weโd began strolling.
Remember that you simplyโll must drive on dusty roads with unfastened stones to succeed in the beginning level. You are able to do it in a regular compact automotive, however permit for the truth that youโll need to go slowly (except youโre very relaxed about your paintwork).
Go to responsibly
Be accountable โ Calderon Hondo is in a protected space and also youโre requested to maintain to the paths to keep away from damaging the delicate surroundings. Youโll 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, depart solely footprints (on the marked trails!) and take solely photographs. Thereโs nowhere to get rid of litter till you get down.
Donโt feed the chipmunks (really Barbary floor squirrels) โ theyโre really an invasive species as they haven’t any pure predators on the island, nonetheless cute they give the impression of being.
Are you able to go to Calderon Hondo with children?
Itโs all completely doable for major college age children who can follow a path and receivedโt get lost โ the climb isnโt exhausting and itโs nicely marked.
The trail itself is uneven, so itโs not appropriate for anybody who does have mobility points, however in any other case the shortest route are simple for youths, and the longer ones are effective when you’ve got extra time/children who arenโt fazed by a brief hike.
Do concentrate on the risks on the high. Whereas there’s one viewing platform behind a steel rail, the remainder of the caldera shouldn’t be fenced and itโs a 70m drop โ this isnโt the place to carry a toddler who thinks itโs humorous to run off!
How a lot does it value to go to Calderon Hondo?
Itโs fully free to climb for those whoโre blissful to do it independently. In case you want 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 Iโd recommend these are higher with tweens and youths given that you simplyโll be mountaineering at the very least a technique in darkness.
When can I go to Calderon Hondo?
There aren’t any opening hours so you might go to at any time you select โ evidently, thereโs no lighting alongside the filth highway to the automotive park, or to the height, so the concept of attempting to climb the volcano at midnight is a very actually dangerous one (except youโre with a information/group).
In case you have your individual rent automotive, you’ll be able to go at any level in the course of the hours of daylight although. Itโs finest to keep away from the most popular interval in the midst of the day, and follow 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. In case youโre following the shortest path to the highest, and stopping for a couple of minutes right here and there to take photographs, itโs simple to do it in round 45-60 minutes.
In case youโre taking the longer route, permit at the very least 90 minutes. And for those whoโre planning to comply with a number of the little paths to the opposite factors of curiosity, consider some further time, though you’ll be able to in all probability see most issues inside round half-hour max.
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