Photo: Luca N ↗THE JOURNEY IN DETAIL
Lighthouse to volcano rim.
The Transvulcania course starts at the Fuencaliente lighthouse at sea level, follows the volcanic ridge to the Roque de los Muchachos observatory at 2,417 m and drops to the finish in Los Llanos. A 06:00 start and a 16-hour limit. Few European races have this atmosphere: whole villages line the streets, and the volcanic ash underfoot is unlike anything in the Alps. A marathon and half-marathon run the same week.
- The dawn start at the Fuencaliente lighthouse
- The Ruta de los Volcanes ridge above the clouds
- Roque de los Muchachos observatory, 2,417 m
- Finishing through the streets of Los Llanos de Aridane
With old friends or new ones
Join a group or arrange a separate departure for your own team. Before travelling, we get to know each other, discuss everyone's experience and find suitable dates. You can also prepare together.
DAY BY DAY
Your daily itinerary.
A provisional itinerary. Weather, group readiness and local conditions may change the order and length of the stages.
- DAY 1 · Transfer, walk
Arrival on La Palma
We meet at Santa Cruz airport and cross to the island’s west side, Los Llanos, in 40 minutes. An evening walk to the finish arch and dinner watching the sun set over Tazacorte.
Overnight: Apartments in Los Llanos - DAY 2 · 10 km, 400 m of climbing
Shakeout on the Ruta de los Volcanes
We drive to El Pilar (1,450 m) and run 10 km along the volcanic ridge — the race section with black ash underfoot. A lesson in running on loose ground.
Overnight: Apartments in Los Llanos - DAY 3 · Rest, 3 km walk
Roque de los Muchachos and bibs
In the morning we drive up to the observatory at 2,417 m to see the course high point and the Caldera de Taburiente. Bib collection in Los Llanos by afternoon, pasta in the evening.
Overnight: Apartments in Los Llanos - DAY 4 · Rest
The day before the start
A full rest day: sleep, a dip in the ocean at Puerto Naos, packing the belt and bottles. Early dinner and bed by eight — we leave for the start at 03:30.
Overnight: Apartments in Los Llanos - DAY 5 · Race, 73 km
Ultra: lighthouse to volcanoes to Los Llanos
06:00 start at the Fuencaliente lighthouse. 4,350 m of climbing through Los Canarios, El Pilar and Pico de la Cruz to Roque de los Muchachos, then the steep drop to the ocean at Tazacorte and a final climb into Los Llanos. Cut-off at 22:00.
Overnight: Apartments in Los Llanos - DAY 6 · Recovery, transfer
Ocean and departure
A morning by the water, a recovery walk along the Tazacorte seafront, late breakfast. Transfer to the airport for afternoon flights.
Overnight: —
Included in the estimated price
5 nights in apartments in Los Llanos
Breakfasts and three shared dinners
Airport transfers and the transfer to the Fuencaliente start
A group hire car for shakeouts and crewing
Ivan’s support on course and at the finish
Course briefing plus a heat and fuelling plan
Not included in the price
Flights to the meeting point
Personal travel insurance and visas
Personal equipment
Single-room supplements and personal expenses
Transvulcania entry fee
Lunches
Single supplement
YOUR PREPARATION
Arrive ready for the route.
The ultra needs a 50 km-plus mountain finish and readiness for heat and open sun; the marathon suits a second or third trail season. Ivan adds long descents and heat sessions to the build-up.
Prepare with IvanROUTE QUESTIONS
BEFORE WE MEET ON THE TRAIL
What to prepare in advance
- Trail shoes already tested in training
- A running vest, soft flasks and rain protection
- Layers for changing weather and familiar trail food
- Poles, if suitable for the route and you know how to use them
Once we choose a date, we agree on the equipment list, meeting point and transfer time. Please wait until the programme is confirmed before booking flights.