Walk the 9 km Route of El Cuervo through Ortiz, Colorado and the Black Volcano, ending with a Canarian aperitif at sunset. This guided hike combines volcanic geology, local stories and manageable terrain for an accessible outdoor adventure in Timanfaya National Park.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
You set out across a black sea of lava under a low Atlantic sky; wind pushes at your jacket and the sharp outline of volcanic cones slices the horizon. The trail opens onto Ortiz and Colorado — cones that still read like pages of Lanzarote’s violent youth — then threads through malpaís where basalt ripples look almost like frozen waves.
Difficulty
moderate
Duration
3–3.5 hours
Fitness Level
Comfortable walking fitness; able to handle 9 km on rocky, uneven ground and short climbs.
Wildlife
History
Lanzarote’s landscape was reshaped in the 18th century and again in the 1730–36 eruptions; local agricultural adaptations, like stone windbreaks and vine pits, reflect centuries of living on volcanic ground.
Conservation
Timanfaya is a protected national park; visitors must stay on paths and follow guides to avoid damaging fragile lava formations and newly forming soils.
Reserve your spot on the Timanfaya National Park Trekking with a Typical Canarian Snack today and enjoy a trusted, highly rated experience designed to help you make the most of your adventure.
Timing for sunset
Start the hike late afternoon so you reach El Cuervo and Pico Partido in time for golden-to-red sunset light.
Footwear matters
Wear sturdy boots or trail shoes with good grip — lava fields are sharp and uneven underfoot.
Hydration on exposed terrain
Carry at least 1–1.5 liters of water per person; there is no shade on large sections of the route.
Stick with the guide
Guides point out hazard zones and geological highlights; visibility and terrain can be disorienting on your own.
Sturdy trail shoes
Protects feet on sharp basalt and provides traction on loose scoria.
Sun hat and sunscreen
Open terrain and Atlantic sun make UV protection essential.
summer
1–1.5 L water bottle or hydration pack
Keeps you hydrated across exposed stretches with no water sources.
Light windproof jacket
Atlantic winds and evening temperature drops make a lightweight shell useful.
spring