Calderon Hondo is one of the most famous volcanoes in Fuerteventura due to its proximity to Lajares, Corralejo, and El Cotillo and its nice and easy circular trail. It’s also one of the few on Fuerteventura with a proper crater, a treat that is not easy to find around here despite the abundance of volcanoes on this windy island. I recommend this one if you haven’t seen a volcano with a proper crater before or only have time for one.
After leaving a car at well-marked parking in Lajares (direction Majanicho, near the “camel parking”), a straight trail leads closer to the volcano. Keep in mind that the one you see in front of you is not the one you’re going to hike, Calderon Hondo is just behind the first one, and you won’t be able to see it from the parking.
The trail divides right and left, close to the first mountain, leading around both volcanoes and up to Calderon Hondo. Since the track is circular, it doesn’t matter which direction you choose. The approach up to Calderon Hondo is from the back, and it can’t be spotted until you actually get there.
After a short hike up, you’ll be rewarded with a beautiful crater and a fantastic view of northern Fuerteventura and, on clear days, also of Lanzarote.
There will likely be squirrels there at the top, asking for food. Although they seem cute and make an excellent photo motive, feeding them is not advised. They’re an invasive species on Fuerteventura, and their reproduction is not encouraged. They’re interfering with the local flora and fauna, destroying the crops, and can also carry diseases. If you’re interested in learning more about Fuerteventura squirrels, I dedicated another blog post only to these cute creatures.
If you’re staying in Corralejo and don’t have a car, you can also get to Calderon Hondo walking/biking the “Camino natural del Fuerteventura GR 131”, starting here. It takes a good hour to get there to the volcano on foot.
Calderon Hondo hike info:
Duration: 2-3 hours in total
Difficulty: This is an easy hike, suitable for beginners and kids.
Requirements: Bring water and sunscreen. I recommend hiking shoes, but you’ll be OK with sneakers, too.
