Hiker Rescued After Fall on Lanzarote’s Caldera Blanca Volcano
A 62-year-old woman had to be rescued from a difficult-to-reach section of the Caldera Blanca hiking route after falling while walking in Tinajo.
A hiking trip to one of Lanzarote’s best-known volcanic landscapes ended with an emergency rescue on Thursday, September 10, after a woman fell while making her way along the trail towards Caldera Blanca volcano.
The incident happened shortly after 1pm in the municipality of Tinajo, in the north-west of Lanzarote. Emergency services were alerted at approximately 1:05pm, after the hiker suffered a fall on the route.
Difficult rescue on the Caldera Blanca hiking trail
The location of the accident presented an additional challenge for the emergency teams.
The woman, aged 62, was found in an area that was difficult to access. Members of the Lanzarote emergency and rescue services made their way to her location before carefully helping her out to a point where an ambulance could reach her.
Tinajo Civil Protection personnel also assisted during the rescue operation.
Medical staff from the Canarian Emergency Service (SUC) subsequently assessed the woman. Initial medical assessment indicated a moderate injury to a lower limb, subject to further complications, and she was taken by ambulance to Hospital Doctor José Molina Orosa in Arrecife for further treatment.
Local police also attended and supported the emergency response.
Caldera Blanca: spectacular scenery, but take care
The incident is another reminder that although Lanzarote hiking can be an incredible way to experience the island’s volcanic scenery, some routes are considerably more challenging underfoot than they might initially appear.
Caldera Blanca is particularly popular because of its dramatic volcanic landscape and views across the surrounding lava fields. The terrain is predominantly volcanic, with uneven and rocky sections that require sensible footwear and care, particularly when descending or when conditions are hot.
For tourists visiting Lanzarote, the walk offers an opportunity to see a very different side of the island away from the beaches and resort areas.
But volcanic terrain can be unforgiving.
What should hikers take on a Lanzarote walk?
Whether you’re a visitor staying in Puerto del Carmen, Playa Blanca, Costa Teguise or elsewhere on the island, a little preparation can make a big difference when heading out on a Lanzarote hiking route.
It’s worth carrying:
- Plenty of drinking water
- Sun protection and a hat
- Proper walking or hiking footwear
- A fully charged mobile phone
- Enough food for the length of your walk
- A basic first-aid kit for longer hikes
- A map or reliable navigation app
It’s also sensible to check the weather before setting off. Lanzarote’s volcanic landscape can feel particularly exposed, with limited shade on many walking routes.
During periods of extreme heat, it’s especially important to consider whether a strenuous hike is appropriate.
Know your route before setting off
One of the advantages of exploring Lanzarote on foot is that there are routes suitable for a wide range of abilities. However, walkers shouldn’t assume that a short distance automatically means an easy walk.
Rocky surfaces, loose volcanic material, steep sections and exposure to the sun can all make a route more demanding than expected.
If you’re unfamiliar with the island, consider choosing an established route, checking the terrain beforehand and allowing considerably more time than you think you’ll need.
And if somebody in your group becomes injured, call 112 in an emergency and give rescuers as much information as possible about your location.
The Caldera Blanca incident demonstrates why accurate location information can be particularly important when walking in remote volcanic areas.
A reminder for visitors exploring Lanzarote
Lanzarote’s volcanic scenery is one of its biggest attractions, and exploring the island’s volcanoes is an experience many visitors remember long after their holiday ends.
But the landscape that makes Timanfaya and Lanzarote’s volcanic region so spectacular can also make rescue operations complicated when something goes wrong.
The successful operation at Caldera Blanca involved firefighters, Civil Protection, emergency medical personnel and police working together to reach the injured walker and get her safely to an ambulance.
For anyone planning a Caldera Blanca hike, the message is simple: enjoy the incredible scenery, but don’t underestimate Lanzarote’s volcanic terrain.
