El Hierro Snapshot
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Port
Puerto de la Estaca, El Hierro, Canarias, Spain
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Activity Level
Strenuous Activity
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Excursion Type
All
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Wheelchair Accessible
No
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Starting At (prices in USD)
$130
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Minimum Age
Information Not Currently Available
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Duration
Approximately 4½ Hours
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Meals Included
Meals included
Explore El Hierro, nicknamed 'the Meridian Island'. It is the smallest and farthest southwest of the Canary Islands. The name El Hierro, although phonetically identical to the Spanish word for 'iron', is generally thought to be derived from one of several words in the Guanche language of the pre-Hispanic Bimbache inhabitants.
Head to the El Golfo area, passing through the capital -- Valverde -- with about 1,500 habitants. You'll stop at the Punta Grande area. The hotel here once held the distinction of being the smallest hotel in the world, until a Dutch entrepreneur built a smaller hotel in Holland in 2009, stealing El Hierro's thunder. Nonetheless, a photo stop here is fun.
At the EcoMuseum of Guinea, take a closer look at the giant lizard of El Hierro which, disconcertingly, grows up to two feet long. Once in danger of extinction, the lizard has staged a remarkable comeback after the introduction of strict protocols surrounding its habitat.
Visit the Guinea Village in the same facility, showcasing how the inhabitants of Hierro lived from the 17th to the 20th century.
Your journey continues with a panoramic drive along the old Golfo Road. You hop off the coach here for a short hike (about 45 minutes) through typical Hierro landscape.
Before returning to the pier, stop for coffee at the Mirador de la Peña viewpoint, offering astonishing views of the Atlantic Ocean and the gulf.
Please note: Bring a warm jacket as it is cooler at high elevations. Wear sturdy non-skid, closed-toe walking shoes (no flip-flops or sandals). The volcanic terrain is uneven with some sharp rocks. There are steep, winding roads to reach the viewpoints. Guests who are prone to motion sickness should consider this before booking and/or take appropriate medication.