My husband’s family have known about the Hondo Crater for years. In fact, there was a yearly tradition of ‘going to see the chipmunks’. In the last few years, this gorgeous place has received a fair bit more attention, and rightly so! You can get the most amazing views and get up close to the local barbary squirrels… Who happen to look a lot like chipmunks. Anyway, here is my explorers guide to this fun and Insta-worthy place.
The Hondo Crater: Lajares Fuerteventura
What is the Hondo Crater?
The Calderon Hondo (or Hondo Crater) is one of Fuerteventura’s best preserved and most easily accessible volcanoes. Along with a number of other nearby volcanic cones, it makes up part of the Bayuyo alignment. These volcanoes emerged together around 50 thousand years ago and the results of their lava caused Fuerteventura to expand northwards, getting closer to neighbouring Lanzarote. The erruption of the Bayuyo alignment is also the origin of the beautiful Lobos island.
The Hondo Crater stands at an altitude of 278 metres and offers amazing views out over the landscape of the island. On a clear day you can see Lobos and Lanzarote in the distance, but this is also a great sunset spot!
Even better news? The Hondo Crater is free to visit!
Getting to the Hondo Crater
Odds are, if you are reading this, you are probably based near Corralejo, the tourist hub of Fuerteventura. The town of Lajares is luckily just a stone throw away and is the place where most hikers start their ascent.
By bus
Public transport is tricky as there is no direct route to the Hondo Crater, so you will either have to walk from Lajares or take a taxi.
By car
If you are renting a car (my recommendation), the drive to Calderon Hondo takes around 20 minutes from Corralejo.
Your phone may try and take you the back route but, trust me, stick to the FV-1. Get off at the Lajares junction an continue across the roundabout. After a few minutes, you will see a road heading towards the mountain.
Like most stops on the island, you may have to do some off-roading here. The car park at Camino Calderas (labelled on the map as ‘Excursiones en Camello’) offers free parking and is a safe place to park during your hike. Alternatively you can park to the north east (labelled as Parking Volcan Calderon Hondo) which cuts your hike down by about 15 minutes!
Climbing up the Mountain
When should I visit?
The climb up to the Hondo Crater is not too difficult, or too long. Due to the heat, I would definitely recommend an early climb or leaving it until later in the day, especially in the summer months. In the mornings it is really cool and quiet, which are perfect climbing conditions.
How long is the hike?
I would take right-hand path up the mountain, as it is less steep and stony. The first part of the hike is relatively flat, with a clear path to follow. The climb only really gets a bit steeper a good while in, with the main ascent being at the very end. In terms of walking conditions on the island, this is probably as good as it gets. To put it into perspective, my husband’s family have allegedly done it in flip-flops (not that I suggest that!).
Along the right-hand path, around 2.5km in length, the hike to the summit takes around 35 minutes and takes you up the southern face of the volcano.
If you are feeling a bit lazy and want an authentic desert experience, you are in luck. For the past few times we have been, there is a camel ride option. They don’t go right to the top but they take a good proportion of the climb out. I personally don’t think that this latter option is necessary, but each to their own!
The Peak
The most impressive part of the Calderon Hondo is, of course, the Hondo Crater. The final steps up are pretty steep, so be prepared for the climb. I would also recommend being careful here as the stairs are quite narrow and uneven.
When you reach the summit you will be able to walk out onto a small, wooden viewpoint. It goes slightly into the crater and you can see all the way across and to the bottom, which is about 70m deep.
As well as admiring the centre of the ancient volcano, you also are treated to some fantastic views of the island. Given it’s volcanic geological history, you will be able to see other ancient volcanoes all around you. You also get a great view of the Badlands, which themselves were ancient lava fields. As well as this, other sites such as the Corralejo National Park can be clearly seen.
The Wildlife
Along the way to the Hondo Crater, you are going to see some of the local animals. Barbary squirrels are everywhere and are used to being fed. This means that they will get quite close to you, so you will be able to snap some great pictures of these cuties!
You might also see some of the local reptiles. Don’t worry – there are no snakes on the island, but lizards are really common. Out here they will mostly be Atlantic lizards, which you will only get a glimpse of before they scurry away.
On the bird front, the main birds you will see are different crow species, as well as buzzards. If you are lucky though, you may see an Egyptian vulture as there are a fair few up in the north. Other species include booted eagles, sparrowhawks and barbary falcons, but for that last one you will need to be very lucky.
Final Tips
Make sure that you bring a hat, suncream and water. In the summer months temperatures can reach well into the thirties and there is no shelter. Despite what I said earlier about flip-flops, definitely wear sensible shoes. There are lots of little rocks and stones and the plants are pretty sharp too.
That’s my guide to this hike up to the Hondo Crater. I am sure that you guys will love it as much as I did! I should end by saying that this is easily one of my favourite spots on the island. If you are in the north and can get there, spend a morning walking up as you will not regret it. Maybe you will start a new tradition of going to see the chipmunks…
Cover image source Sitios de Espana
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Flights
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Accommodation
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Things I can’t travel without
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- Canon EOS M3
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Travel Insurance
It is so important to be prepared for all possibilities when travelling and you simply shouldn’t travel without insurance. I would personally recommend World Nomads or the Post Office – both are affordable and certainly won’t break the bank.
Other posts that may help you:
- The South of Fuerteventura: A Road Trip
- El Cotillo Fuerteventura: Exploring the Town
- Popcorn Beach Fuerteventura: A Sunset Picnic
- Birdwatching in Fuerteventura: Villaverde
- Things to do in Corralejo Fuerteventura
Thank you for reading and I hope that my post the Hondo Crater and Lajares has been useful! Let me know if you have any questions about the destination in the comments below.
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Happy exploring,
Love Victoria X
