The Canary Islands archipelago is made up of seven major islands: El Hierro, La Gomera, La Palma, Tenerife (province of Santa Cruz de Tenerife) and Gran Canaria, Lanzarote and Fuerteventura (province of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain) and a series of islets (La Graciosa, Montaña Clara, Alegranza and Lobos) immersed in the Atlantic Ocean about 100 km from the African coast. This geographical location places the islands in the time zone of Greenwich (increased by one hour during the summer), one hour less than mainland Spain.

The island of La Palma is located in the northwestern area of the archipelago and has a surface of 706 km 2; the population is about 85,000 inhabitants, divided into 14 municipalities. The maximum height is attained in the Roque de Los Muchachos, with 2,426 m ASL 

La Palma was the first of the Canary Islands to have a Biosphere Reserve. On the 30th June 1983, UNESCO declared 511 hectares of the manor "El Canal y Los Tiles" a Biosphere Reserve. In Plenary Session of the International Coordinating Council of UNESCO, held in Paris on¬ November 6 2002, it was agreed the approval of the enlargement of the Biosphere Reserve Los Tiles to the entire island territory and note was taken of its new name "World Biosphere Reserve La Palma".

 The island is connected to the outside through the port of Santa Cruz de La Palma and the airport of Mazo. The distance to Tenerife is 85 km and to Cadiz 1,440 km. 

Generally, shopping hours, are from Monday to Saturday from 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. and 4:30 to 8 p.m.

The opening hours of banks tend to be from 8 to 2 p.m., being reduced in the summer. The official currency is the Euro and it's not easy to exchange currency in other places that are not banks or hotels. All municipalities have ATMs

The timetables of eateries and restaurants tend to be consistent with the local customs, in such a way that the kitchen usually closes at around 4 p.m. in the afternoon and 10 p.m. at night.

The centre provides helpful information for the visitor. Its exhibition halls, audiovisual materials, the library and the staff will help you and guide you through your visit. The gardens of the visitors centre will show you a representation of the existing flora in the park, with specific information of the most representative species.

From the viewpoints bordering the national park, which can be accessed by vehicle, the visitor will have an overview of the park and will be able to enjoy, among other geological formations, the impressive vision of the Caldera, Roques de La Cumbrecita or the valley of the Riachuelo.

Without forgetting to make a stop at the Visitors Centre and the vantage points bordering the park, and taking into account that on the inside of the same there are no roads or tracks that cross it, the different routes and itineraries on foot are adapted to the expectations and physical conditions of the visitor, both in length and duration and difficulty. Walking through these paths will allow the visitor to get into direct contact with the geology, flora and fauna of the park.

Starting from the Visitors Centre, through an asphalted road you can access directly to the Mirador de La Cumbrecita, the most visited part of the park, as it offers one of the best views of the Caldera. From this point there is a circular trail that can be done comfortably on foot and you will be able to enjoy the many landforms of the Caldera and the impressive vision of the Pinar Canario.

If the visitor practices trekking assiduously and is an experienced hiker, he may choose more complex routes such as the one being proposed from Lomo de Las Chozas to La Cancelita, approximately 5 h in duration, being able to observe in his journey pronounced ravines and thick walls of stone, in addition to excellent views of the interior of La Caldera.