Top 8 Waterfalls in La Palma
Best waterfalls in La Palma are found across an island characterized by intense rainfall and diverse landscapes. The island's geological features, including volcanic terrain and deep barrancos, create numerous opportunities for water to cascade. These natural water features are often integrated into popular hiking routes, offering varied experiences. La Palma's environment supports a range of waterfalls, from those within national parks to those in lush laurel forests.
Best waterfalls in La Palma
- The most popular waterfalls is Colorful Waterfall, a waterfall that features a wall tinted with various colors due to iron content and algae. This unique coloration makes it a distinctive and photogenic sight within the Caldera de Taburiente National Park.
- Another must-see spot is Marcos Spring Waterfall, a waterfall where water falls through large vertical walls. This waterfall is a source of water channeled through the thirteen tunnels along the Marcos y Cordero route.
- Visitors also love The Cathedral (Caldera de Agua), an impressive gorge. This location is a wide erosion crater in the creek of the Caldera de Agua, offering a notable natural formation.
- La Palma is known for waterfalls within national parks, lush forests, and those formed by mineral deposits. The island offers a range of water features, from natural cascades to those integrated into hiking routes.
- The waterfalls in La Palma are appreciated by the komoot community, with more than 400 upvotes and over 300 photos shared.
Last updated: July 9, 2026
Colorful Waterfall
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The Cathedral (Caldera de Agua)
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Los Tilos Waterfall
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Small waterfall in Caldera de Taburiente National Park
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Cascada de Los Tilos
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The climb to the really beautiful dead end, where you feel like you are in the middle of the jungle, is anything but easy to navigate. It's about 3 kilometers up with a total climb of 250 meters. (8.4 percent gradient on average) There are three really steep ramps, each 300 meters long, included in the climb. The asphalt is always in good condition, the volume of traffic depends somewhat on the time of day. In the morning until midday it is a little higher than in the afternoon due to the hikers who are on their way to the parking lot.
If you are driving from the direction of Santa Cruz, you will see the sign "Los Tilos" in front of the world-famous Los Sauces bridge, which will then let you turn onto the correct street. If you are coming from Los Sauces and are driving over the bridge, you must turn right immediately after the bridge. After turning, you are on a one-way street, so you don't have to expect any oncoming traffic when you make your way down the small descent that follows. If you have time and desire, it's worth stopping in this piece. Here you can have a wonderful view of the Los Sauces bridge. As soon as you have reached the lowest point, you have to turn left again towards Los Tilos. This is where the actual climb begins.
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Tips from the Community
Caldera de Agua path is themporarily closed (19-05-2026).
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A lovely little side road next to the Cascada de Colores.
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The trail to the cascades is closed. Only open route is to the mirador (almost 1 hour ascent). Nice vista.
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The route is spectacular and yet still easily doable.
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The pictures do not even come close to conveying the beauty
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Incredibly beautiful, you can't see it in pictures
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Currently closed until 2025 due to construction work.
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La Palma is a great place to visit, and this itinerary is fantastic (including the "other" waterfall suggested by SiMone above). But the Cascada de Los Colores is a tourist trap. Actually: - It is not colored. - it is not natural, but a small, insignificant artificial dam - Looks 30 m high, but is actually only 3.5 m. - There is little water most of the year. That doesn't mean it's not worth the hike! It is just good to go there and come back and enjoy the beautiful trip. But do not expect to see such a magical natural phenomenon. WARNING: in some sections, the route moves away from the bottom of the barranco to avoid dangerous areas due to the possibility of rockfall and sudden flooding. Be extremely careful in these sections, especially if the weather has been bad or if you notice bad weather upstream. Finally, there is a section overhung by a large traverse rock that is difficult to pass, especially uphill. Better to transit by the suggested route, especially if there is a lot of water.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What makes the Colorful Waterfall unique in La Palma?
The Colorful Waterfall, also known as Cascada de Colores, is unique due to the vibrant, multi-colored rock face over which the water falls. These hues of red, orange, yellow, green, and white are created by iron content in the water, algae, moss, and sediments, making it a distinctive and photogenic sight within the Caldera de Taburiente National Park.
Are there any waterfalls in La Palma that are currently inaccessible or have restricted access?
Yes, the Los Tilos Waterfall has recently faced temporary closures due to rockfalls in the area. Additionally, access to the Marcos Spring Waterfall has been closed from Casa del Monte to Espigón Atravesado due to hazards on the way. Always check local conditions before planning your visit.
What kind of hiking experience can I expect on the way to the Colorful Waterfall?
The hike to the Colorful Waterfall is considered moderate, covering approximately 6.9 miles (11.1 km) through the Barranco de las Angustias. The landscape constantly changes, featuring volcanic boulders and towering rock walls, offering scenic views and a rewarding experience. It's often recommended to plan a full day for this adventure.
What is the Marcos y Cordero Way and what does it offer?
The Marcos y Cordero Way is a renowned hiking route that features numerous water elements, including the Marcos Spring Waterfall. This trail leads hikers through ancient laurel forests and various dark tunnels where water seeps down, following water channels and canals. It offers an adventurous experience, combining hiking with unique passages through water tunnels, exploring the island's verdant and mysterious laurel forests.
Are there any impressive gorges or natural formations related to waterfalls in La Palma?
Yes, The Cathedral (Caldera de Agua) is an impressive gorge, described as a wide erosion crater in the creek of the Caldera de Agua. It offers a notable natural formation that visitors find beautiful and awe-inspiring, with pictures often not fully conveying its beauty.
What should I wear or bring when hiking to waterfalls in La Palma, especially on routes like Marcos y Cordero?
For routes like the Marcos y Cordero Way, which involves passing through dark, wet tunnels, it's highly recommended to bring waterproof clothing and a torch. Generally, for waterfall hikes in La Palma, comfortable hiking shoes with good grip are essential due to varied terrain, which can include volcanic rock and potentially slippery paths.
What other outdoor activities can I do near the waterfalls in La Palma?
La Palma offers a variety of outdoor activities. Near the waterfalls, you can find excellent opportunities for mountain hiking, with routes like the Los Brecitos Viewpoint – Barranco de las Angustias loop. There are also extensive MTB trails and cycling routes across the island, allowing you to explore its diverse landscapes.
Is there a waterfall in La Palma that offers a refreshing bathing experience?
Yes, the Small waterfall in Caldera de Taburiente National Park is noted by visitors for being refreshing, with some recommending to bathe in it. While the main Cascada de Colores might have less water at certain times, exploring nearby stream paths can lead to wonderful, refreshing spots.
What is the environment like around Los Tilos Waterfall?
The Los Tilos Waterfall is nestled within the lush Los Tilos Forest, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. This area is characterized by dense vegetation, humid air, and a mysterious atmosphere, often compared to an exotic corner of the Amazon. The waterfall itself is surrounded by an amphitheater of moss-covered rock and tropical foliage, with the spray creating a fine mist that sustains the verdant environment.
How accessible is the Los Tilos Waterfall for a quick visit?
The Los Tilos Waterfall is quite accessible. You can drive to the visitor's center of Los Tilos, and from there, a short 20-minute walk leads to the magnificent waterfall. The trail is considered easy and very photogenic, involving a walk through a tunnel carved into rock before opening up to the gorge.
What do visitors appreciate most about the waterfalls in La Palma?
Visitors to La Palma's waterfalls, such as the Colorful Waterfall, often appreciate the unique natural beauty and the immersive hiking experiences. The island's diverse landscapes, from volcanic terrain to lush laurel forests, provide a stunning backdrop for these water features, making them popular for photography and nature exploration.
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