Barranco de las Angustias to Cascada de Colores Trail
Barranco de las Angustias to Cascada de Colores Trail
4.7
(477)
1,882
hikers
03:57
11.1km
290m
Hiking
Hike through Barranco de las Angustias to the vibrant Colors Waterfall in Caldera de Taburiente National Park, a moderate 6.9-mile route.
Last updated: February 26, 2026
Tips
Your route passes through a protected area
Please check local regulations for:
Parque nacional de la Caldera de Taburiente
Waypoints
Start point
Parking
Get Directions
617 m
Highlight (Segment) • Gorge
Translated by Google •
Tip by
2.50 km
Highlight • Structure
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Tip by
3.31 km
Highlight (Segment) • Gorge
Translated by Google •
Tip by
5.57 km
Highlight • Waterfall
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Tip by
11.1 km
End point
Parking
Way Types & Surfaces
Way Types
9.51 km
979 m
540 m
< 100 m
< 100 m
Surfaces
5.95 km
5.01 km
< 100 m
< 100 m
< 100 m
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Elevation
Highest point (500 m)
Lowest point (240 m)
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Weather
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Tuesday 19 May
20°C
9°C
0 %
Additional weather tips
Max wind speed: 13.0 km/h
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This route was planned by komoot.
The most common starting point for the Colors Waterfall via the Barranco de las Angustias trail is the La Viña parking area. From there, you can hike directly into the barranco. For a mostly downhill experience, you can also take a taxi to Mirador de Los Brecitos and hike down through the ravine.
No, dogs are generally not permitted on trails within the Caldera de Taburiente National Park to protect the natural environment and wildlife.
The trail is beautiful year-round, but the colors of the Colorful Waterfall are most vivid when there's more water flowing, typically during spring and winter months. These seasons also bring fragrant native flowers to the path.
There is no entrance fee for Caldera de Taburiente National Park. However, for certain routes or overnight stays, permits might be required. For the Colors Waterfall via the Barranco de las Angustias trail, a permit is not typically needed for a day hike, but it's always wise to check the official park website for the latest regulations before your visit.
The trail primarily follows the riverbed of the Las Angustias Gorge, meaning you'll be trekking through water between volcanic rocks, pebbles, and gravel. The landscape is dramatic with vertical walls, Canary Island pines, and can include pine forest trails, volcanic scree, and rocky switchbacks. Expect uneven and potentially slippery surfaces.
This trail is generally considered moderate to hard. It requires good fitness and sure-footedness due to the steep and uneven terrain, especially within the barranco. The circular route to the Colorful Waterfall and back from La Viña parking is about 13 km and demanding, with little shade.
The Colorful Waterfall gets its vibrant hues from mineral deposits, particularly iron, which stain the rock in brilliant shades of yellow, orange, and red. Green moss and black volcanic earth further enhance its unique appearance. The more water present, the more vivid the colors.
Appropriate footwear with good grip is essential due to the steep and rocky terrain. You should also bring plenty of water, snacks, sun protection, and possibly trekking poles for stability. A waterproof bag for electronics might be useful as you'll be walking through water.
Yes, sections of this route also pass through parts of the official PR LP 13 trail.
While the national park itself has limited amenities, you'll find cafes and restaurants in nearby towns like Los Llanos de Aridane, which is a common base for exploring the area.
Yes, for a less strenuous experience, you can take a taxi from the La Viña parking area up to Mirador de Los Brecitos. From there, the hike through the Las Angustias Gorge is mostly downhill, making it an easier descent into the caldera.
It was a beautiful but also strenuous tour, sometimes along the stream bed, sometimes above to the Cascada de Colores, which, however, turned out to be a bit smaller than expected.
Since there's little water flowing over the Cascatas at the moment, there's not much color. Still, a very nice tour.
Beautiful hike, but now officially forbidden. There is someone at the car park to point it out to you. Alternatively, you can take a taxi to the top left and hike for two hours from there. The route is definitely doable, though.
The route went steadily uphill through an almost dry riverbed in the Barranco. Sometimes along the slope, sometimes through the middle to a waterworks at Dos Aguas. From here a short distance to the much-praised but very unspectacular Casada de Colorades. On the same path back to the “Elbenheim”.🤭
That was a nice hike. In addition, always obediently followed the path back completely through the stream bed. There were two places that were quite difficult to overcome. But with a courageous jump into the stream it was possible 😄 . However, the waterfall wasn't really spectacular. The landscape is very beautiful.
The parking lot was half full shortly before 10 a.m. Don't let the taxis that want to take you up there for 50 euros per taxi catch you. We mostly walked in the riverbed. Hiking boots were very helpful. The waterfall only had a little water, but we knew that beforehand. Nice, varied hike.
Parking is easy and free, as is the case almost everywhere on La Palma. The tour follows a riverbed, but it's mostly dry. Occasionally, you'll need to take a longer step to cross the smaller stream. Only in one place will you need to take a longer step or take your shoes off for a short time. The waterfall is definitely not worth the trip, but the path through the gorge is very beautiful. Komoot and the trail signs regularly lead up and back to the right and left, but with a few exceptions, you can skip the detours.
Very impressive hike through the Barranco de las Angustinas or Gorge of Fears. New rock formations or views await behind every bend.