The Volcán del Cuervo is one of the most perfect volcanoes on Lanzarote, and always a mystical experience. Tour guide David Penney has taken groups there a hundred times before, but never after dark.
The Volcnn del Cuervo (Raven’s Volcano) was originally known as Montaña de las Lapas because of the shape of the volcano, which is like the limpets which stick to the side of the rocks by the ocean. Over a decade ago, a family of ravens made their home here but after a while, one died and they moved on to another area.
We park in the authorised car park on the LZ 56, on the opposite side of the road to Montaña Negra.
This was a trek with a difference, as we had agreed to meet at 9pm in the evening when it was completely dark.
I provided everyone with head torches and a wee bottle of water each, then we set off walking along the well-established track. The head torches were set so we could easily see the volcanic rocks which are embedded in the track and which can be a hazard if you trip on them.
It takes about 20 minutes to get to the entrance of the crater, BUT PLEASE, do not wander off the track. The area is fragile and part of a protected area called Parque Natural de los Volcanes.
There are several information boards placed along the track and one clearly shows the circular route for you to follow.
We regroup by the massive lava bomb at the mouth of the entrance, where I explain the various types of lava and minerals.
We now descend into the caldera, and I point out the various basalt rocks and lava bombs which are impregnated with olivina (a green, semi-precious crystal often used for making jewellery).
We explore the area while sticking to the path, which is marked out with rocks, I show how we can protect the vegetation by placing little rocks around the plants to prevent people walking over them and killing them off.
The head torches have a limited range and one of the girls spots the BIG spiral on the ground made with the volcanic rocks. I gather the girls together and tell them about the early settlers to this island who used to worship the sun and the moon, and the spiral was used for meditation. It is known as the spiral of life and we agree to walk the path of the spiral to cleanse our spirits
It is considered bad luck to cross over the path or to tell anyone your wish when you reach the centre stone.
This was the perfect opportunity to reveal the contents of the cooler bag rucksack which Ange had carried for us. I provided a chilled bottle of cava and prosecco, got out the flute glasses and we all had a glass or two to celebrate the moment. Then Karen brought out the cookies and cakes, so we had to make sure everything was finished before we leave.
We then agreed to sit in silence with our head torches turned off to experience a very special moment, gathered under the stars. Although we agreed to remain still and silent for two minutes, it was fourteen minutes before anyone chose to turn their head torch back on – a very special moment which everyone appreciated.
We made sure that we gathered everything together, including the two corks, and set off walking to the other side of the crater. Often in the spring there are masses of wild geraniums here, with their pink flowers in bloom, which makes a nice contrast with their green leaves, the blue sky, the white clouds and the volcanic terrain.
We now set off back up the track to the mouth of the crater. At this point we had a choice” to return on the same path back to the car park; or to turn left and walk anti-clockwise around the base of the crater which will add another 20 minutes to the route.
You really need to allow a minimum of 1.5 hours to enjoy it properly, but it’s not a race and we took two hours and made it an enjoyable evening. It’s certainly a unique one – some of us wondered how others had been spending their Sunday evening. Not like this, for sure!
WALK INFORMATION
This is a circular 4.5km walk that should take you approximately an hour and a half to complete. The terrain is easy, non-challenging over a rocky path.
Unfortunately, you will need a car for this walk, as no public transport will bring you to the area.
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