The Philosophy and Ethics of Senderismo La Palma

Senderismo La Palma was founded on a clear philosophy and set of values: appreciating the natural resources around us and respecting the land. We understand hiking as a physical activity that takes place on foot, at walking pace, in natural surroundings. At Senderismo La Palma, we want to go a step further by interpreting this natural and cultural environment, helping visitors better understand the land and its history.

This approach to walking encourages us to look to either side of the path, rather than simply ahead as we move along. The knowledge shared on our walks is based on extensive research that began towards the end of the last century and continues today.

People with deep ties to the land, who remember when these paths served economic, social and religious purposes, have been our main source of information. Their knowledge has helped us explore the significance of these ancient routes, which have recently found a new role in walking tourism in harmony with their surroundings.

Senderismo La Palma was created to deepen understanding and raise awareness of the island’s rich heritage: its nature (flora, fauna, geology, climate and landscape), its culture (archaeology, history, crafts, festivals, gastronomy, folklore, traditions and customs), and its visitor facilities and services (visitor centres, archaeological parks, museums, restaurants, bars, craft centres and more).

Many see the mere presence of a product or service on the market as an endorsement in itself.

Senderismo La Palma answers the questions you might ask when considering a product or service:

Who are we?

Senderismo La Palma is a small tourism provider offering interpretive guided walks, bus tours — buses are known locally as guaguas — and, within our modest means, non-profit activities. We are starting out as a one-person business, putting into practice work developed over more than a quarter of a century.

Where do we come from?

The person behind these words has devoted part of their life to rediscovering, studying and understanding La Palma’s traditions and customs through research into its history and ethnography. This includes both the written legacy of past generations and the memories of older people, guardians of a more recent past that risks fading like sparks in the night.

This work to recover the island’s cultural and natural heritage is the foundation of the interpretive walks and other services offered on this website. Our aim is to go beyond simply walking through beautiful surroundings: we seek to understand their different elements, why they are there, how they serve local people, their relationship with local history and their future.

Where are we heading?

Building on the work that began in June 1997, we will continue to recover this ethnographic and historical heritage. This will enrich the knowledge shared on our guided walks and in our other activities, whether as part of this business or for other purposes.

Our philosophy as a provider of tours on La Palma centres on guiding, sharing information, safety, personal attention and creating a positive experience for everyone who books our activities.

The ethics of this business and social initiative are rooted in a commitment to the environment: respecting nature, encouraging its protection and explaining its importance. Every step we take in nature has an impact. We must avoid causing further damage so that future generations can enjoy these natural surroundings.