Transvulcania
Photo: Transvulcania

Los Llanos de Aridane, La Palma

Transvulcania

Saturday, May 9, 2026

Ultramaratón

73km D+ 4350m

Maratón

43km D+ 1884m

Media Maratón

25km D+ 2097m

Kilómetro Vertical

7.3km D+ 1164m

Register

Date, registration & deadlines

May 9, 2026 · Registration open

Local guides

Race data

Terrain

Ultra Trail

Difficulty

Elite

Distance

4 modalities

Official website

Visit
Modality Distance Elevation Gain ITRA Max Time Price
Ultramaratón 73 km D+ 4350m 5 pts 16h 90 EUR
Maratón 43 km D+ 1884m 3 pts 10h 65 EUR
Media Maratón 25 km D+ 2097m 2 pts 6h 30min 55 EUR
Kilómetro Vertical 7.3 km D+ 1164m - 3h 30 EUR
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What you need

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How long will it take you?

Estimate your race time based on distance, elevation and your runner level.

Historical weather

Typical weather for the race date (10-year average)

Temperature

16°C – 21°C

Average 18°C

Rain

17%

0.6 mm avg

Wind

17 km/h

max. average

Sunshine hours

12h

daily average

Gear recommendations

Sun protection essential (12h sunshine, up to 21°C)

Recorrido y perfil de elevación

Distancia 73 km
Desnivel positivo D+ 4350m
Altitud mínima
Altitud máxima
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Race plan

Segment-by-segment course analysis with estimated times. Enter your target time, pace, or select a level.

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min
Flat Easy climb Moderate climb Steep climb Descent Steep descent Aid station
Km Elevation Gradient Est. time Arrival time Difficulty

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Transvulcania

Transvulcania is one of the toughest and most spectacular ultra trail races in the world. Since 2009, every May thousands of runners travel to La Palma, the “Isla Bonita,” to run the legendary Ruta del Bastón from south to north: 73 kilometres with 4,350 metres of elevation gain through volcanic landscapes of breathtaking beauty.

Transvulcania has established itself as a world-class race. Elite runners such as Kilian Jornet, François D’Haene, and Courtney Dauwalter have all left their mark on this event that combines extreme difficulty with a unique natural setting.

The course

The Ultramaratón starts at 06:00 from the Faro de Fuencaliente, at the southern tip of La Palma, at sea level. From there, runners follow the Ruta de los Volcanes across lava fields and volcanic badlands until they reach the island’s summit ridge.

The course is a journey through La Palma’s most stunning landscapes:

  • Faro de Fuencaliente - Start by the sea, surrounded by recent volcanoes
  • Ruta de los Volcanes - Volcanic ridges at 1,800m with ocean views
  • Refugio de El Pilar - Canarian pine forest at 1,450m
  • Roque de los Muchachos (2,426m) - Highest point on La Palma, next to the astrophysical observatory
  • GR-131 (Ruta del Bastón) - Spectacular descent along the rim of the Caldera de Taburiente
  • Los Llanos de Aridane - Finish in the Plaza de España

The Ruta del Bastón

The most iconic section of Transvulcania is the passage over Roque de los Muchachos and the descent along the rim of the Caldera de Taburiente. At 2,426 metres, next to one of the world’s finest astronomical observatories, runners can gaze upon the “sea of clouds” that fills the caldera interior: an erosion crater 9 kilometres in diameter.

The descent from the summit to Los Llanos is technical and demanding, with over 2,000 metres of negative elevation on rocky and forested trails. Runners experience a dramatic shift in landscape and temperature within just a few hours. Plan your fueling with our nutrition calculator to sustain energy across such extreme elevation changes.

Combine racing and vacation

La Palma is an ideal destination for combining the race with a few days of holiday. The island, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, offers hiking in the Caldera de Taburiente, black sand beaches, stargazing (Starlight-certified skies), and excellent Canarian cuisine.

May is a perfect time to visit La Palma: pleasant temperatures, nature in full bloom, and the infectious energy of Transvulcania across the entire island.

Use our time estimator to set your goals for the ultra, and explore more races in the Canary Islands.

Mandatory Gear

According to the official race regulations

Mandatory for the Ultra (06:00 start)

Petzl Actik Core

Petzl

Petzl Actik Core

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Strong wind and cold temperatures are possible at Roque de los Muchachos

Salomon Bonatti WP

Salomon

Salomon Bonatti WP

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Gore Wear R7 GTX Shakedry

Gore Wear

Gore Wear R7 GTX Shakedry

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Lifesystems Thermal Blanket

Lifesystems

Lifesystems Thermal Blanket

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Fox 40 Classic

Fox 40

Fox 40 Classic

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With enough battery to last the entire race

Cup or soft flask mandatory at aid stations

Salomon Soft Flask 150 ml

Salomon

Salomon Soft Flask 150 ml

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Approx. pack cost: ~345,28 € Prices may vary. Check the store for the current price.
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Transvulcania 2026 Registration

Inscripción

Registration opens in May of the previous year. Spots for the Maratón and Media Maratón sell out quickly.

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Tips

  • Ultramaratón: 90 EUR — Maratón: 65 EUR — Media Maratón: 55 EUR — VK: 30 EUR
  • Early registration before January 1 at a reduced price
  • Maratón and Media Maratón spots tend to sell out
  • A medical certificate is mandatory for all distances
  • Minimum age 18 (21 for the Ultramaratón)

Where to stay for Transvulcania

Alojamiento

The finish is in Los Llanos de Aridane. The Ultra and Media Maratón start in Fuencaliente, and the Maratón starts at El Pilar.

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Tips

  • Los Llanos de Aridane (finish) is the best base: hotels, apartments, and rural houses
  • Fuencaliente has limited accommodation but is right at the Ultra start
  • Puerto de Tazacorte (Maratón finish) has beachside hotels
  • May is mid-season in La Palma, but book ahead because of the race
  • The organization provides transport to the start lines

Accommodation map

Los Llanos de Aridane Fuencaliente Puerto de Tazacorte El Paso
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Gear for Transvulcania

Material

Highly varied volcanic terrain: lava fields, mountain trails, pine forest, and ridges at 2,426m. Strict mandatory gear list.

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Tips

  • Shoes with good grip for volcanic terrain and loose rock
  • Headlamp mandatory for the Ultramaratón (06:00 start)
  • Windbreaker and waterproof jacket are mandatory
  • Thermal clothing is essential for the Roque de los Muchachos section
  • Poles are allowed and highly recommended for the Ultra

Nutrition plan for Transvulcania

Nutrición

An ultra lasting up to 16 hours with major elevation changes and temperature swings. Nutrition management is key.

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Tips

  • Eight aid stations on the Ultramaratón with liquids and solid food
  • Heat in the southern section increases hydration needs
  • Electrolytes are essential on the coastal stretches
  • Carry your own food to supplement the aid stations

How to get to La Palma

Transporte

La Palma has its own airport and ferry connections from Tenerife.

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Tips

  • La Palma Airport (SPC) with flights from Madrid, Barcelona, and the Canary Islands
  • Ferry from Los Cristianos (Tenerife) with Fred Olsen (~2.5h) and Naviera Armas
  • The organization provides shuttle buses to the start lines
  • Local buses connect the main towns on the island

Car rental in La Palma

Alquiler de vehículo

A car is very useful in La Palma for getting between the different start locations and the finish.

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Tips

  • Pick up the car at SPC airport
  • Essential for exploring the island: Caldera de Taburiente, Roque de los Muchachos, beaches
  • Mountain roads are narrow and winding, drive with caution

Sports insurance for Transvulcania

Seguro

A high-mountain ultra reaching the 2,426m summit of Roque de los Muchachos. Mandatory insurance.

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Tips

  • Civil liability insurance is mandatory
  • A medical certificate is required for all distances
  • For international runners: travel insurance with sports coverage
  • The organization includes basic accident insurance during the race

Sun protection for Transvulcania

Protección solar

La Palma's volcanic landscape offers virtually zero natural shade. In May, the Canary Islands UV index is high, and the exposed Ruta de los Volcanes and Roque de los Muchachos sections leave runners under direct sun for hours.

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Tips

  • Reapply every 2 hours, even on cloudy days
  • The Ruta de los Volcanes is fully exposed with no tree cover whatsoever
  • May sun in the Canaries is strong — UV index regularly reaches 8-10
  • Protect lips and nose, which burn fastest on exposed volcanic ridges

Body care for Transvulcania

Cuidado corporal

A 73K ultra through shadeless volcanic terrain in May demands full body protection. A visor, UV sleeves, and quality sunglasses are essential for the long exposed sections along the Ruta de los Volcanes and the summit of Roque de los Muchachos.

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Tips

  • A visor is ideal for the hot volcanic sections — keeps sun off while venting heat
  • Arm sleeves prevent sunburn during the many hours on exposed ridges
  • Category 3 sunglasses are essential on the bright volcanic terrain
  • A UV buff protects neck and face on the shadeless Ruta de los Volcanes

Frequently Asked Questions

When is Transvulcania 2026?
From May 7 to 9, 2026. The Kilómetro Vertical takes place on Thursday the 7th, and the Ultramaratón, Maratón, and Media Maratón on Saturday May 9.
What distances does Transvulcania offer?
Four distances: Ultramaratón 73K (4,350m D+), Maratón 43K (1,884m D+), Media Maratón 25K (2,097m D+), and Kilómetro Vertical 7.3K (1,164m D+).
How much does Transvulcania 2026 registration cost?
Prices are 90 EUR for the Ultramaratón, 65 EUR for the Maratón, 55 EUR for the Media Maratón, and 30 EUR for the Kilómetro Vertical.
How do you get to La Palma?
La Palma Airport (SPC) has direct flights from Madrid, Barcelona, and the other Canary Islands. There are also ferries from Tenerife (Los Cristianos) with Fred Olsen and Naviera Armas.
What is the weather like during the race?
In May, coastal temperatures hover around 20-26°C. At Roque de los Muchachos (2,426m) they can drop to 5°C with strong wind. A windbreaker and thermal clothing are essential.
What is the Ultramaratón course like?
It starts from the Faro de Fuencaliente (south), follows the Ruta del Bastón (GR-131) up to Roque de los Muchachos (2,426m), and descends to Los Llanos de Aridane. 73 km with 4,350m of elevation gain.

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