The Roof of the Stars

The Roque de los Muchachos, located at 2,426 meters above sea level, is the highest point on La Palma and offers stunning views of the La Caldera de Taburiente National Park. This iconic location combines natural beauty, hiking opportunities, and world-class astronomical observation.

Lookout
The Roque de los Muchachos Lookout is the most iconic spot on La Palma, situated at 2,426 meters above sea level. Its main features are:
Location and Views
Located at the highest point on La Palma
Offers a 360-degree panoramic view
Allows views of the La Caldera de Taburiente National Park
On clear days, you can see the islands of Tenerife, La Gomera, and El Hierro
Access and Features
There is a cobblestone parking lot and lookout
A small information booth about the park is available
Parking space is very limited
Advance online reservation is required to regulate visits
Car access is restricted by schedule and vehicle numbers
The name "Roque de los Muchachos" comes from the shape of the small rocks, about 3 meters high, that resemble a group of young boys. It is an essential stop for any visit to La Palma, offering spectacular views and a unique natural setting.

Hiking and Flora
The trails of Roque de los Muchachos cross a unique landscape, where visitors can enjoy walks at more than 2,000 meters above sea level. The high-altitude flora is especially notable:
Tajinastes: Both the blue and pink tajinaste adorn the slopes, offering spectacular blooms.
Retamas: These plants adapted to high altitudes contribute to the unique summit ecosystem.
Violeta de Garafía: This endemic species (Viola palmensis) can be observed at the summit. In May, during its flowering, it creates a beautiful blanket of delicate violet flowers that contrast with the rocky landscape, offering an impressive visual spectacle.
Among the most notable trails is the one from Pico de La Cruz to Roque de los Muchachos, which offers panoramic views and moderate difficulty due to the altitude. This trail runs along the crater’s edge, allowing hikers to enjoy the beauty of the landscape and spot several telescopes from the observatory. Another option is the route that connects Roque de los Muchachos with Pico de La Nieve, a journey of about 9.1 km offering spectacular views of the surroundings.

Roque de los Muchachos Observatory (ORM)
The ORM is a world-renowned astronomical center, taking advantage of the exceptional conditions of the site:
Fresh, laminar Atlantic air without turbulence
High altitude ensuring stable and pristine light
The observatory is equipped with about twenty telescopes and astronomical instruments for different types of studies. Among them, the Gran Telescopio de Canarias (GTC), the largest optical and infrared telescope in the world, stands out. Additionally, there are telescopes for nocturnal observations, robotic studies, solar physics, and high-energy astrophysics. These instruments have contributed to significant advances in the study of the universe, such as the observation of distant galaxies and the confirmation of the existence of black holes.

Visitor Center
The Roque de los Muchachos Visitor Center offers an educational experience on astronomy:
Interactive exhibitions about planets, stars, and galaxies
Simulations and audiovisual presentations
Telescope models to understand how they work
Visitors who book a guided tour of the Observatory can get a 50% discount on the entrance fee to the Visitor Center.

The Roque de los Muchachos is not only a geographical landmark but also a place where nature and science meet, offering unique experiences for hikers, nature lovers, and astronomy enthusiasts alike.