Few experiences in the Canary Islands are as immediately striking as riding a camel through a volcanic landscape that looks more like the surface of Mars than a European holiday destination. Camel rides in Lanzarote have been part of the island’s tourist offering for decades, and they remain genuinely popular for good reason. The combination of these unhurried animals and the scorched, otherworldly terrain of Timanfaya makes for something that photographs cannot fully capture and that most visitors remember long after the tan has faded.
This guide covers everything you need before you go: where to find camel rides, what the experience actually involves, how much it costs, whether it is worth your time, and how to fit it into a broader day out in Lanzarote’s volcanic south-west.
Camel Rides Lanzarote
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Table of Contents
A Brief History Of Camels On Lanzarote
Camels, or more accurately dromedaries (single-humped), were introduced to the Canary Islands from North Africa centuries ago. Their proximity to the African continent, just 125 kilometres off the Moroccan coast, made the import practical, and the animals proved extraordinarily useful on an island with limited water, rough volcanic terrain and a traditionally agricultural economy.
Lanzarote’s dromedaries were used as working animals well into the twentieth century, carrying agricultural produce, pulling ploughs and transporting goods across difficult ground. When tourism arrived and mechanised farming reduced the need for animal labour, the camel population declined sharply. The surviving animals were repurposed for tourism in the Timanfaya area, where they have become one of the island’s most recognisable attractions. Today, somewhere between 100 and 150 dromedaries work in the camel ride operation near Timanfaya.
Where Camel Rides Take Place
The main and most famous location for camel rides in Lanzarote is the Echadero de los Camellos, a dedicated camel station situated just outside Timanfaya National Park on the road between Yaiza and the park entrance. It sits on the edge of the volcanic lava fields, with the Fire Mountains rising dramatically in the background.
This is not a small operation. The camel station is well organised, with a clear queuing system, staff on hand to help riders mount and dismount, and a defined route that takes you out across a section of the volcanic terrain and back. The whole experience is structured to handle large numbers of visitors efficiently, particularly in peak season when it can become very busy.
There is no other significant, standalone camel ride operation on the island. Some jeep safari and excursion companies occasionally advertise camel experiences as part of a broader tour, but the Echadero de los Camellos is the primary option for the vast majority of visitors.
What To Expect: The Experience From Start To Finish
Arriving at the camel station, you will join a queue that moves steadily. Staff help you climb onto a wooden saddle fitted across the camel’s back. Dromedaries are loaded in pairs, one rider on each side of the animal for balance. You sit sideways rather than astride, which feels slightly unusual at first but becomes comfortable quickly.
The camel rises from a kneeling position with a lurch forwards and then backwards, which surprises most first-timers. Hold the handle provided and lean back slightly as it stands. Once upright, the movement settles into a slow, rolling rhythm that is more comfortable than it looks.
The route follows a track out into the volcanic landscape, passing black lava fields with the ochre and rust-coloured hills of Timanfaya in the background. The scenery is genuinely extraordinary: bare, burnt and completely unlike anything you will have seen from a European beach resort. The route is short, typically between 15 and 20 minutes for the full out-and-back ride.
A guide walks alongside the camels throughout, so there is no independent navigation involved. You are always in a line of animals, nose to tail, moving at a gentle pace. It is calm and unhurried, which suits families and anyone who might be nervous around large animals.
Practical Information
- Cost: At time of writing, camel rides cost approximately €12 to €14 per person. Prices can vary slightly by season. Children typically pay the same rate as adults. Always check current pricing locally, as rates are subject to change.
- Opening times: The camel station generally operates from around 09:00 to 17:00 daily, though hours can shift seasonally. Visiting early in the morning avoids the longest queues and benefits from softer morning light for photographs.
- Booking: Walk-up visits are the norm at the Echadero de los Camellos. There is no advance booking system for the camel ride itself, which means queues can be significant between 11:00 and 14:00 in high season. Arriving before 10:00 gives you a noticeable advantage.
- What to wear: Lightweight, comfortable clothing suits the ride well. Closed-toe shoes are sensible, as the ground around the camel station is uneven volcanic rock and grit. A hat and sun cream are essential; there is almost no shade at the station. Bring water, particularly in summer.
- Accessibility: The ride requires getting on and off a kneeling camel with staff assistance. It is not suitable for anyone with significant mobility difficulties. Pregnant women and people with back problems are advised to skip this one. Children are welcome but must be able to sit steadily without assistance.
For up-to-date visitor information about the area, including any restrictions or changes to access near Timanfaya, check Timanfaya National Park’s official visitor information.
Is It Worth It? An Honest Assessment
For most visitors, yes. The camel ride is not a deep cultural experience or an adrenaline activity. It is a slow, scenic, slightly absurd and genuinely enjoyable 15 minutes in one of Europe’s most dramatic landscapes. The combination of the animals and the volcanic backdrop makes it uniquely Lanzarote, and it is something children in particular tend to love and talk about long afterwards.
It is worth being honest about the limitations. The ride is short. You will spend longer queuing than riding. The experience is very much a tourist operation rather than something intimate or adventurous. Travellers looking for something raw or off the beaten track will find more satisfaction hiking Caldera Blanca or exploring the coastline near El Golfo.
But as a memorable, accessible and family-friendly addition to a day in the south-west of the island, the camel ride earns its place. It is one of those experiences that works best when approached with the right expectations: a short, scenic novelty in a remarkable setting, rather than the centrepiece of your trip.
Tips For Getting The Most From The Experience
- Go early. Before 10:00 is significantly better than midday in terms of queue length and light quality for photographs.
- Combine with Timanfaya. The camel station sits just minutes from the national park entrance. Visit the park first, then stop at the camel station on the way out, or reverse the order depending on your timing.
- Bring a camera or phone with a lanyard or secure pocket. You will want both hands free during the ride, and the view from camel height across the lava fields is excellent.
- Talk to the handlers. Staff are usually happy to answer questions about the animals, and many have worked there for years.
- Do not feed the camels without permission. The animals are on a specific diet and feeding from visitors is not encouraged.
How To Combine Camel Rides With Nearby Attractions
The camel station is ideally placed for a full south-west day out. A logical route from most resorts might look like this:
- Morning: Drive to Timanfaya and join the Ruta de los Volcanes coach tour through the Fire Mountains. Allow 60 to 90 minutes including the geothermal demonstrations at Islote de Hilario.
- Mid-morning: Stop at the Echadero de los Camellos for the camel ride. Aim to arrive before the main tour coaches, ideally before 10:30.
- Lunch: Continue west to the village of El Golfo for fresh seafood beside the striking green volcanic lagoon. Grilled parrotfish and limpets with mojo are excellent choices here.
- Afternoon: Head south along the coast to Los Hervideros, where the sea forces through volcanic arches and blowholes in a genuinely dramatic display. The short walk along the viewpoint takes around 20 minutes.
- Late afternoon: Return to your resort via the salt flats at Las Salinas de Janubio, the largest saltworks in the Canary Islands, and worth a brief stop for the visual contrast of white salt pans against black volcanic rock.
This is the kind of day that makes Lanzarote stand out from other sun-and-beach destinations. If you are still building your broader itinerary, the full range of experiences worth adding to your itinerary covers the island’s landmarks, beaches and day trips in detail.
When it comes to planning your Lanzarote holiday – from choosing a resort and timing your visit to getting around and knowing what to eat – the complete island travel guide covers every practical decision you will need to make before and during your trip.
FAQ: Camel Rides In Lanzarote
How much do camel rides cost in Lanzarote?
Expect to pay approximately €12 to €14 per person at the Echadero de los Camellos near Timanfaya. Prices can change seasonally, so it is worth checking locally when you arrive or asking your accommodation for the latest rates. There is no significant discount for children at most times, though this can vary.
How long does a camel ride in Lanzarote last?
The ride itself takes between 15 and 20 minutes from the moment the camel stands to when you dismount back at the station. However, you should factor in queuing time, which can add anywhere from 15 minutes to over an hour depending on the time of day and season. In total, allow at least 45 minutes to an hour for the full visit including waiting.
Are camel rides suitable for children?
Yes, in most cases. Children tend to enjoy the experience enormously and it is one of the more child-friendly activities in the volcanic south-west of the island. There is no strict minimum age, but children must be able to sit steadily on the saddle without needing to be held by a parent. Infants and very young toddlers are generally not suitable riders. Staff are experienced at helping nervous children and are patient and reassuring throughout.
Do I need to book in advance?
No advance booking is required or available for the standard camel ride at the Echadero de los Camellos. It operates on a walk-up, queue-and-ride basis. The only way to reduce waiting time is to arrive early, ideally before 10:00. If you are visiting as part of an organised excursion from your resort, your tour operator may have a group arrangement that bypasses part of the queue, so check your excursion details if this applies to you.
Are the camels well treated?
This is a question many thoughtful visitors ask, and it is a fair one. The camels at the Echadero de los Camellos are generally considered to be reasonably well maintained by the standards of tourist animal attractions. They have access to shelter, are not overloaded, and the rides are short. The operation is regulated and has been running for many years. That said, animal welfare standards at tourist attractions are always worth considering personally. Organisations such as World Animal Protection publish guidance on animal experiences for travellers if you wish to research this further before deciding.
Can I ride a camel independently outside of Timanfaya?
There is no other significant public camel ride offering on the island that operates independently of the Timanfaya-area station. Some private tour operators and jeep safari companies include a camel element as part of a broader excursion package, and these can occasionally be booked through resort hotels or excursion desks. However, for the classic Lanzarote camel ride experience with the volcanic backdrop, the Echadero de los Camellos is effectively the only option worth considering.
What should I wear for a camel ride in Lanzarote?
Comfortable, lightweight clothing is ideal. Avoid wearing your best or most delicate clothes, as the saddle area can leave marks and the dusty, gritty environment around the camel station is hard on light fabrics. Closed-toe shoes are strongly recommended over sandals or flip-flops. Sun protection is essential at all times of year in Lanzarote, but particularly so at the camel station, which has almost no natural shade. A hat, sunglasses and a high-factor sun cream should be considered non-negotiable.
Final Thoughts
Camel rides in Lanzarote occupy a unique space in the island’s tourism offering. They are neither the most thrilling activity you can do, nor the most culturally immersive. What they are is genuinely distinctive: a slow, unhurried journey across a volcanic landscape on an animal that has been part of the island’s story for centuries, in a setting that has no real equivalent anywhere else in Europe.
Whether you are visiting with young children who will be talking about their camel for months, or simply looking for something that sets a Lanzarote holiday apart from a standard beach break, the camel ride at Timanfaya delivers exactly what it promises. Go early, bring your camera, and enjoy the remarkable strangeness of it all.
