Camel Rides in Lanzarote at Timanfaya: Book or Skip

Is the camel ride included?

The camel ride at Echadero de los Camellos is not part of your core tour package. When your group arrives at this working camel station near Playa Blanca, participation is entirely optional. You choose at that moment whether to ride or to spend the time differently. There is no need to decide or pay in advance; the option presents itself during your visit, and you are free to decline without penalty or pressure.

If you do decide to ride, you will arrange payment and timing directly with the station staff. This flexibility means you can assess your comfort level, check on any physical concerns, and make an informed choice once you arrive and see the animals and setup firsthand.

What happens if you skip the ride

Choosing not to ride does not interrupt your tour. While other visitors are mounted and moving, you can wait near the coach in a shaded area. The driver and guide remain on-site, and the group reconvenes before departure. You will have time to walk around the station grounds, take photographs, purchase refreshments, or simply rest in the cooler air near the vehicle.

The station itself is interesting to observe. You can watch the animals up close, learn about the property from posted information, and chat with handlers if you wish. No visitor is made to feel rushed or out of place for choosing to sit out the ride.

Saddled dromedaries lined up on volcanic black lava, ready to ride

Dromedaries, not camels

The animals at Echadero de los Camellos are dromedaries, not true camels. Dromedaries have a single hump and are native to desert regions across North Africa and the Arabian Peninsula. This distinction matters because dromedaries are better suited to the hot, arid climate of Lanzarote and have been used for transport in these landscapes for centuries. They are smaller and more agile than two-humped camels, which are found in Central Asia.

Both names are used locally and in tourism marketing, but the single-humped animal you will see and potentially ride is a dromedary. Understanding this difference helps clarify why these particular creatures thrive on the island and have become part of its cultural heritage and tourist experience.

The saddle-basket and sharing a ride

Riders sit in a padded basket saddle, not on the animal's back. This design distributes weight safely and makes the ride more stable. Most baskets accommodate two people side by side, meaning adults can ride together, or a child can ride with an adult. The basket is secured firmly to the animal, and stirrups are provided for balance and comfort. This seating arrangement is standard across camel ride operations and has been used for centuries in desert travel.

Young children are permitted to ride in the basket with a parent or guardian. The exact age and size limits are determined by the station staff on the day, based on the child's size and ability to sit safely. Families should mention any height or weight concerns to staff before the ride begins so that arrangements can be made appropriately.

How the animals are worked and cared for

Echadero de los Camellos operates as a working station with established routines for animal care. The dromedaries work in shifts; they do not carry riders all day without rest. The station maintains a schedule that limits riding hours, typically concentrating activity in cooler parts of the day and giving the animals extended breaks. Water and shelter are available on the grounds, and the animals are inspected regularly for any signs of fatigue or discomfort.

The station is a licensed facility operating within Lanzarote's regulations. The handlers are trained in animal handling and welfare protocols. Riders are matched to calm, experienced animals suited to carrying visitors. If at any point an animal shows signs of stress, the ride is halted. The goal is to maintain a sustainable practice where both visitors and animals have a positive experience.

Riding with back or hip problems

The basket saddle provides cushioning and back support compared to traditional riding, but any existing back or hip condition should be considered carefully. The swaying motion of the walking dromedary, even at a slow pace, may aggravate certain spinal or joint issues. If you have a diagnosed condition affecting your back, hips, or knees, speak with the station staff before booking the ride. They can assess whether the experience is suitable for your situation and may recommend alternatives or adjustments.

Some visitors with mild discomfort find the ride manageable because of the seated position and slow gait. Others prefer to avoid it altogether as a precaution. There is no shame or obligation to ride; the station and guide understand that not everyone can participate, and waiting near the coach is a valid and comfortable option.

Timing and how to book your ride

Your tour arrives at the station during the scheduled stop on the full 9-hour itinerary. When the coach parks, staff will approach with information about ride availability and pricing. Payment is handled on-site, either in cash or by card, depending on the station's methods. You can book your spot immediately, or you can watch first and decide whether to participate before returning to the coach.

The rides themselves are brief, typically lasting 15 to 30 minutes depending on the route chosen and current station traffic. Multiple riders go out at once, so you will not wait long once you have booked. The entire group reconvenes at the coach at a set time, so you know exactly when to be ready for the next leg of your journey through Lanzarote's volcanic landscape.

Arrival

1. Meet at the camel station

   Your coach stops at Echadero de los Camellos. You'll disembark and gather at the station with other tour members.

2. Arrange your ride onsite

   Complete payment and assignment of your camel directly at the station. Staff will match you with your mount based on your needs.

3. Climb the mounting platform

   Walk to the raised platform where your camel kneels. An attendant will assist you aboard, showing you how to hold the saddle.

4. Follow the loop trail

   Your camel walks a scenic ridge path with views across the volcanic landscape. The ride follows a set circuit before returning.

5. Return to ground level

   Your camel will kneel again at the platform. Staff will help you safely dismount and guide you back toward the coach.

6. Opt out or rest nearby

   Not riding? You may wait near the coach or in the station area while others complete their rides. No pressure to participate.

Before you book