GUIDED HIKE TO THE LAURISILVA FOREST
DISCOVER THE LAUREL FOREST WITH A CERTIFIED GUIDE
Explore the laurel forest of La Palma
Discovering the laurel forest of La Palma with a local guide is an experience you shouldn’t miss. During this guided hike, you will explore one of the oldest and most fascinating ecosystems in the Canary Islands, a forest full of life, history and mystery. We will walk along scenic trails surrounded by moss-covered trees, giant ferns and lush vegetation, while uncovering the secrets of this forest that has survived since prehistoric times. Because visiting a place is not the same as truly experiencing and feeling it. Our goal is to inspire you and help you discover the laurel forest of La Palma in an authentic way.
Route details:
DURATION: approximately 4 hours DIFFICULTY: moderate. A reasonable level of fitness is required to walk on mountain trails. DISTANCE: 10 kilometers ELEVATION GAIN/LOSS: +450 m / -450 m MINIMUM AGE: 10 years The hike is carried out at a relaxed pace, with stops to enjoy the scenery and discover the laurel forest of La Palma.
LANGUAGE: Spanish and English.
MEETING POINT: entrance of the Cubo de La Galga. If you need transport to the meeting point, please request it when booking.
END POINT OF THE ROUTE: same as the starting point, as the trail is circular.
MEETING TIME: we recommend arriving 10 minutes before the tour starts.
TOUR DURATION: approximately 4 hours
CANCELLATION POLICY: changes or cancellations can be requested free of charge up to 24 hours before the tour, subject to availability. After this period, cancellations will not be accepted. In case of no-show (not arriving at the booked date and time), no refund will be issued.
A minimum of 4 participants is required for the activity to take place. If this minimum number is not reached:
a full refund will be offered, or
an alternative date will be proposed to carry out the activity.
Explore the laurel forest of the Cubo de La Galga
This route in Cubo de La Galga will allow you to discover up close the spectacular laurel forests of La Palma, a true natural relic from ancient times that grows on some of the oldest soils of the island. During the hike, you will learn about the main tree species that form this ancient forest, as well as the traditional uses of its wood, leaves, bark and sap in folk medicine. We will also discover the characteristic fauna of this ecosystem, mainly composed of small invertebrates. Once inside Cubo de La Galga, you will feel as if you have travelled back in time: a green, humid and mysterious landscape where your imagination might make you think that a dinosaur… or perhaps a forest spirit, could appear at any moment. We will continue the route to the Somada Alta viewpoint, at around 850 meters above sea level, where we can admire the impressive La Galga ravine. Looking towards the coast, you will also learn about the history of the village of San Andrés, known for its sugar production, which made it one of the most important places on the island in the past. Finally, we will return to the starting point through a fayal-brezal forest, following part of the initial trail.








Small group guided hike in the laurel forest of La Palma
The laurel forest hike in La Palma with the certified guides of La Palma Natural takes place every Monday. You can also contact us to check availability for a private and personalized route on other days. Groups are limited to a maximum of 15 participants, allowing a more personal experience and better interaction between the guide, visitors and the natural environment. We aim to create a friendly atmosphere, respecting the pace of all participants and the environment we are exploring. This way, you can enjoy a more authentic experience in the laurel forests of La Palma.
Recommendations for your laurel forest hike in La Palma
To fully enjoy your hike through the laurel forests, we recommend bringing: - trekking shoes or hiking boots - comfortable clothing suitable for a mountain hike - hiking poles, if you are used to using them - hat and sunscreen - a rain jacket or windbreaker during the winter months, in case of rain or cooler temperatures It is also important to bring: -some snacks or light food -at least 1 liter of water per person
Do you have any questions?
Available Monday to Friday, 8:30 – 16:30.
Or if you prefer to write to us
We will contact you as soon as possible