Hike N2_Garajonay&Hermigua

The route begins in the upper part of the Hermigua ravine, offering wide views across the valley stretching all the way to the coast. Along the way, hikers cross ancient farming terraces, remnants of the subsistence agriculture once practiced by local inhabitants. The vegetation here belongs to the thermophilic woodland, with species your guide will help you identify.

The panoramas reveal banana plantations and the phonolitic pinnacles Pedro and Petra, distinctive rock formations that dominate the scenery. The trail also passes a reservoir collecting rainwater, a testament to the ingenuity with which the island’s terrain has been harnessed to ensure irrigation for crops. Further on, the itinerary enters La Gomera’s wettest zone, where the Los Tiles reservoir lies, accompanied by a small waterfall and a stream flowing through the landscape.

One of the most spectacular points is the El Cedro waterfall, plunging nearly 250 meters. This is the habitat of the paloma rabiche, an endemic species of the Canary Islands and emblem of La Gomera. The path then climbs into the laurel forest, with its towering trees, representing an ecosystem unique in Europe.

This forest is considered a remnant of those that once covered northern Africa and southern Europe during the Tertiary period. With the guide’s help, visitors can better understand the species that compose it and the ecological value it holds. The hike thus combines cultural, historical, and natural aspects, revealing both Hermigua’s agricultural past and the environmental richness of Garajonay National Park.