Botanical walk to discover the treasures of the Garajonay National Park. You will explore one of the most emblematic areas of the national park: Alto de Garajonay and the Laurel forest. Your guide will introduce you to the incredible botanical richness of the laurel forest (the main ecosystem of this protected natural space). This ecosystem is fascinating in many ways: it is teeming with incredible biodiversity, provides insights into species evolution, and shelters species of very old trees that are now extinct on the African and European continents. Your guide will reveal the beauties of this ancient forest, which is in excellent conservation state. This will also help you understand what the plants and animals of this ecosystem have to tell us about the natural history of this island and our planet. This guided excursion is aimed at various audiences: nature and botany enthusiasts, families, and more.
Naturalist Guided Walk : Garajonay, Laboratory of evolution
4 Hours-
Guided
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Spanish, French, English
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Yes
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Hotel or at the start of the route
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9:00
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2:30
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4:00
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13:00
Walk in Garajonay National Park (easy level)
Itinerary
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Transportation
Transportation
0.45 hour -
Walking
TourGarajonay National Park
In just half a day, we’ll explore the many facets of Garajonay National Park, declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
On La Gomera, the most beautiful landscapes are often discovered on foot… but that doesn’t mean you need to embark on long or strenuous hikes! During this excursion, we’ll take several short guided walks that reveal a stunning variety of scenery and ecosystems.
We’ll enjoy a botanical walk to understand the incredible natural and ecological value of the laurel forest. If the weather is clear, we’ll climb to the summit of Alto de Garajonay —the highest point on the island— to take in a breathtaking 360° panoramic view over La Gomera and the neighboring islands (about 1h30). If the summit is covered in clouds, we’ll replace it with another forest walk, equally magical among the mist.
We’ll also see the Natural Monument of Los Roques, where you’ll uncover the volcanic history of the island and learn how these striking rock formations were born.
Thanks to the guide’s explanations, this tour becomes a true experience of discovery. The laurel forest is a genuine laboratory of evolution —a living fossil ecosystem preserving traces of the ancient subtropical forests that once covered Europe and North Africa millions of years ago. You’ll learn to recognize plant species found only in the Canary Islands, understand their role in the ecosystem, and discover why they differ from their continental “relatives.”
More than just a walk, this excursion is an immersion into an enchanted forest —a journey through time and nature that captivates families, nature lovers, and curious minds alike. An unforgettable experience that connects you to the essence of La Gomera… and to the very story of life itself.
Route statistics:
Level Walking : Easy
Walking time: 2:30
Elevation gain : 120m
Elevation loss: -120m
Km : 5-6
3.5 hour -
Transportation
Transportation
0.45 hour
Included
- - Transportation from San Sebastián or playa Santiago
- - Certified guide (Spanich, English and French spoken)
- - Insurance (Accident, rescue and civil liability of the guide)
Excluded
- - Anything that does not appear in the "included" section
Cancellation Policy
- Up to 48 hours before the excursion: Full refund of the excursion.
- Less than 48 hours before the excursion: 50% refund of the excursion.
See it online https://ipalan.com/en/trip/grouphikegarajonay/