We found this note in Garajonay National Park official Facebook Site, and it explains the National Park so well we were tempted to post it here. So here it is:
“There are many reasons for walking in the Garajonay National Park, located on the island of La Gomera. Hiking their paths will translate us to earlier times, when man had not yet begun their life experience as Homo Sapiens.
Garajonay is a unique evergreen forest, and surviving ancestral of the Tertiary forest of southern Europe. So close to the Sahara Desert, is a rarity that only explains why this vegetation in the Mediterranean was shifted to us when the climate changed and the ice reached almost the entire European continent , lefting out the Macaronesian region (archipelagos of Cape Verde, Azores, Canaries and Madeira).
The mountains of La Gomera host one of the most unique forests of Europe and Spain: the laurel forest of Garajonay National Park. On its surface safeguarding the best representation of this ecosystem under frequent fog, one of the best preserved of the Atlantic Islands.
These laurel forests are scarce and threatened despite its importance in regulating the water cycle or by its enormous biodiversity that make them important genetic reserves for its high rate of endemism (unique species). However, their small size and low resilience to disturbances make the laurel forests one of the most fragile ecosystem worldwide.
The hiking is therefore the best way to know this unique ancient spirit and safeguarding its essence. In addition to discover the nuances of this incredible Monteverde of La Gomera and appreciate the variety of environments that exist. Garajonay has various walking paths ranging from small rides for all ages to large circular routes for walkers experts. A common feature is that park trails are well marked, signposted and maintained.
The Park offers this comprehensive network of paths through different scenery, from forest valley to top, to small hidden habitats of great rarity, or beautiful places linked to water or unique species. Garajonay is a real spectacle for the presence of fog, the darkness of its interior and its wild character.
Walk the route network of the National Park is safe for all visitors and for the forest. Continue protecting and conserving flora and fauna so unique, favor mature forests evolve naturally, keep the balance of nature by preventing the extinction of species that have evolved over millions of years, defending the best freshwater ecosystems the Canaries are all aspects that contribute hiking in Garajonay, which is leisurely, uncrowded, with care.
Walking should be a pleasure and a responsible act. So stay informed of adverse circumstances possible suggestions for such activity. Be safe, your safety is ours.”
For more, you can check the page https://www.facebook.com/ParqueNacionaldeGarajonay?fref=ts
In our apartments Los Telares, you can have a specially romantic breakfast in your room. For 17€ we will bring a tray to your room with a rose bouquet to surprise your soulmate. Book with us on reception or by whatssap / phone: +34 629 594 078.
GUIDED ROUTE IN VALLEHERMOSO (FREE)
The touristic services company Ymaguara, recently opened and based in Vallehermoso, offers trekking guided routes in spanish and english all around La Gomera. With different routes from monday to thursday, you can learn about La Gomera culture while enjoying the landscapes. Routes for up to 4 hours with transportation and guide in spanish/english for just 20€/person.
It is an initiative from Burrito La Gomera with the funding raised from the green lasso t-shirts.
The island of La Gomera will be, most likely, declared Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO next July. This information has been confirmed today 8th of June by the head of the Worldwide Network of Biosphere Reserves, Miguel Cloüsner-Godott, through a video conference with the UNESCO head office in Paris in the celebration of the 2nd Sustainability in the Canary Islands Workshop celebrated in La Gomera.
