In 1981 the Garajonay National Park was founded to protect the unique vegetation. Afterwards, the park was declared Patrimony of Humanity by the UNESCO: The laurel tree dominates the landscape of Garajonay Park, but other habitats, like those growing by the water, the rocky walls and the impressive rocks, remains of volcanic activity, enrich the landscape and are important refuges for unusual species.

The sea is an insurmountable barrier for the colonization of the islands by many species. This explains the fact that the fauna of the park mainly consists of birds and reptiles, with bats being the only endemic mammals.

The National Park provides the visitors with an interpreter service for guided tours (please contact the Visitor Center previously), foresters that supervise the park and who can advise and help you, as well as a brochure that explains aspects of nature and specific auto guided paths.

Before walking through the park we recommend the Visitor Center, open Tuesdays until Sundays from 9:30 a.m. unil 4:30 p.m.. There you can see a general vision of the park through audio panels. You can also get books, brochures and maps, local handcraft products and join organised excursions.