A difficult trek through the landscapes of La Gomera

Located in San Sebastián de La Gomera, this route gives a good sample of the island’s landscapes. The hike goes through the verdant hills in Agando, palm groves in the bed of the ravine and at the end, native plants like Canary Island Spurge and Hercules Club near a hamlet of rural architecture with houses scattered among the allotments of crops. Also to be seen are areas of cereal growing land in the hermitage of Saint John the Baptist, an old hydraulic mill in Pastrana and modern infrastructure to collect water like the well and reservoir in Benchijigua.

Remains of old hamlets and banana terraces

At twelve kilometres long and with an incline which is over a thousand metres, the route along the Benchijigua ravine takes in a tarred lane and a rural path along this three and a half hour trek. This hike gives us images which are trapped in time like that of old hamlets which were abandoned mid 20th century and in the final stretch, banana terraces in the area of Puerto Santiago. Don’t forget suitable footwear and sun cream.

Reserva Natural Integral de Benchijigua La Gomera

Benchijigua-Playa Santiago. Senderos de La Gomera

Map of A difficult trek through the landscapes of La Gomera

Sustainability

Never leave waste of any type lying around, including cigarette butts. Leftover food leads to a proliferation of rats and wild cats, which pose a serious threat to the fauna.
Use the waste- paper baskets and, insofar as possible, separate and place your recycling waste in the appropriate containers.
Do not throw any waste or other objects into the sea.
Respect the animals. Do not bother them or feed them. If you see an injured specimen, you can call the emergency number: 112. Do not pick flowers or plants.
Do not pick up or take away stones or any other item from the natural environment. And do not move them to pile them up into sadly famous 'towers'.
In natural spaces and at viewpoints, do not leave the trail or the spaces designated for people to be in.
Respect and look after the area's historic and cultural heritage, along with the public furniture and items for visitors, such as information panels or telescopes and binoculars.