Cultural Tourism. The Sacred Mountain of Alajeró

The Ascent to an Ancestral Symbol

This short route climbs directly from the Alajeró viewpoint to the mountain of Tagaragunche, one of the most important sanctuaries of ancient La Gomera. The ascent is brief but rich in meaning: each step raises the viewpoint over the slopes and brings visitors closer to the spiritual heart of the territory.

A privileged balcony over the municipality

At the summit, next to the San Isidro hermitage, the landscape opens into a vast natural amphitheatre. The views reveal why this mountain was a place of worship and a point of reference for the Indigenous people. From above, the entire municipality unfolds —its terraces, palm groves and the marine horizon— in a place where history and landscape meet.

Length

2,9 km

Map of Cultural Tourism. The Sacred Mountain of Alajeró

Cultural tourism in La Gomera – The sacred mountain of Alajeró

Point A: Mirador de Alajeró

Distance from Point A to Point B: Iglesia del Salvador, 0.1 km

From the viewpoint, the route begins with a gentle ascent surrounded by terraced fields and traditional houses. It is an ideal place to understand the rural character of Alajeró before entering the mountain. The views over the hillsides offer a clear sense of the agricultural landscape that has shaped the municipality’s life for centuries.

Cultural tourism in La Gomera – The sacred mountain of Alajeró

Point B: Iglesia del Salvador

Distance from Point B to Point C: Foot of Mount Tagaragunche, 1.2 km

A few minutes from the viewpoint, we reach the Iglesia del Salvador, one of the oldest churches in the southern part of La Gomera. Its stone façade and simple interior reflect the municipality’s deep-rooted religious tradition. It is an ideal pause to catch your breath before continuing toward the slopes of Tagaragunche.

Cultural tourism in La Gomera – The sacred mountain of Alajeró

Point C: Foot of Mount Tagaragunche

Distance from Point C to Point D: Summit of Mount Tagaragunche, 0.3 km

The path climbs gently to the foot of this sacred mountain. Here, its imposing presence becomes evident: an ancient syenite rock rising above the hills, visible from almost the entire area. This stop allows visitors to appreciate the site’s distinctive geology and its commanding position over the south of La Gomera.

Cultural tourism in La Gomera – The sacred mountain of Alajeró

Point D: Cima Tagaragunche

Distance from Point D to Point A: Mirador de Alajeró, 1.6 km

The summit of Tagaragunche is a natural viewpoint over Alajeró and one of the most important Indigenous sanctuaries on the island. Offerings were made here to Orahan, the principal deity, and later the chapel of San Isidro was built, symbolising cultural syncretism. From the top, the views over the hills and ravines reveal why this place was chosen as a sacred mountain.

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.
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'.
Respect the signposting along trails. Leaving the set paths causes damage to the environment and could also be dangerous for you and anyone with you.
It is safer to keep your pet on a lead.
Try not to alter the peace of the environment with excessive noise (loud music, yelling, etc.).