La Laguna Grande I

This circular, comfortable, and easily accessible trail is one of the most frequented in Garajonay National Park due to its privileged location in La Laguna Grande, the Park’s main recreational area. It is an ideal route for all types of visitors, including families, people with limited time, or those seeking a first introduction to La Gomera’s laurel forest (monteverde). The path runs through an area of fayal–brezal, a type of forest characteristic of the southern slope of the Park, where the climate is drier and sunnier. The trail also features small patches of summit heathland, whose soil is covered by a continuous carpet of moss, creating a cool and peaceful atmosphere. Parts of the route still bear traces of the forest fire of August 2012, whose effects remain visible in some sections, providing educational insight into the natural regeneration of the forest. In late April and early May, the trail becomes especially colorful as floral carpets emerge along its edges, offering a particularly attractive landscape for photography and botanical observation. During the walk, a viewpoint provides magnificent views of Fortaleza de Cherelepi, a vegetation-covered volcanic dome that stands out as a remarkable geological landmark in the island’s central landscape. The trail also features interpretive panels explaining the natural, geological, and cultural values of the area, making it a perfect route to discover the main elements of Garajonay National Park in an accessible and informative way.