Charco del Cieno Scientific Interest Area

The Charco de Sieno is an area of notable scientific interest that harbors a unique habitat of scarce insular representation. It is one of the best remaining wetlands on the island of La Gomera, as well as one of the last natural salt marshes in the Canary Islands, with a good representation of halophilic plants, shallow water algae and wading birds, some of the latter included in international protection agreements. The Charco del Cieno is an enormously valuable area for migratory birds, since it is an ecosystem that is scarcely represented in the Archipelago. Waders are frequent in the Charco, besides being an ideal habitat for birds such as the Sardinian warblers or spectacled warblers (Sylvia melanocephala and Sylvia conspicillata).

Flora interest

Trekking routes

Wildlife interest

Valle Gran Rey

Sitio de interés científico Charco del Cieno

Map of Charco del Cieno Scientific Interest Area

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'.
Do not walk in areas where it is not allowed and 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.
Do not light fires outside the permitted areas and be especially careful during the summer months.
Try not to alter the peace of the environment with excessive noise (loud music, yelling, etc.).