La Palma: Guided Trekking Tour To Cubo de la Galga

If you’re planning a trip to La Palma and love exploring nature on foot, the Guided Trekking Tour to Cubo de la Galga offers a fantastic way to experience the island’s ancient forests. This 4 to 5-hour journey takes you through a 2 million-year-old laurel forest, where verdant greenery and mystic mist create a truly enchanting atmosphere. The tour is led by knowledgeable guides who share interesting insights about the flora, fauna, and legends of the area.

One of the standout features of this tour is the spectacular views from the Mirador of Somada Alta, where on a clear day, you can see neighboring islands like Tenerife and La Gomera—adding a touch of island-hopping magic to your trek. The overall experience is accessible, reasonably priced at $36 per person, and offers a lovely balance of nature, history, and breathtaking scenery.

A possible consideration is the medium difficulty level of the 11 km walk, making it suitable for most hikers with some experience, but not the best choice for those with mobility issues or very young children. This tour is perfect for nature lovers and curious travelers eager to discover La Palma’s ancient landscape in a relaxed, guided setting.

Key Points

Beautiful ancient environment: Explore a forest that’s over 20 million years old.

Expert guidance: Guides provide engaging stories and detailed information about flora and fauna.

Stunning viewpoints: Enjoy panoramic views of neighboring islands and local villages from Mirador spots.

Moderate difficulty: The 11 km trek is manageable for most hikers with some experience.

Authentic experience: Walk through lush, misty laurel forests and learn about their unique history and legends.

Value for money: At just $36 per person, this tour offers a lot of natural beauty and insight in a single half-day adventure.

An In-Depth Look at the Experience

Starting Point and Logistics

The tour begins at the Punto de Información Ambiental Cubo de la Galga parking lot, where you’ll find the La Palma Transfer & Tours bus ready for pickup. This organized start means you avoid the hassle of arranging transport yourself, making the experience more seamless. The tour lasts around 4 to 5 hours, including the walk and viewpoints, with available starting times that you can check in advance.

The Journey into the Laurisilva Forest

Once you’re on your way northeast toward Puntallana, the scenery begins to change almost immediately. The Laurisilva forest, originating from the Tertiary period, is one of the most special parts of this experience. The forest’s evergreen leaves are soaked from persistent trade wind rains, creating a misty, humid environment that feels straight out of a fairy tale.

As we walked, our guide was excellent at describing the flora: giant ferns, moss-covered branches, and a variety of native plants. One reviewer noted that the guide (possibly someone like “Eli,” according to reviews) told stories well and kept everyone engaged. The lush greenery and the sound of the forest made it clear why this environment has survived for so long, offering a sense of walking through living history.

Exploring Cubo de la Galga

The highlight is reaching El Cubo de la Galga, a spot that feels like stepping into a different world. This area is a haven for nature lovers, with dense foliage and a peaceful atmosphere. You’ll wander with your guide, who highlights the different plant species and points out interesting details about the ecosystem. Expect plenty of photo opportunities, especially when the sunlight filters through the leaves, creating dappled patterns on the ground.

Panoramic Views from Mirador Spots

After the forest walk, the tour takes you to the Mirador of Somada Alta. From here, if the weather cooperates, you’ll be treated to spectacular views of La Palma’s neighboring islands—Tenerife and La Gomera. The panoramic vista often includes nearby villages like Los Sauces and San Andrés, giving a sense of the island’s layout and rural charm.

Descending to the Mirador de San Bartolo offers not just more views but also the chance to hear about local legends, including the romantic and tragic story of El Salto del Enamorado—a cliff that’s steeped in folklore. This storytelling adds a cultural touch to your nature trek, making it more than just a walk in the woods.

The Walk’s Practicalities and Value

The 11 km route is marked as medium difficulty, with well-maintained paths accommodating most hikers. Reviewers mentioned that the condition of the trail is good, though sturdy hiking shoes are recommended. The tour doesn’t include food or drinks, so bringing snacks and water is advised, especially since the walk can be physically demanding.

The price of $36 is reasonable considering the inclusions: transportation, a knowledgeable guide, and access to some of La Palma’s most iconic natural spots. Given the quality of the scenery, the expert guidance, and the opportunity to learn about the history and legends of the area, this offers excellent value.

What Travelers Say

Many reviews praise the guides for their knowledge and storytelling skills. One review mentioned, “The guide was well-told, and the whole group was considered,” highlighting the personal touch guides add. Another appreciated the spectacular views and noted that the walk was “nice with lots of information about the area.”

Some travelers also enjoyed the balance of nature and culture, with the stories about local legends enriching the experience. The tour’s small group size ensures a friendly, intimate atmosphere, making it easier to ask questions and get personalized attention.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This trek is ideal for active travelers who appreciate nature and enjoy gentle hikes in lush environments. It’s also suitable for those interested in the geological and botanical history of La Palma, along with a dash of local folklore. If you’re traveling with friends or family who are comfortable with walking 11 km over varied terrain, you’ll find this a meaningful and scenic day out.

However, if you have mobility issues, back problems, or are traveling with very young children, this might not be the best fit given the distance and terrain. Also, those expecting guided food and wine tastings should note these are not included, although the scenic stops do lend themselves to picnics if you bring your own.

Practical Tips

• Wear sturdy hiking shoes and bring rain gear just in case the weather changes.
• Carry water and snacks to keep energized during the walk.
• Bring a camera or smartphone for capturing the stunning scenery.
• Use sun protection like sunglasses, a sun hat, and sunscreen.
• Check the weather forecast beforehand—clear days offer the best views from Mirador spots.
• Book in advance to secure your spot, especially during peak seasons.

FAQs

Is transportation included? Yes, pickup from designated locations and return to the meeting point are included in the tour.

How long does the tour last? Expect around 4 to 5 hours, including travel, walking, and viewpoints.

What is the difficulty level? The trek covers about 11 km and is rated as medium difficulty, suitable for most hikers with some experience.

Are food and drinks included? No, you should bring your own snacks, water, and sun protection.

Can children join? The tour isn’t suitable for children under 3 or those with mobility issues.

What should I wear? Comfortable clothes, sturdy hiking shoes, sun protection, and weather-appropriate layers.

Are guides available in English? Yes, guides speak Spanish, German, and English.

What if the weather is bad? You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, and weather-dependent views may be affected.

Will I see wildlife? While the focus is on flora, some fauna native to the laurel forests may be spotted or discussed.

Is it suitable for photography? Absolutely, the scenery offers many photo opportunities, especially from the viewpoints.

Final Thoughts

This guided trek to Cubo de la Galga on La Palma stands out as an enriching way to explore the island’s ancient forests. It combines scenic beauty, educational insights, and cultural stories into a manageable and well-priced package. Perfect for active travelers, nature enthusiasts, and those curious about the island’s natural history, it offers a genuine glimpse into La Palma’s lush, mysterious landscape.

While it’s not ideal for those with mobility challenges or very young children, most hikers will find this a rewarding experience that balances adventure with comfort. The knowledgeable guides, stunning viewpoints, and lush environment make it a memorable part of any La Palma trip. Prepare well, bring your camera, and enjoy a walk through a living piece of history.

Experience the magic of La Palma’s forests, learn fascinating stories, and enjoy incredible views—this tour could easily be the highlight of your trip.