LOS CANCAJOS ATTRACTION FIELD GUIDE
Into the Primeval Laurel: Cubo de la Galga’s Green Cathedral
A 4-hour, ~7 km route with about +300 m/−300 m of elevation through La Palma’s ancient laurel forest to high viewpoints and a celebrated stargazing ledge—this guide maps what you’ll encounter and why it matters.
Into the Primeval Laurel: Cubo de la Galga’s Green Cathedral.
Adventure brief
Into the Primeval Laurel: Cubo de la Galga’s Green Cathedral
Cubo de la Galga plunges into La Palma’s laurisilva, a millenary, moisture-rich forest of laurels, tilos, viñátigos, barbusanos and giant ferns that dates back to the Tertiary; the hike follows forested trails up to exposed lookouts that frame neighboring islands and, after dark, an exceptional sky for stargazing.
On La Palma’s northeastern slopes, the Cubo de la Galga offers a four-hour hike through one of Europe’s most intact laurel forests. Located near Puntallana on the island of La Palma in the Canary Islands, this route starts from Los Cancajos and climbs into a primeval laurisilva where giant ferns, laurels, tilos, viñátigos and barbusanos create a cathedral of green.
The trail follows moss-draped paths and narrow ravines, gaining roughly 300 meters before reaching the Mirador de Somada Alta at about 900 meters. From that lookout, on clear days, you can see Tenerife and La Gomera and the cultivated terraces of San Andrés y Sauces tumbling toward the sea. Geological features include deep volcanic ravines and steep basalt cliffs cut by ancient erosion, and the forest itself is a living relic of the Tertiary period, surviving changes that have erased similar habitats elsewhere.
Midway, small springs and humidity pockets limit sunlight, feeding massive tree ferns and epiphytes that cling to laurel trunks. The route finishes at two intimate viewpoints—the Mirador de San Bartolomé between the barrancos of Nogales and La Galga, and the Mirador de La Montaña (also called Salto del Enamorado)—a dramatic cliff edge associated with a local legend commemorated by a small statue. After dark this last spot is famous for stargazing thanks to La Palma’s low light pollution.
This guided walk is suitable for anyone aged three and up and runs about 7 kilometers with mixed footing: packed earth, rocks and some steep stair sections. It is special because it showcases laurisilva that dates back more than twenty million years, a rare ecosystem on volcanic islands, and because its series of viewpoints tie the forest to the island’s volcanic topography and ocean panoramas.
Practical details: plan lightweight layers and waterproofs—the forest traps moisture—and wear sturdy shoes with good traction for slipperiness on mossy rock. Bring water, a headlamp if you plan to stay for stars, and a camera with a wide-angle lens for the viewpoints. Respect marked paths and avoid collecting plant material; laurisilva is fragile and regenerates slowly.
Why go? Cubo de la Galga is a concentrated course in La Palma’s green side: botanical richness, volcanic landforms, clear island vistas and a night-sky payoff that turns a daytime walk into a full sensory experience.
Bookings are offered through operators; pricing listed from Adulto a partir de 33,92 € with Niño rates available. Meeting point and transfer details vary—some options include pickup from Los Cancajos; check departures and whether transport is included on site. Guides highlight botanical features and the legend of the Salto del Enamorado. This concentrated hike rewards visitors who want a direct encounter with La Palma’s ancient forest without committing to a longer trek.
Route Schematic
Route schematic and stops
The route threads distinct stops from forest to viewpoints; key locations along the way are listed below.
Cubo de la Galga (forest interior)
Begin in the millenary laurisilva, surrounded by laurels, tilos, viñátigos, barbusanos and large ferns in high-humidity sections where light is limited.
Ascent to Mirador de Somada Alta
A climb to Mirador de Somada Alta at about 900 m provides wide views; on clear days you can see Tenerife and La Gomera as well as San Andrés y Sauces.
Mirador de San Bartolomé
A small lookout sited between the barrancos of Nogales and La Galga that reveals the municipality’s agricultural slopes and eastern flank of La Palma.
Mirador de La Montaña / Salto del Enamorado
The final viewpoint, noted for dramatic cliffs, a statue recalling the local legend and panoramic stargazing opportunities after dark.
The documented route covers roughly 7 km with about +300 m and −300 m elevation change over 4 hours; it is cataloged for ages 3 and up—participants should be prepared for sustained walking and changing light and humidity conditions.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
A living relic of the Tertiary
The Cubo de la Galga is described as a millenary laurel forest whose dense humidity, layered canopy and huge ferns offer a vivid example of why La Palma is called the Isla Verde.
Mirador de Somada Alta and island panoramas
After ascending from the forest you reach Mirador de Somada Alta at 900 m, a vantage point that, on clear days, looks out toward Tenerife, La Gomera and the nearby locality of San Andrés y Sauces.
A sunset-to-stars finale at the Salto del Enamorado
The route ends at Mirador de La Montaña (aka Salto del Enamorado) and the Mirador de San Bartolomé, where dramatic cliffs, a commemorative statue and open horizons combine to make the site one of the island’s best places to watch the stars.
What the day feels like
What the route feels like
You move from cool, dim, fern-filled corridors of laurisilva into rising, more open terrain: a four-hour walk that threads ancient woodland, climbs to high lookouts and finishes at exposed miradores where the land drops to sea and the night sky opens above.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this outing suits
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
The trip is documented as a 4-hour outing covering about 7 km with +300 m/−300 m elevation; no specific seasonal restrictions were provided in the supplied trip data.
The provided information does not list explicit gear requirements; given the terrain and duration, expect typical day-hike gear for variable humidity and cool forest conditions.
Operator listed is Nuevo Rumbo Historia Viva SLU; the supplied trip data does not include a specific meeting location or transport details.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
How long is the hike and how far will I walk?
The documented route is approximately 4 hours long and about 7 km in distance with roughly +300 m/−300 m of elevation change.
Is this suitable for children?
The outing is listed as suitable for ages 3 and up.
What kind of forest and plants will I see?
You will pass through ancient laurisilva—dense laurel forest featuring laurels, tilos, viñátigos, barbusanos and very large ferns.
Which viewpoints are on the route?
Highlights include Mirador de Somada Alta (around 900 m), Mirador de San Bartolomé and Mirador de La Montaña / Salto del Enamorado.
Will I be able to see other islands?
From Mirador de Somada Alta, on clear days you can see Tenerife and La Gomera, as well as the locality of San Andrés y Sauces.
How this guide was prepared
This field guide is synthesized using verified supplier specifications, route descriptions, and destination data. Some booking links may generate affiliate revenue for ADV Guides.
- Verified: 2026-09-10T12:12:23.910Z
Some booking links may generate revenue for ADV Guides or The Adventure Collective.
Availability, pricing, schedules and operating details can change.
Trip details and contextual sources were reviewed by ADV Guides Editorial.