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.
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.
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.