Los Tilos Special Nature Reserve wilderness guide
Special Nature Reserve · La Palma, Canary Islands

Los Tilos Special Nature Reserve

Los Tilos Special Nature Reserve is a verdant paradise located in La Palma, offering a rich ecosystem ideal for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers.

Special Nature Reserve3,4842+ Trails
DesignationSpecial Nature Reserve
Total Wilderness Area3,484
Elevation / TerrainDiverse Wilderness
Field Editorial Guide

About Los Tilos Special Nature Reserve

Los Tilos Special Nature Reserve is a verdant paradise located in La Palma, offering a rich ecosystem ideal for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers.

Wilderness Landscape & Natural Heritage

Los Tilos Special Nature Reserve, located on the northeast side of the island of La Palma in the Canary Islands, spans over 3,484 acres of lush landscape. It is part of the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve of La Palma, recognized for its rare laurisilva (laurel forest), an ancient type of humid subtropical forest that thrived during the Tertiary period. The reserve is home to a diverse range of flora and fauna, including endemic species like the laurel pigeon and the Bolle’s pigeon. Historically, the area has been a source of water supply for the island's residents due to its many springs and streams, which continue to run throughout the year. Visitors can explore the extensive network of trails that wind through the dense forest and enjoy key attractions like the Cascada de Los Tilos waterfall. The rich biodiversity and the serene environment make it an ideal spot for hiking, bird watching, and experiencing the unique ecological conditions of this remarkable region.

Field Guide · Special Nature Reserve
Adventure Destinations

Notable Destinations Near Los Tilos Special Nature Reserve

Scenic viewpoints, outdoor landmarks, and notable points of interest within 60 miles.

Key Wilderness Highlights

✦ Cascada de Los Tilos – a stunning waterfall with a tranquil atmosphere✦ Laurisilva Forest – a rare, ancient type of forest unique to the region✦ Los Tilos Visitor Center – an informational hub for learning about the reserve✦ Mirador Espigón Atravesado – offering panoramic views of the lush landscape
Wilderness Recreation

Outdoor Adventures in Los Tilos Special Nature Reserve

Explore curated guides for top outdoor sports, trail networks, and wilderness activities.

Park Recreation

Hiking

Available in Los Tilos Special Nature Reserve
Park Recreation

Wildlife Viewing

Available in Los Tilos Special Nature Reserve
Park Recreation

Photography

Available in Los Tilos Special Nature Reserve
The Ranger Station

Visitor Logistics & Essential Planning

Everything you need to know about entrance passes, seasons, visitor centers, road transit, and wildlife safety in Los Tilos Special Nature Reserve.

Passes & Fees

Entrance Requirements & Interagency Passes

Free access with no permits or fees required.

Wilderness Checklist

Carry paper topographic map & compass in remote zones.
Store all food and scented items in approved bear canisters.
Check wildfire / smoke advisories before backcountry departure.
Pack out everything you pack in (Leave No Trace).
Adventure Basecamps

Gateway Towns Near Los Tilos Special Nature Reserve

Stay, dine, and gear up in these mountain towns and scenic basecamps surrounding the park.

Barlovento, Canary Islands
⌖ 1.44 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Barlovento, Canary Islands

Barlovento on La Palma offers hikers and nature lovers lush laurel forests, stunning waterfalls, and volcanic landscapes. This quiet town is a gateway to untouched trails and Atlantic views, perfect for an authentic Canary Islands adventure.

Spring and Autumn
Explore Town
Barlovento, Canary Islands, Spain
⌖ 1.44 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Barlovento, Canary Islands, Spain

Barlovento is a peaceful town on La Palma’s north coast known for lush forests, volcanic landscapes, and ocean pools. Ideal for hiking, biking, and sea kayaking, it’s a nature lover’s gateway to the island’s wild side.

Spring and Autumn
Explore Town
San Andrés y Sauces, La Palma
⌖ 2.08 miles
Gateway Basecamp

San Andrés y Sauces, La Palma

San Andrés y Sauces on La Palma offers lush laurel forests, volcanic caves, and coastal paddling in a peaceful town ideal for nature lovers seeking authentic Canarian outdoor adventures.

Spring and Autumn
Explore Town
San Andrés y Sauces, Canary Islands
⌖ 2.08 miles
Gateway Basecamp

San Andrés y Sauces, Canary Islands

San Andrés y Sauces is a lush, tranquil town on northern La Palma known for verdant laurel forests, rugged coastlines, and volcanic hiking. Perfect for nature lovers seeking peaceful trails and coastal paddling.

Spring through Early Fall
Explore Town
San Andrés y Sauces, Tenerife
⌖ 2.08 miles
Gateway Basecamp

San Andrés y Sauces, Tenerife

San Andrés y Sauces is an adventurer's getaway on Tenerife, boasting picturesque hikes, epic canyoning spots, and mountain bike trails through lush laurel forests and volcanic terrains.

Los Sauces, Canary Islands
⌖ 2.08 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Los Sauces, Canary Islands

Los Sauces is a peaceful town on La Palma offering lush forests, volcanic landscapes, and incredible hiking. Ideal for outdoor lovers seeking whale watching, kayaking, and mountain biking with fewer crowds.

Spring and Fall
Explore Town
Expert-Led Wilderness Expeditions

Guided Experiences in Los Tilos Special Nature Reserve

Explore scenic backcountry routes and epic wilderness adventures with certified local mountain guides, naturalists, and outfitters.

Ruta Roque de los Muchachos
ADVEXPEDITION
Breña Baja, Canarias
Sightseeing TourADV Bookable

Ruta Roque de los Muchachos

Ascend to 2,426 meters on La Palma’s iconic Roque de Los Muchachos with Taxisenlapalma. Discover volcanic landscapes, star-studded observatories, and charming villages along the way.

Sightseeing TourPara todas las edades! • 4 hCertified Outfitter
From$148
Book Trip
Excursión de un día en La Palma: Paisaje volcánico
ADVEXPEDITION
Santa Cruz de la Palma, Canarias
Bus TourADV Bookable

Excursión de un día en La Palma: Paisaje volcánico

Journey through La Palma’s stunning volcanic landscapes on a day trip that unveils craters, lava flows, and lush recovery zones. Perfect for geology lovers and adventure travelers!

Bus Tour4+ años • 6 horas • Explore la isla bonita y las areas afectadas por el volcan "Tajogaite"Certified Outfitter
Bookable OnlineBook Trip
Traslados senderistas desde Los Cancajos
ADVEXPEDITION
Santa Cruz de La Palma, Canary Islands
HikingADV Bookable

Traslados senderistas desde Los Cancajos

Discover the stunning trails of La Palma with dedicated shuttle services from Taxisenlapalma, making your outdoor adventures stress-free and unforgettable. Learn more about this trusted local provider today.

HikingPara todas las edades • 3h • No lo dudes, contratando nuestros servicios te sentirás como un ¡Rey!Certified Outfitter
Bookable OnlineBook Trip
Across Fire and Forest: La Palma’s Ruta de los Volcanes
ADVEXPEDITION
Los Cancajos, Canarias
AttractionADV Bookable

Across Fire and Forest: La Palma’s Ruta de los Volcanes

A guided 17‑km, 7‑hour traverse from Refugio El Pilar to Los Canarios that threads lava fields, craters and Canary pines — this guide explains the route, sights and practical essentials.

AttractionPT2HCertified Outfitter
Bookable OnlineBook Trip
Into the Primeval Laurel: Cubo de la Galga’s Green Cathedral
ADVEXPEDITION
Los Cancajos, Canarias
AttractionADV Bookable

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.

AttractionPT2HCertified Outfitter
Bookable OnlineBook Trip