
Cubo de La Galga
Step into an ancient, emerald laurisilva forest, one of the world's best-preserved subtropical rainforests. A truly magical hiking experience.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Beat the crowds & find parking

Cubo de La Galga
Best Time
Beat the crowds & find parking

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Step into an ancient, emerald laurisilva forest, one of the world's best-preserved subtropical rainforests. A truly magical hiking experience.
"This is one of the last places you will find a tropical Mediterranean Rain Forest. It is Beautiful."

🎯 Go Early for Parking
Arrive before 11 am to secure a parking spot, or park in the nearby village.
💧 Bring Your Own Water
There are no water facilities on the trail, so pack enough for your hike.

Quick Facts
Hours
Rating
4.7 · 1,953 reviews
Type
Hiking Area
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Ancient Laurisilva Forest
Step into a prehistoric world of lush, emerald green. This is one of the world's best-preserved subtropical rainforests.

Enchanting Hiking Trails
Explore well-marked paths winding through the dense, mystical forest. Routes vary in length, offering options for all fitness levels.

UNESCO Biosphere Reserve
Immerse yourself in a protected natural wonder, a testament to the island's unique biodiversity and ecological importance.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything for the Laurisilva Forest
Prepare for Your Enchanting Hike
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Go Early for Parking
Arrive before 11 am to secure a parking spot, or park in the nearby village.
💧 Bring Your Own Water
There are no water facilities on the trail, so pack enough for your hike.
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
The trails can be uneven; good walking shoes are essential for a pleasant experience.
🌳 Explore the Laurisilva
This ancient subtropical rainforest is a highlight of La Palma.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Go Early for Parking
Arrive before 11 am to secure a parking spot, or park in the nearby village.
💧 Bring Your Own Water
There are no water facilities on the trail, so pack enough for your hike.
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
The trails can be uneven; good walking shoes are essential for a pleasant experience.
🌳 Explore the Laurisilva
This ancient subtropical rainforest is a highlight of La Palma.
🗺️ Guided Tours Available
Consider a guide for deeper insights into the forest's flora and fauna.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about the breathtaking beauty and ancient atmosphere of the Cubo de La Galga laurisilva forest, calling it a highlight of La Palma. The well-maintained trails offer a tranquil escape into nature. However, some note the lack of facilities like toilets and the potential for crowded parking, especially during peak hours.
"A very nice forest, always amazed by the beauty and the age of this place.
2 hours at a slow pace for the entire walk, there is no water so bring your own.
Unfortunately the lack of a toilet along the route makes some corners of the forest smell heavily of poop. When you hear flies, keep your breath. 😅"
sebulba
"Rainforest hike. We had an incredible guide who taught us about the 4 laurel trees and the one rare fern found here. It was an incredible hike."
Laura
"It's one of the last places you will find a tropical Mediterranean Rain Forest. There are hiking trails you can take ( anything up to 5 hours ) to see for yourself. It is Beautiful. Unfortunately the info point was closed on the day we visited and there are no Toilets. The best way to get here is by bus from Santa Cruz . The car park really isn't big enough for the number of visitors."
Alistair Knox-Crawford
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The best way to reach Cubo de La Galga is by car, as it offers flexibility and easy access to parking. There are also bus routes available from Santa Cruz, though the car park at the info point can be small.
Yes, there is a parking area near the information point, but it fills up quickly. Arriving early is recommended, or you can park in the neighboring village of San Bartolomé.
Yes, you can take a bus from Santa Cruz to reach the vicinity of Cubo de La Galga. However, having a car provides more convenience for exploring the area.
The most common route involves driving towards Puntallana and following signs for Cubo de La Galga. The roads are generally well-maintained.
The main trails are generally considered easy to moderate. However, some sections might be uneven, so it's advisable to wear appropriate footwear.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Entry to the Cubo de La Galga forest and its trails is generally free. There are no admission fees required to explore this natural wonder.
The forest is accessible at all times, as it is a natural park. However, the information point may have specific operating hours, which were closed on one visitor's day.
No, the hiking trails within Cubo de La Galga are free to access. You can enjoy the natural beauty without any cost.
While not always necessary, booking a guided tour in advance can enhance your experience, especially if you want to learn more about the unique flora and fauna.
As it's a protected natural area, visitors are expected to respect the environment and stay on marked trails to preserve the delicate ecosystem.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The difficulty is generally considered easy to moderate. Some trails are around 8.5 kilometers and take about 2.5 hours, while others can be completed in about an hour.
Hiking times vary depending on the chosen route. Some visitors complete a loop in about 2.5 hours, while shorter, easier paths can be done in around an hour.
Unfortunately, there are no toilets along the hiking routes within Cubo de La Galga, which some visitors have noted as a drawback.
Expect a stunning ancient laurisilva forest, often described as a 'rainforest hike' with lush vegetation, unique trees, and a mystical atmosphere.
The trails are generally well-marked and popular, making it relatively safe to hike alone. However, it's always wise to inform someone of your plans.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
There are no dining facilities directly within the Cubo de La Galga forest itself. You'll need to visit nearby villages like Puntallana or San Bartolomé for food options.
While picnicking is possible, it's important to pack out all your trash to help preserve the pristine environment of this natural reserve.
The closest villages, such as Puntallana, offer local restaurants and cafes where you can enjoy Canarian cuisine after your hike.
It's advisable to eat before or after your hike, as there are no food services within the forest. This ensures you have energy for your trek and can refuel afterward.
In the surrounding areas, you can often find traditional Canarian dishes, including fresh seafood, papas arrugadas (wrinkled potatoes), and local cheeses.
📸 📸 Photography
Everywhere! The dense laurisilva forest, with its moss-covered trees and dappled sunlight, offers endless photographic opportunities. Look for unique tree formations and light beams.
Early morning or late afternoon often provides the most dramatic lighting, with soft, diffused light filtering through the canopy.
A standard camera or smartphone is sufficient. However, a wide-angle lens can be useful for capturing the expansive forest views.
Drone usage in natural parks is often restricted to protect wildlife and the environment. It's best to check local regulations before flying a drone.
You can capture stunning shots of ancient trees, lush ferns, winding paths, and the ethereal atmosphere of the laurisilva forest.





Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit