Key details
What the route covers
Anaga is the north-eastern tip of Tenerife and works like another island inside the island: sharp ridges, ravines dropping to the sea and a forest that has been there for millions of years. It is a Biosphere Reserve, and the contrast with the touristy south hits you five minutes after stepping off the coach.
The walk goes through the Las Mercedes laurel forest for around two hours, with 300 metres of ascent on a marked path. Laurisilva is a cloud forest that once covered southern Europe before the ice ages and survived here: moss on the trunks, constant damp and a green light unlike anywhere else.
Then you drop down to San Cristóbal de La Laguna, the old capital. Its historic centre is a World Heritage Site because its sixteenth-century layout became the blueprint copied by many colonial cities in the Americas. It is a lively university town, with streets of colourful houses and Canarian courtyards.
Included
- Coach transport with pick-up and drop-off at your accommodation
- A guide throughout the day
- A guided walk through the Las Mercedes laurel forest
- A visit to San Cristóbal de La Laguna, a World Heritage Site
- Stops at the viewpoints of the Anaga massif
Not included
- Food and drinks: bring water and something to eat
- Tips
Frequently asked questions
What level of fitness is needed?
Low to medium: about two hours of walking and 300 metres of ascent on a forest path, with no technical sections. In closed shoes and at a steady pace, anyone who walks normally can do it.
Do I need to bring food?
Yes. Food is not included: bring water and something for the walk. There are places to eat in La Laguna, but come prepared for the forest section.
What is the weather like in Anaga?
Almost never the same as in the south. The forest lives off the moisture of the trade winds, so mist and several degrees less are normal even if you set off in full sun. Bring a layer and shoes with grip: the path can be damp.