Walking into the Cubo de La Galga feels like crossing into another world.
Humidity, birdsong and deep green shades wrap around you instantly.
Hidden in Puntallana, in the northeast of La Palma, this trail is perfect for everyone.
It leads through one of the best-preserved laurel forests on the island, part of the Las Nieves Natural Park and the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve.
Why This Trail Stands Out
- Lush laurel forest: ferns, til trees, laurels, fayas and viñátigos create a fairytale landscape, like a journey back to the Tertiary Era.
- Interpretive path: numbered panels explain the forest’s flora and geology.
- Flexible route: choose between a short 5 km loop or a longer circular hike of up to 12 km that climbs to the Somada Alta viewpoint.
- Panoramic lookout: from Somada Alta (780 m), enjoy spectacular views of northern La Palma on clear days.
Trail Facts
| Parameter | Options |
|---|---|
| Distance | 5 km (round trip) or 6–12 km (circular) |
| Elevation gain | 200 m (short) – ≈560 m (long) |
| Max altitude | 780–786 m (Somada Alta) |
| Difficulty | Easy; well-marked path |
| Estimated time | 2–3 h (short); 3–4 h (long) |
| Route type | Circular or linear, depending on choice |
A Walk Through a Living Forest
The Cubo de La Galga trail is a sensory journey through one of La Palma’s most magical natural environments.
Each step immerses you in the Canarian laurel forest, an ancient ecosystem that has survived for millions of years.
A Green, Enchanted World
As you enter the La Galga ravine, between Puntallana and San Andrés y Sauces, the scenery changes dramatically.
Under a dense canopy of centuries-old trees, the air grows damp, creating a microclimate that feeds the lush vegetation.
Explore Cubo de La Galga with a guide
Embark on a Fairy-Tale Journey: Enchanting Group Excursion Through La Palma’s Mystical Cubo de La Galga Forest.
You’ll encounter:
- Mayo flowers, bright and delicate among the leaves.
- Viñátigos and barbusanos, tall and sturdy.
- Holly trees, with shiny, tough leaves.
- Til trees and laurels, forming the thick upper layer of the forest.
- Giant ferns, covering the ground like a prehistoric carpet.
Birds of the Monteverde Forest
Cubo de La Galga is also a paradise for bird lovers.
The most iconic species are the two endemic pigeons of the Canarian laurel forest:
- The laurel pigeon (Columba junoniae) with a soft red chest.
- The bolle’s pigeon (Columba bollii) with bluish-gray feathers.
You might also hear the gentle song of the blue chaffinch of La Palma, often following hikers from the treetops.
Water, Mist and Moss: The Soul of the Forest
Water is the forest’s heartbeat, often invisible but always present.
You’ll feel it in the damp air, the moss-covered rocks, the temporary streams and the hanging mist that breathes life into this ecosystem.
After rain, the atmosphere becomes even more magical, with fog drifting among the trees, the reason La Palma is known as the Green Island.
Practical Tips for Enjoying the Trail
- Essentials: hiking shoes, water, snacks, a light jacket and rain gear.
- Avoid heavy rain: the path can get slippery, especially downhill.
- Start early: mornings are peaceful and parking is easier, especially on weekends or warm days.
- Follow the numbered signs: especially on the short interpretive route.
- Rest with a view: the longer trail includes a stop at the Somada Alta viewpoint.
- Respect the environment: stay on the path and keep noise to a minimum.
- Visitor center: open daily 9 am–5 pm, next to the parking area.
Starting Point and How to Get There
→ Trailhead: Environmental Information Center Cubo de La Galga, next to the LP-1 road between Puntallana and Barlovento.
You can arrive on your own or join a guided hike:
- With a Guided Group. If you don’t have a car or prefer a complete experience, book a guided hike to Cubo de La Galga.
It includes transport, a local guide and insurance, the easiest way to explore the forest without worrying about logistics. - By Car. The official parking area is beside the LP-1 road connecting Santa Cruz de La Palma with San Andrés y Sauces.
It’s free and well-marked, but note the direction:
From the south (Santa Cruz → Puntallana):
Drive north on LP-1. After the El Cubo tunnel, continue 800 m, make a safe U-turn and drive back a short distance, the parking entrance will be on your right.
From the north (San Andrés → Puntallana):
Drive south on LP-1 – the parking lot is on your right, clearly signposted and easy to find.
By Bus:
Line 100 (Santa Cruz – Barlovento) stops near the entrance.
Cubo de la Galga Map
