Los Tilos Waterfall and Forest

Amid giant ferns, laurel forest and birdsong, Los Tilos Waterfall awaits you as one of the most stunning corners of La Palma. Located in San Andrés y Sauces, in the northeast of the island, this spectacular waterfall is the gateway to the lush Los Tilos Forest, declared a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. A must-visit for nature lovers, photographers and anyone seeking authentic experiences.

beautiful waterfall la palma

The Los Tilos Waterfall is well signposted from the main northern road (LP-1).

  • From Santa Cruz de La Palma, it takes about 35 minutes by car (24 km) heading north on the LP-1 to Los Sauces. Before crossing the large Los Sauces bridge, take the left turn towards the Bosque de Los Tilos.
    The road ends at the car park, right next to the visitor centre.

You can also visit the Los Tilos Waterfall and Forest easily by booking a guided tour to the north of La Palma, ideal if you prefer to discover the area with explanations and without worrying about transport.

There is a small car park with about 15 spaces before the tunnel. During high season it can fill up quickly.
Tour buses can drop off and pick up passengers, but cannot park there.

Currently, access to the waterfall is allowed from 10:00 to 18:00, with provisional restrictions in place for safety while visitor flow is regulated.

road to los tilos forest
los tilos visitor centre

The Los Tilos Waterfall Experience

The trail to the waterfall is short, easy and very photogenic. After passing through a tunnel carved into the rock, the landscape opens up to a gorge dominated by lush vegetation and the sound of water. In just a few minutes you’ll reach the waterfall itself, where water cascades from above forming a cool, crystalline curtain.

A staircase lets you get even closer and feel the spray on your skin, surrounded by a movie-like setting. On sunny days, the play of light between the leaves and water makes every photo look magical.

Although it looks completely natural today, the current waterfall is partially man-made. In the 1950s, its water flow was diverted to power a hydroelectric plant. In 2005, the local council restored it, building a rainwater reservoir to keep it flowing for visitors’ enjoyment.

waterfall in the lush forest

Your visit doesn’t end at the base of the waterfall. This paradise is part of a unique environment:

  • Los Tilos Forest: a remnant of Tertiary-era laurel forest, with magical misty trails, giant ferns and an awe-inspiring silence.
  • Visitor Centre: next to the car park, explaining the biodiversity and ecological importance of the reserve.
los tilos restaurant
  • Wear comfortable footwear — some sections are wet and slippery.
  • Don’t forget a light jacket — the area is cool and damp even in summer.
  • Perfect for families — the trail to the waterfall is short and suitable for children.
  • There is a small restaurant at the visitor centre, with picnic tables in the forest — perfect for eating outdoors.
  • In high season, arrive early to find parking.
  • Respect the reserve rules — no shouting, stay on the paths, don’t pick plants.
accesso to los tilos waterfall

The Los Tilos Waterfall is more than just a destination, it’s a sensory experience in the heart of nature you’ll never forget. Let yourself be wrapped in the sound of water, the scents of the forest, and the sense of peace that only this corner of northern La Palma can offer.

RECOMMENDED EXCURSIONS ON LA PALMA

Powered by GetYourGuide
Scroll to Top
Privacy Overview
logo la palma

This website uses cookies so that we can provide you with the best user experience possible. Cookie information is stored in your browser and performs functions such as recognising you when you return to our website and helping our team to understand which sections of the website you find most interesting and useful.

Cookies estrictamente necesarias

Las cookies estrictamente necesarias tiene que activarse siempre para que podamos guardar tus preferencias de ajustes de cookies.

Cookies de terceros

Esta web utiliza Google Analytics para recopilar información anónima tal como el número de visitantes del sitio, o las páginas más populares.

Dejar esta cookie activa nos permite mejorar nuestra web.