Immerse yourself in the enchanting world of the Buracas dragon trees in the Garafian district of Las Tricias, a symbol of the more rural and traditional La Palma. Access on foot through the GR 130 trail, enjoying a 6-kilometre route that will take you between 2 and 2.5 hours. The route is one of the bests hikes La Palma. Marvel at the rural architecture, such as the farm sheds, cisterns, and traditional houses, while you explore the natural caves, home to the Awaras, hippies, and lovers of ecological life.
One of the bests hikes La Palma: Experience the rural essence of La Palma on this unique and unforgettable route
The Buracas’s Path is a hidden gem in the north of La Palma. Just a few kilometers from Puntagorda, this trail offers a unique experience for nature and rural landscape lovers. The path winds through picturesque little houses and traditional farms, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in the tranquility and beauty of the rural surroundings.
Near the Church Square in Las Tricias, you will find a parking area where you can leave your car before starting the descent. In the same square, there is the tourist information office, open Monday to Friday from 10:00 to 17:00, and on Saturdays and Sundays from 10:00 to 14:30, where you can request any information you need. Additionally, the office has a space dedicated to exhibiting local art, where you can appreciate the creations of artists from the area.
Don’t miss the gofio mill and its Gofio Museum, paying tribute to the island’s star gastronomic product.Return the same way you came and go a bit further past the bus stop. When you reach the paved road, turn left and walk a little until you find the Buracas trail, which is signposted. Take advantage of the small local stands offering dragon tree seeds and plants, aromatic herbs, books, and souvenirs.
Descend towards the Izcagua ravine, a cooler, more humid area where you can discover the enigmatic Buracas Caves, home to petroglyphs and cave dwellings.
Las Tricias La Palma: A Refuge of Peace and Tradition among Almond Trees and Ravines
Las Tricias is that corner of La Palma where time seems to stand still. Located in the northwest of the island, within the Villa de GarafÃa, this rural village, far from the noise and modernity, wraps you in a nearly magical sense of calm. Here, tranquility fills the air, and the silence is only broken by the most authentic sounds of nature: the crowing of roosters, the birdsong, and the gentle whisper of the wind caressing the majestic dragon trees and almond trees.
In winter, these trees fill the landscape with a spectacular bloom, a true gift for the senses. The pace of life in Las Tricias is slow, almost as if inviting each visitor to pause and appreciate its beauty. The old manor houses, with their wooden balconies, whitewashed dark stone walls, and tiled roofs, seem to tell stories of another time, reflecting the traditional Palmeran style. Here, every corner makes you feel part of a deep serenity, a refuge where nature and history embrace you.
What are the Canary Island Dragon Trees?
The iconic Dragon tree (Dracaena draco) is a plant characteristic of Macaronesia and certain areas of Morocco. Although it looks like a tree, the dragon tree lacks growth rings, which makes determining its age difficult. Its sap turns red upon contact with air, known as dragon’s blood.
It lives between 100 and 700 meters in altitude, in hard-to-reach areas and under the influence of the humid trade winds. The most famous dragon tree is located in Icod de los Vinos, Tenerife. However, the highest concentration of specimens can be found in Garafia, La Palma, providing a unique and impressive experience.
Recommendations
- Make sure to wear suitable clothing and footwear for hiking, as well as enough water.
- Don’t forget the sunscreen.
- Collecting plants or herbs on the trail is prohibited.
- Try to be discreet and quiet.
- This trail is beautiful all year round; however, it is more advisable to walk it in the cooler months to appreciate a more lush vegetation, as the trail has few shaded areas.
Where is Buracas in La Palma?
How to get to the Buracas caves in La Palma without a map?
BY CAR:
Get to the church of Las Tricias located on the main road and park nearby. The route starts from there.
WITH A TOUR AGENCY:
By booking a guided group hike, the tour agency will take you back and forth with a minibus from your accommodation to Las Tricias.
