Cubo de la Galga Hike: La Palma’s Ancient Laurisilva to Somada Alta Viewpoint

On La Palma’s northeastern slopes, the Cubo de la Galga offers a four-hour hike through one of Europe’s most intact laurel forests. Located near Puntallana on the island of La Palma in the Canary Islands, this route starts from Los Cancajos and climbs into a primeval laurisilva where giant ferns, laurels, tilos, viñátigos and barbusanos create a cathedral of green. The trail follows moss-draped paths and narrow ravines, gaining roughly 300 meters before reaching the Mirador de Somada Alta at about 900 meters. From that lookout, on clear days, you can see Tenerife and La Gomera and the cultivated terraces of San Andrés y Sauces tumbling toward the sea. Geological features include deep volcanic ravines and steep basalt cliffs cut by ancient erosion, and the forest itself is a living relic of the Tertiary period, surviving changes that have erased similar habitats elsewhere. Midway, small springs and humidity pockets limit sunlight, feeding massive tree ferns and epiphytes that cling to laurel trunks. The route finishes at two intimate viewpoints—the Mirador de San Bartolomé between the barrancos of Nogales and La Galga, and the Mirador de La Montaña (also called Salto del Enamorado)—a dramatic cliff edge associated with a local legend commemorated by a small statue. After dark this last spot is famous for stargazing thanks to La Palma’s low light pollution. This guided walk is suitable for anyone aged three and up and runs about 7 kilometers with mixed footing: packed earth, rocks and some steep stair sections. It is special because it showcases laurisilva that dates back more than twenty million years, a rare ecosystem on volcanic islands, and because its series of viewpoints tie the forest to the island’s volcanic topography and ocean panoramas. Practical details: plan lightweight layers and waterproofs—the forest traps moisture—and wear sturdy shoes with good traction for slipperiness on mossy rock. Bring water, a headlamp if you plan to stay for stars, and a camera with a wide-angle lens for the viewpoints. Respect marked paths and avoid collecting plant material; laurisilva is fragile and regenerates slowly. Why go? Cubo de la Galga is a concentrated course in La Palma’s green side: botanical richness, volcanic landforms, clear island vistas and a night-sky payoff that turns a daytime walk into a full sensory experience. Bookings are offered through operators; pricing listed from Adulto a partir de 33,92 € with Niño rates available. Meeting point and transfer details vary—some options include pickup from Los Cancajos; check departures and whether transport is included on site. Guides highlight botanical features and the legend of the Salto del Enamorado. This concentrated hike rewards visitors who want a direct encounter with La Palma’s ancient forest without committing to a longer trek.