Hiking Canada De Jorge La Gomera

Canada de Jorge La Gomera is a captivating and relatively easy hike through a beautiful, peaceful forest. It is a good walk to experience the range of trees in the Garajonay National Park. Most of the walk is flat, but it finishes with quite a steep climb.

Basic Information – Hiking To Canada De Jorge La Gomera

Introduction – Hiking On La Gomera

If you like hiking, you will love La Gomera. The island has the most incredible variety of landscapes, with steep cliffs overlooking rocky coastlines, and inland the coast gives way to volcanic peaks, dramatic rocks and staggeringly steep ravines.

In the heart of La Gomera is National Park Garajonay, with damp, dense forests of moss-coated trees. It seems a world away from the sunny and arid south coast. The variations in climate result in a vast range of plant life in La Gomera, where you will find cacti, lush green forests, palm trees and banana plantations.

Although the climate varies dramatically as you move around the island, the temperature is surprisingly constant. You are unlikely to experience temperatures much outside the 15-25 deg C range at any time of year. This means that the weather is almost always perfect for hiking.

However, the most significant advantage for us was the sheer volume and range of hikes on La Gomera. The Garajonay National Park has an incredible network of well-defined trails, many of which have been designated as “recommended routes.” These numbered routes, or “rutas,” are signposted and easy to follow.

The only downside of hiking on this wonderful island is that you won’t find a trail without some elevation gain. Also, many of the trails are high with steep drops and definitely not for the faint-hearted. If you dislike heights, check your routes carefully before setting out.

Overview – Hiking To Canada De Jorge La Gomera

Canada de Jorge La Gomera is a great short walk to experience the mysterious forest of Garajonay National Park. This is a woodland walk, and you will be in the trees for the entire walk, so don’t expect open vistas.

However, we recommend that you try at least one walk through these forests, as they are probably unlike any forest you have experienced before. We really enjoyed this walk. The forest was incredibly peaceful (just the sounds of the birds) and surprisingly beautiful.

Canada de Jorge is a relatively easy short hike. It does have some elevation gain which is all on the final section of the walk.

It is a good option if the weather is wet, as the mist and dampness just add to the atmosphere. Also, watch for the unusual bright orange fungi at the sides of the trail.

Prepare – Hiking To Canada De Jorge La Gomera

There are a few things to note before starting this hike:

1. Footwear – This is an easy hike, but some parts are a little steep, with exposed roots and some rocks. The path can get slippery when it is wet, which is often! We recommend wearing sturdy shoes with a good grip.
2. Weather – Be prepared for cold, wet weather. The temperature in the park is often significantly colder than the island’s coastal areas, and warm, sunny weather can quickly change to cold and rain as you drive up to the forest.

Starting Point – Hiking To Canada De Jorge La Gomera

This trail starts at a small parking area on route GM-2, on the western side of the Garajonay National Park. There are two small parking areas, one on each side of the road, and there will be signs for the “Raso Bruma” trail, which also starts from this point.

Route Description – Hiking To Canada De Jorge La Gomera

At the start of the walk, there is a signpost which shows the route and gives some information about the forest. The recommended direction of the walk is anti-clockwise, and there is a good reason for this.

The final part of the walk is quite steep, and it is usually wet and a bit slippery, it is much better to climb up this section than slide down it.

The trail starts with a narrow path which runs westwards close to (but not on) the GM-2 taking you through a mysterious, moss-covered laurel forest. After around half a kilometre, you meet a wide trail which takes you downhill away from the road.

You will spend a large part of the walk on this wide trail, which is easy to walk on but can be a little muddy. The final section of the hike is along a narrower steep uphill trail with tree roots and rocks.

Route Variations – Hiking To Canada De Jorge La Gomera

If you are interested in extending this walk, try the short Raso Bruma hike (Ruta 12). This linear hike is 1.3 kilometres each way and starts from the same parking area but on the opposite side of the GM-2.

Pros And Cons – Hiking To Canada De Jorge

In Conclusion: Embrace the Tranquility of Canada de Jorge La Gomera

So, you’ve made it to the end of this comprehensive guide on hiking Canada de Jorge La Gomera. What’s the takeaway? This hike is a must-do for anyone looking to immerse themselves in the serene beauty of Garajonay National Park. It’s a relatively easy trail, making it accessible for families and those who aren’t seasoned hikers. The forest envelops you in its peaceful ambiance, only interrupted by the harmonious sounds of birds.

While the hike doesn’t offer grand vistas, it compensates with its lush, moss-covered trees and unique orange fungi. Remember, the weather can be unpredictable, so come prepared. Sturdy footwear is a must, especially for the final steep climb. And if you’re up for more, consider extending your adventure with the nearby Raso Bruma hike.

So, are you ready to lace up your hiking boots and experience this peaceful forest walk? Trust us, it’s an adventure you won’t want to miss.