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wildlife · Santa Cruz de La Palma

Los Tilos Laurisilva Forest: UNESCO Biosphere Reserve Guided Trek

Disappear into a primeval laurel forest that has survived since the Tertiary era — a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve so lush, so silent, and so otherworldly that it feels like stepping inside a living myth. This is old-growth wilderness of the rarest kind, guided by a local expert who knows every fern and waterfall by name.

What to expect

Your guide collects you at the port and drives north along La Palma's dramatic coastline before ascending into the forest of Los Tilos, where moss-draped laurel trees form cathedral-like canopies above crystal streams. You'll walk shaded paths through a landscape essentially unchanged since before the ice ages, spotting endemic Canary Island chaffinches, Bolle's pigeons, and rare ferns at every turn. The guide contextualises the forest's extraordinary ecological significance — and its recent vulnerability — with quiet authority. Emerge refreshed, humbled, and with photographs that don't look real.

Book it with
Graja Tours – Hiking on La Palma
From approx. EUR 75 per person (small group, max 8; port pickup included)
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Good to know

Port pickup is included — essential as Los Tilos is about 25 km north of Santa Cruz. Wear light layers; the forest is noticeably cooler and can be misty. Graja Tours coordinates timing with your ship's schedule, so confirm all-aboard before booking.

Sail there

Luxury cruises that call at Santa Cruz de La Palma — book through us, the fare is identical and your concierge stays on your side.

Oceania · Oceania Insignia
15 nights · calls at Santa Cruz de La Palma
from $2,310
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Oceania · Oceania Allura
14 nights · calls at Santa Cruz de La Palma
from $6,012
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Oceania · Oceania Sirena
26 nights · calls at Santa Cruz de La Palma
from $7,699
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Regent · Seven Seas Grandeur
10 nights · calls at Santa Cruz de La Palma
from $7,899
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