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La Gomera - Trek |
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Hotel to
Hotel Trek in the Canary Islands |
See also our Gran Canaria Centred Walking click
here
The Walking
This trek takes you
across the island from east to west, giving you the opportunity of
seeing the best landscapes that La Gomera has to offer. We descend into
deep valleys,
walk through formerly cultivated terraced fields, and pass by a unique
laurel forest, which is a national park and UNESCO World Heritage Site.
There are some long and tough days but the route ensures that you
experience all aspects of this beautiful and tranquil island. You will
pass through Gomerean villages that in many respects continue traditions
going back to pre Spanish conquest. You will enjoy many stunning vistas
taking in the ever present coastline on this small island.
Self Guided
We provide detailed
walking notes and the best walking map of the island. The walking notes
give directions, ascents,descents, average walking times and distances
as well as
other helpful information. If you wish you may have a guide for the
first days walk (at a small supplement) who will be able to give you
extra information on the island, flora and fauna.
The Route
Day 1 Transfer from Tenerife South
by car and ferry to the capital of La Gomera - San Sebastian; a small
very traditional Gomeran town. You are met and transferred to your
hotel. If you arrive early walk onto the cliffs for a fine view of the
harbour.
Day 2 You begin your trek in the mountains of La Gomera ascending
through terraced landscapes and formerly cultivated fields, passing
herds of goats and flocks of sheep. You return to San Sebastian by bus,
payable locally. 6 miles ascent 960m, descent 85m, 4-5 hours.
Day 3 Today starts with a 20 minute drive to La Laja, a small
village at the edge of the national park. First you ascend, passing by
impressive volcanic necks until you reach the
Canarian laurel forest which is millions of years old. Then you hike
downwards, passing the largest waterfall of the island until you reach
Hermigua, a fertile valley in the northern part of the island. Today can
be shortened by 3 miles and 1˝
hours by taking a taxi for the last section. 14 miles ascent 600m,
descent 1280m, 6 – 7˝
hours.
Day 4 This is the toughest day with some steep ascents and
descents mainly on well-maintained stone paths. You are rewarded however
with truly spectacular views. You pass an excellent Visitors’ Centre at
Juego de Bolas before descending down the stunning Vallehermoso valley.
12˝
miles ascent 1150m, descent 1160, 6-7 hours.
Day 5 This is a magical, lengthy, but gentler day’s walk which
includes wandering through fabled woods, a breath-taking ridge walk and
excellent views. You cross the top ridge of the island through the old
pine forests of the Garajonay National Park, before descending to
Chipude for your next nights accommodation. 11˝
miles ascent 890m, descent 100m,
5˝
– 6˝
hours.
Day 6 On the last trekking day, you descend to the valley of the
great king to walk through the remains of formerly cultivated terraces
down to Valle Gran Rey. Wonderful views of the valley and the bells of
free-range goats accompany you on your way to the sea where a refreshing
dip in the blue Atlantic Ocean or hotel pool awaits you. 6 miles ascent
100m, descent 925m, 4 -5 hours.
Day 7 Relax for the day or take our recommended walk along a
scenic gorge walking and scrambling to reach the tallest waterfall on
the island. This is the perfect way to finish the
week as this walk is unique.
Day 8 Transfer home to Tenerife by hydrofoil and on to the
airport by private transfer in time for your flight back.
The hotels and food
You stay in small
family run hotels situated in villages and small towns whilst on the
trek. One has a swimming pool and is set in a banana plantation. Your
last two nights
are taken in the comparative luxury of a 3 star hotel with roof top pool
and for a small
supplement a sea view. Dinner is included and is taken in the hotel or
in a nearby restaurant.
Baggage transfer
Your bags will be
transferred daily to your next hotel so you can enjoy walking with
just a day pack.
How to get there
You can reach La
Gomera via Tenerife which is accessible from most airports in the UK.
From Tenerife South a 15 minute transfer takes you to Los Christianos
for a fast ferry to La Gomera. Your first hotel is a short distance from
the port. At the end of the trek you are transferred back to Tenerife
South for your flight home.
When to go
La Gomera is blessed
with good walking weather all year round, temperatures averaging 20C at
lower altitude. The island’s sub tropical climate is, however,
influenced by the trade winds which, particularly in winter, may bring
cloud and rain to the north and much higher temperatures to the south.
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