Garajonay National Park
N 28° 06.580 W 017° 14.903
28R E 279125 N 3111393
This park on the island of La Gomera in the Canary Islands features an ancient and unique "Laurasilva" dwarf forest.
Waymark Code: WM4J8
Location: Spain
Date Posted: 12/05/2005
Views: 68
[Anyone wishing to contribute Spanish or German text to this waymark is welcome to send me their submission.]
The peak of Alto de Garajonay is the highest point on La Gomera and affords some great views of the ancient lichen covered dwarf laurel forest which is protected by this park.
A hike through this forest is truly a unique experience. Although there is virtually no permanent sources of water on the island, the forest remains lush and green thanks to the Atlantic trade winds which keep banks of clouds piled up along the slopes. The moisture condenses and keeps the environment cool and moist. Singing birds, some of them canaries actually, make this place their home and provide a lyrical backdrop to the experience. Check out a good guidebook to the Canary Islands for more information.
The island can be visited in a day from Tenerife Monday through Friday by taking the 09:30 Fred Olsen ferry (www.fredolsen.es) from Los Cristianos. Upon arrival in San Sebastian de la Gomera, take the line 1 bus leaving 11:00 from the ferry terminal to the "Pajarito" stop which will put you at the Alto de Garajonay trail head (N28 06.504 W17 14.524). From there it is about a 1 hour hike to the top. Be back at the trailhead before 15:00 in order to "hail" the return bus to San Sebastian. (If you miss this bus you'll have to wait 2 hours for the next one) You'll then be able to take the 16:30 Fred Olsen ferry back to Los Cristianos.
In order to log your find, e-mail me the first word on the green oval plaque you find at this location. (Reading top to bottom, left to right)
Tip : When you get off the ferry, you might have a problem to locate the line 1 bus because it may be parked between other tourist buses. Look for the aqua colored bus.
Type: Natural
Reference number: http://whc.unesco.org/en/list/380
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