Tilos de Moya - Trekking Gran Canaria - ENG

Plant species

As we enter this laurel tree woodland, at first sight the trees may all look the same, and indeed, they do share many characteristics. Yet, in reality, the carpet of leaves that is laid out along the footpaths constitutes a patchwork of around twenty different tree species.

The star tree at this reserve is the til (Ocotea foetens), a species that mainly occupies the ravine bed and the lower hillsides. They are usually trees with a wide base, possibly secondary trunks emerging from one main trunk that had been felled. The undergrowth is made up of granadillos and malfuradas plants (Hypericum spp), Canary bell flowers (Canarina canariensis), tacarontilla (Dracunculus canariensis), and so on. As for allochthonous species, standout examples include oak (Quercus robur), eucalpytus (Eucalyptus globulus), chestnut (Castanea sativa) and cypress (Cupressus macrocarpa).

This is a straightforward, circular route covering just two kilometres. It is situated at the north of Gran Canaria, specifically in the municipality of Moya. We will soon realise that we have entered one of the island’s woodiest areas, as Los Tilos de Moya indeed represents the magic of the last few true jungle settings left on the island.

This laurel tree ravine is the last remaining stronghold of the legendary Doramas Jungle. This woodland used to be much bigger; however, the scything down of trees drastically reduced its extension, leaving behind an area of just 91.5 hectares, occupying a area of land at Barranco del Laurel and protected by Special Natural Reserve status.

Municipality of Moya

Barranco El Laurel, GC-700 main road

The road joining Ayacata with Llanos de La Pez

Walking distance: 2.1 km

Walking time: 1 hour

Difficulty level: low

Progressive ascending and descending level changes

Laurel forest

Laurel tree forests are lush and mysterious. The trees are evergreens and it rains almost throughout the year, although this rain, instead of falling from the sky, actually falls as droplets from the trees themselves due to so-called horizontal precipitation. The wide leaves on the trees are able to filter the moisture in the clouds and tradewinds and transform them into tiny droplets that fall to the ground. George Glass (1784), on Montaña de Doramas.

Never stray from existing trails

Avoid noise and respect the tranquility

Do not pick plants, or take away animals or other elements along the walk

Avoid lighting cigarettes and dropping cigarette ends

Take warm clothing

Always take water with you Emergency helpline 112

Carry ID and documentation

Look after the environment

BEST HIKING PRACTICES

TILOS DE MOYA MOYA

Tilos de Moya

Gáldar

Las Palmas de Gran Canaria

Telde Agüimes

Aeropuerto

Agaete

San Nicolas de Tolentino

Puerto de Mogán

Arguineguín

Meloneras Maspalomas Playa del Inglés

San Agustín Moya

Barranco El Laurel Visitor Centre

The entrance to this trail can’t be missed, as the footpath is flanked by dry stone walls with an open entrance into the wood. As soon as we are inside, under the shade of the trees, we are struck by the freshness and purity of the air. Just a few metres further on we come to the first railings and a ramp that serves as a bridge to straddle a water channel.

This first section features yellow signposts to enable visitors to identify each plant. It is a reforesting area, as over the last few years efforts have been made to recuperate a wide range of species that were decimated by human activity many years ago. As we move forward along the path we reach a bend with some tree stumps that serve as benches for resting on and enjoying the shade afforded by the wood. The footpath continues to be flanked by some ropes that indicate that we must remain within the confines of the path at all times. A few minutes further on the path descends to a tarmac road, and without leaving our footpath, we walk alongside it, right next to the edge of the wood. There is no risk to children, as a wooden railing separates the path from the main road.

It will take us just a few minutes to delve into the lush woodland once more, under the shade of some huge trees, (tilos, barbusanos, laurel trees, granadillos, etc.). We gradually come to the esplanades that were formerly used for fiestas and barbecues. There is a wooden “No Entry” signpost here. The trees covering this area include tilos and barbusanos, and, as we will have the opportunity to see, their shade provides very peaceful surroundings. The sun doesn’t filter through here, and the ground is covered with leaves.

We then go up some stone steps before carrying on to the end of this stretch of footpath. We come out alongside a peralillo tree, typical of the Canary Monteverde region, a yellow house and a tarmac road. Opposite the exit to the footpath there is a wooden information board containing a map and the local hiking trails, plus some historical background of the area. There is also a eucalyptus tree nearby.

Fuente Cañada del Caldero – el Balcón

Opposite the yellow house, and to the right of the information board, a railing and some steps point the way to our ongoing route. After leaving the main road, the footpath descends and cuts through Barranco del Laurel. Further on, it goes up slightly towards a butt plate on our right and another wooden railing. We have reached the highest point on our route, at 559 metres above sea level.

We now move on straight ahead as far as a place called “la fuente”, or fountain. It is surrounded by bencomias and granadillos bushes, and features a fine oak tree and a replanted willow tree. The site also has some wooden benches, just perfect for putting our feet up and having a picnic. The fountain to our right provides abundant fresh water. We

mustn’t forget to turn off the tap and not dump any rubbish, not even fruit peel. Everything is very tidy around here, and we should ensure that we leave it even cleaner than we find it.

After our well earned rest, we carry on straight ahead. A few steps take us down to a former cave-barn before we start climbing again. As we walk along we are blessed with panoramic views, where some wooden railings protect hikers from falling. However, this area is not entirely hazard-free. In the rainy season we should avoid walking along the footpath called “El Balcón”, as rock falls are quite common.

Los Tilos forest dominates here at the high part of this walk. It is important to point out that lack of water implies a threat to these living laurel tree fossils. This final section of the walk ends in a descent, going round in several circles and featuring a wooden stairway. We should take great care at this point, especially if the ground is wet, to avoid slipping over. When we reach the crossroads, we take a left turn.

Return along San Fernando footpath

We continue downwards here. Under the shade of some old eucalypus trees, the path continues to drop down as far as some rocky steps. An old water channel crosses in front of us at a certain point just here and we reach a tarmac road, close by the car park and the Visitor Centre where we started out. Once we are back on the main ascending footpath, we descend down to our left, with the recommendation that we stop for a break and enjoy the surroundings.