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Walking on La Gomera
Day 1 - Arrive on La Gomera
We meet you at Tenerife airport and take you to La Gomera (35 mins by ferry) in time for dinner.
Day 2 - The 1000m villages Walk 8mi/13km/4hr
A sandy path descends gently through pines, cedars and terracing to tiny Manantiales, where, ifwe’re lucky, friendly villagers will offer us a taste of goats’ cheese and figs. A stroll along the shal-low valley brings us to the pastel houses and 16C whitewashed chapel of Chipude perched at 1000mabove a ravine. We lunch at a bustling bar in neighbouring Cercado, famed for its pottery, beforemaking the gentle climb back past vines and tall pines to rejoin our minibus.
Day 3 - The Santiago Ravine 7mi/11km/5hr
From the hamlet of Las Toscas we descend gently through Gomeran daisies, prickly pears and palmsinto the tranquil upper reaches of the Santiago ravine headed by the pretty white cottages ofBenchijigua and the towering Roque Agando lavafill. A short climb rewards us with stunning coastalviews before we descend seawards to the hamlet of El Cabezo. On to Playa de Santiago where weend the day with a swim.
Day 4 - The Alto de Garajonay 8mi/13km/5hr
A short and spectacular climb to the Garajonay peak, in the centre of the National Park, rewards uswith breathtaking views of the islands of La Palma, El Hierro, Tenerife and Gran Canaria. Thencool misty uplands are replaced by ancient laurel forest, shady juniper groves, and the luxuriantbanana terraces of Hermigua. We finally emerge from the spectacular gorge to reach the vertical vil-lage of Las Hoyetas, from where we return to the hotel in time for a pre-dinner swim.
Day 5 - Free Day
Perhaps take time to explore further the pretty harbour and old quarter of San Sebastián, whichdates back 500 years to the times of the conquest of the Americas: Columbus’ house, Church of theIncarnation and Columbus’ well, where water supplies were taken for his final voyage. Or just relaxin the hotel’s gardens by the pool.
Day 6 - Vallehermoso Circular Walk 7mi/12km/5hr
This walk reveals the very best of the island – verdant gorges, dramatic coastline, and magnificentviews. From bustling Vallehermoso in the fertile northwest, we ascend a lush ravine, fragrant withthe scent of wild camomile and sage, planted with papaya and bamboo to the Santa Clara chapel fora picnic lunch. A stunning coastal walk and a beautiful descent with a commanding view of loftyRoque Cano, returns us to Vallehermoso.
Day 7 - Descent to Valle Gran Rey 7 mi/12km/4hr
From Las Hayas in the west, we descend through heather and laurel to the green and gold patch-work of Arure’s terraces. We picnic at the Ermita del Santo, looking out over the scooped bowl ofthe Tagaluche ravine, with falcons circling below. From here we begin our exhilarating ridge walktowards Valle Gran Rey. The rocky trail takes us past the impressive lava piles of the Riscos deHereda and on through palm groves famous for their delicious honey.
Day 8 - Return home
We take you back to Tenerife Airport.
Extranights:
Garachico: La Quinta Roja, Garachico, Tenerife $145 B&B, singles $212 (Dec 18 2007 to Jan 2 2008), $117 B&B, singles $184 (Oct 12-Dec 23 2008), $145 B&B, singles $207 (Dec 24-Jan 3 2009), $110 B&B, singles $176 (Jan 4-30 2009), $130 B&B, singles $197 (Feb 1-Apr 30 2009).
Roomupgrade: Superior Room (with balcony and sea view) add $46 perperson, per night. Junior Suite (larger room, balcony, sea view andown lounge area) add $87 per person, per night. Prices based on 2people sharing.Main Trip Page