Description
12-Day Trekking Tour La Gomera & El Hierro – GR131
Experience two of the most unique Canary Islands on this 12-day trekking tour. Your journey begins on La Gomera, an island of deep valleys, ancient laurel forests, and mystical cloud forests listed as UNESCO World Heritage in Garajonay National Park. You might even hear the traditional Silbo Gomero, a whistled language once used by locals to communicate across the valleys. The GR131 takes you over ridges, through green ravines, and past viewpoints that showcase the island’s extraordinary natural beauty.
Next, you’ll continue to El Hierro, the smallest and most untouched island in the archipelago. Here, nature is the main attraction: old juniper trees, forests that retain rainwater and create lush oases, and volcanic landscapes slowly recovering from past eruptions. The GR131 winds along quiet trails, secluded villages, and viewpoints where you truly feel alone in the world.
Each day, your luggage is transported from one accommodation to the next, allowing you to walk completely worry-free and fully enjoy the scenery, nature, and local culture. Every day combines adventure, relaxation, and discovery, letting you experience the islands in an authentic way.
From the misty laurel forests and centuries-old traditions of La Gomera to the vibrant greenery and volcanic coasts of El Hierro, this trekking tour offers an unforgettable island-hopping experience for walkers eager to explore the true heart of the Canary Islands.
- Garajonay National Parque
- Silbo Gomera
- Spectacular vieuw
- Authentic Villages
- Juniper Forests
- Perfect for Active Hikers
- Small-Scale Experience
- Luggage transfer
Day 1 | Arrival
Transfer from the airport to your first accommodation in Santiago del Teide on Tenerife. You will be met at the airport by our taxi service.
Day 2 | San Sebastián to Degollada de Peraza
The hike starts in San Sebastián de La Gomera, the island’s historic capital. From the town center, the trail quickly winds upward through a dry, rocky landscape with stunning views of the coast and the blue Atlantic Ocean. As you ascend, the vegetation changes from arid hills to lush areas, revealing the rugged interior of La Gomera.
The route climbs gradually along ancient goat paths and increasingly dense forests, passing small ravines and viewpoints over the eastern coast. The final climb to Degollada de Peraza (950 m) is challenging but rewards you with spectacular views over the deep valleys and forested hills of Garajonay National Park.
Distance: 9.5 km | Elevation Gain/Loss: +940 m / –20 m
Day 3 | Degollada de Peraza – Chipude
You’ll trek through the stunning landscapes of Garajonay National Park, with its mysterious laurel forests, deep ravines, and rolling green hills. Mist drifts through the trees and moss lines the paths, giving a magical atmosphere. The trail climbs steadily to Alto de Garajonay (1,487 m), the island’s highest point. On clear days, you can see Tenerife, La Palma, El Hierro, and even Gran Canaria.
Distance: 17.3 km | Elevation Gain/Loss: +720 m / –560 m
Day 4 | Chipude – Vallehermoso
The route continues along marked mountain paths, passing valleys, traditional terraces, and centuries-old shepherd trails. You’ll reach the Bosque del Cedro, a lush cloud forest offering cool shade and a tranquil atmosphere. The descent to Vallehermoso (“Beautiful Valley”) takes you past palm trees, cacti, and small farms, ending in this charming village.
Distance: 13.5 km | Elevation Gain/Loss: +200 m / –1,090 m
Day 5 | Vallehermoso – Hermigua
Start surrounded by green hills and steep cliffs. Walk past palm groves, banana terraces, and old fincas. The dominant Roque Cano, a 200-meter-high phonolitic rock formation, towers over the valley.
Distance: 16 km | Elevation Gain/Loss: +920 m / –770 m
Day 6 | Hermigua – San Sebastián
A steep morning climb takes you past ancient irrigation channels and aromatic shrubs, with breathtaking views of the valley and ocean. The laurel forests transition into drier terrain. Stop for lunch at Bar Restaurante Las Cumbres, famous for watercress soup and grilled goat cheese. Descend through volcanic landscapes toward San Sebastián, with Tenerife and El Teide visible in the distance.
Distance: 17.5 km | Elevation Gain/Loss: +770 m / –900 m
Day 7 | La Gomera to El Hierro
A long travel day: ferry from La Gomera to Tenerife, then onward to El Hierro. Upon arrival, a taxi will transfer you to your accommodation in Valverde.
Day 8 | Valverde – Los Llania
Start the Camino de la Virgen, a historic pilgrimage route, from the church of Nuestra Señora de la Concepción in Valverde to La Llanía parking area. The trail ascends gradually through green meadows, terraces, and small villages.
Distance: 15 km | Elevation Gain/Loss: +840 m / –90 m
Day 9 | Los Llania – Faro de Orchilla
This stage is one of the most spectacular on El Hierro. The trail climbs through mystical cloud forests to Malpaso (1,506 m), then descends across volcanic fields and rugged plains toward Faro de Orchilla, the historic westernmost point of the world.
Distance: 21 km | Elevation Gain/Loss: +200 m / –1,530 m
Day 10 | El Sabinar
Begin at Nuestra Señora de los Reyes and hike through La Dehesa to El Sabinar, famous for its wind-shaped junipers. The iconic bent tree of El Hierro is on this route.
Distance: 16.2 km or 11.6 km | Elevation Gain/Loss: +1,130 / –1,130 m or +420 / –420 m
Day 11 | Return to Tenerife
Taxi transfer to the ferry for the return trip to Tenerife (approx. 2 hours). Overnight in Los Cristianos.
Day 12 | Departure
Bus transfer to the airport for your onward journey.
Inclusive
- Duration: 12 days
- Comfortable accommodations with breakfast
- Round-trip airport transfer
- Round-trip ferry crossing to/from La Gomera
- Round-trip ferry crossing to/from El Hierro
- Transfers during the trekking tour
- Luggage transport between accommodations
- Self-guided hiking with GPX tracks and detailed itinerary
- WhatsApp support throughout your trip
- Travel guarantee via STO Garant
Exclusive
- Outbound and return travel
- All meals except breakfast
- Booking fee: €25
- Single supplement
- Travel and cancellation insurance
- Mountain sports insurance recommended
Distance
120 km
Difficulty
Medium / Heavy
Up
5010 m.
Down
5380 m.
