Bosque de los Sentidos
A Magical Journey Through the Heart of Anaga
If you have ever dreamed of walking through a place where the trees seem to have a life of their own and the mist covers everything, you must visit the Bosque de los Sentidos (Forest of the Senses). Located in the Anaga massif, this spot is the perfect introduction to our prehistoric jungle: the laurisilva. As a local, let me share a small tip so you don't get lost: although we popularly call it the "Bosque de los Sentidos," on official signs and your GPS, you will find it listed as Sendero de los Sentidos (Path of the Senses). Get your ears and nose ready, because here, nature speaks directly to you!
A Sensory Experience in the Laurel Forest
The Bosque de los Sentidos is not just any walk; it is an invitation to connect with the earth. Located at Cruz del Carmen, this area features interactive stations that ask you to stop, close your eyes, and feel the dampness of the moss or the scent of the laurel. It is a true living fossil that has survived since the Tertiary era, and walking here makes you feel as if time has stood still. It is the ideal place if you want to experience the essence of Anaga without having to hike for miles and miles.
Three Routes to Discover the Forest
The best thing about this place is that it is designed for everyone, with three trails starting from the same point:
- Route 1: A short walk along a wooden boardwalk, perfect if you are coming with small children or need full accessibility.
- Route 2: A circular path that delves a bit deeper into the green thickness, where twisted trunks create incredible natural tunnels.
- Route 3: The most complete route, which includes a section of an ancient royal road and rewards you with views from the Llano de los Loros Viewpoint.
Nature and Mist: The Soul of Anaga
What makes this forest special is the "horizontal rain" phenomenon. The trade winds crash against the mountains and leave their moisture on the leaves, keeping the area intensely green all year round. No matter how many photos you've seen on Instagram; feeling the fresh, pure air of the Bosque de los Sentidos is something you have to experience in person.
Insider Tips: Secrets for Your Visit
To ensure your visit is perfect and you don't end up like a confused tourist, here are my recommendations:
- Clarify Your GPS: To get there without driving in circles, type "Sendero de los Sentidos" or "Cruz del Carmen" into Google Maps. If you only search for "Bosque," the map might go a bit crazy with so many green areas in Anaga.
- The Heat Doesn't Reach Here: Even if it's 30 degrees down at the beach, up here the temperature drops drastically and the humidity is very high. Always bring a light jacket or a raincoat—don't say I didn't warn you!
- Park Early or Take the Bus: The Cruz del Carmen parking lot is small and fills up with cars before 10:00 AM. My trick is to take the guagua (bus) from La Laguna; it drops you right at the entrance, and you can enjoy the views stress-free.
- Change Your Cholas: You don't need to be a professional climber, but the ground can be slippery due to the dampness. Leave your cholas (flip-flops) in the trunk and put on some trainers with good grip to avoid any slips.
- Enjoy the Silence: Many people come here talking loudly. If you can, stay in absolute silence for a moment. Hearing the water dripping from the leaves and the song of the laurel pigeons is the true therapy of the forest.
Conclusion
The Bosque de los Sentidos is undoubtedly the most accessible gem in Anaga. It is a place that recharges your batteries and reminds us how lucky we are in Tenerife to have this natural heritage. Whether for its history, its magical atmosphere, or simply to breathe pure air, this corner is a mandatory stop on your journey across the island.