The Forest of the Guardians in Tenerife

Discover the Centuries-Old Guardians Forest in Tenerife

Where is the Forest of the Centenary Guardians located?

The Forest of the Centenary Guardians is one of the most special natural corners in the north of Tenerife. Located in Agua García, in the municipality of Tacoronte, this site houses the remnants of an ancient forest that once covered a large part of the island. Today, it is a protected area within the 'Protected Landscape of Las Lagunetas', ideal for enjoying a simple yet impactful route.

As you begin the trail, the contrast with the outside environment is immediately noticeable: the air changes, it becomes cooler and more humid. This is due to the trade winds that favor a unique microclimate, where endemic plant species have survived centuries of environmental changes and human logging.

A walk beneath the canopy of nature

From the first meters of the route, you enter under a dense canopy of foliage that borders the 'Garganta de Toledo'. The feeling is immersive: the sound of birds breaks an almost mystical silence, while rays of sunlight filter through the branches, creating light patterns on the ground covered with dry leaves.

Along the way, you can find the Azores avocado or 'de la Cuna', a rare species that has managed to survive in this privileged corner. The 'Tunnel of the Mother of Water' also appears, from where the landscape begins to transform, opening up towards brighter spaces.

The Centenary Guardians: witnesses of time

After crossing a small bridge and turning right, you reach the most special area of the route: the famous Centenary Guardians. These trees, mainly viñátigos (Persea indica ), have grown for hundreds of years, some even rivaling the age of the famous Dragon Tree of Icod de los Vinos.

Their reddish wood and twisted trunks are genuine fossil relics of tertiary flora, survivors of the glaciation that wiped out many similar forests. Their unique shapes and the hollows in their roots invite you to imagine ancestral stories, local myths, and legends of the place.

Flora, fauna, and a unique ecosystem

This forest is not only home to these centenary giants but also to a great diversity of plant and animal species. Among the ferns, lichens, mosses, mushrooms, and shrubs, birds, insects, and small mammals coexist, forming part of a very balanced ecosystem.

The Persea indica , an endemic tree of Macaronesia, is the undisputed protagonist. It can reach heights of 30 meters, has lanceolate leaves up to 20 cm, and hard, reddish wood. It is the king of the forest and one of the most important symbols of this natural route.

History and curiosities of the trail

One of the features of the Forest of the Centenary Guardians is the presence of the so-called Toledo Caves or Glass Caves. These cavities were excavated in the 16th century to extract volcanic stone used in glass-making. Nowadays, they form a small maze that you can walk through and feel the coolness of the rock enveloping your senses.

The combination of history, biodiversity, and natural beauty makes this route a must-see destination for both tourists and residents looking to connect with nature.

Route Characteristics

• Duration: Approximately 1 hour
• Difficulty: Low
• Signage: Good
• Location: Agua García, Tacoronte, north of Tenerife

It is ideal for doing with family, without hurry, allowing yourself to be surprised by every detail of the surroundings.