Description
The Las Lajas Recreational Area is located on the southern slopes of the island at an altitude of over 1500 m, close to the edge of the Teide National Park.
Due to its location, it has an extreme climate for most of the year, with low annual precipitation, in the form of snowfall in winter, and highly variable temperatures, both from season to season and from day to night. This means that on the same day the sun can be very hot at midday and it can be freezing at night.
These harsh climate conditions are no obstacle to the Canary Island pine, which grows here together with shrubs typical of the mountain environment, such as Teide sticky broom or codeso (Adenocarpus viscosus) and rosalillo (Pterocephalus lasiospermus).
The fauna found here includes birds such as the great spotted woodpecker and the blue chaffinch, as well as the Tenerife lizards that bask in the midday sun. In addition, in the darkness of the volcanic caves and lava tubes live several species of bats, the only mammals native to our islands.
Tips
- Enjoy the local plant and animal life without disturbing it. Be curious but from a safe and respectful distance.
- Follow the rules and instructions on the signs to avoid disturbance to people and animals.
- Keep the environment clean and leave no litter behind. Rubbish and cigarette butts must be disposed of in the designated containers.
- Travel in small groups to keep noise pollution and the impact on the environment to a minimum.
- Use the water in the toilets and taps responsibly. Water is a scarce and precious commodity on our island.
