Description
Lomo de La Jara is located at an altitude of over 900 m in humid forest characterised by a cool, shady atmosphere.
It is a mixture of typical monteverde vegetation, such as faya (Morella faya), tree heath (Erica arborea) and acebiño (Ilex canariensis), and faster-growing Monterey pines and eucalyptus trees, introduced during the reforestation of the 1940s to restore the forest to the size it once occupied before the land was cleared.
In the past, only the most hard-to-reach areas or patches of forest close to springs were spared from felling. A good example of this is the bed of the Barranco de Toledo, the ravine in which the Madre del Agua spring and gallery is located. You will notice that the monteverde woodland is at its most impressive around this spot, which is flanked by ancient viñatigo trees (Persea indica).
At this spot you will also be able to spot the Bolle’s pigeon, endemic to the Canary Island monteverde ecosystem, and other smaller birds, such as robins, goldcrests and blue tits.
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.
