The Springs self-guided

Hiking tour to the springs of Marcos y Cordero

The hiking tour to the springs of Marcos y Cordero is linear tour. This is a strenuous walk (5.5 hours) with steep slopes. Some tunnels could cause claustrophobia. And some parts of the path could cause vertigo, if you are affected of it.  But the descent to Los Tilos is quite steep and requires good physical condition.

Self guided Tour

This is a walking tour to be done in two different ways:

• If you have a car and you can drive to Los Tilos, we offer you a transfer from Los Tilos Forest to Casa del Monte, in 4WD vehicles. And from there you walk on your own.
• We provide you detailed description of this tour and will assist you by phone, if necessary.
• PRICE per person:  19 €  (minimum 2 people)

• But if you don’t have a car, we will take you from Santa Cruz de La Palma to Los Tilos. And from there, by 4WD vehicle to Casa del Monte, the starting point of your walk.
• We provide you detailed description of this tour and will assist you by phone, if necessary.
• PRICE per person:  34 €  (minimum 2 people)
• The return to Santa Cruz de La Palma will be done on your own, using the public bus (ticket price not included).

If you are a family group of 5 people or more, take advantage of our group discount! Just enter the number of people and a 15% discount will be automatically applied on booking.

More than 14 people? Contact us directly for group rates.

YOUR ATTENTION:

At the present it is not possible to walk down to Los Tilos due to a landslide in the last part of this path. Therefore, the transfer user, after walking to the Marcos & Cordero springs, must go back to Casa del Monte and walk down to Las Lomadas.

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The path to Marcos y Cordero

From Casa del Monte, the walk begins towards the springs of Marcos y Cordero along a trail parallel to an old water channel. And this first part of the path is fairly easy. The slope is non-existent, although the high walls with steep drops can make you feel a little dizzy.

The tunnels

There are 13 tunnels to cross along this stretch. Some are so short that you can see the light at the end of the tunnel as soon as you enter them. But others are long enough to make it completely dark inside them. It is therefore important to have a headlamp or torch, which we can provide you with.

Tunnel 12 is the water tunnel. A large stream of water flows from the vault and will force you to pack a rain jacket. The ceiling of the tunnel is low and the walls are narrow. This makes it easy to get your head bashed in if you don’t protect it properly. Helmets are available to make this easier for you.

The springs

As you emerge from the water tunnel, a natural spectacle suddenly opens up. You have reached the source of Marcos. The water flows in great cascades from the vertical walls next to the path.  And the path climbs up a small steep slope until you reach a viewpoint.  It’s time for a short break before continuing the route.

All that remains is to cross the last tunnel to reach the source of Cordero. And now the descent to Los Tilos begins, crossing a lush ravine and entering the leafy laurel forest.

On the map you will see the 4WD route from Los Tilos to Casa del Monte (marked in red) and the trail from there to the springs of Marcos y Cordero and back down to Los Tilos (marked in green).

The Tunnels

More than 100 years ago, Marcos y Cordero painstakingly carved tunnels in the rocks to transport the precious water through a system of canals to the terraces where bananas are still grown today. And we walk through 13 tunnels to the Marcos y Cordero waterfalls. Occasionally it drips from the roof of the tunnel and in tunnel 12 a small downpour awaits us (bring your rain jacket).

Los Tilos Forest

After the last spring and a well-deserved sip of the fresh spring water, the path now descends steadily and leads through the water ravine to the laurel forest of Los Tilos. And the giant ferns line our path. Rays of light fall towards us through the biosphere reserve between the steep walls of the ravine. The scent of the laurel trees surrounds us and we breathe deeply of this clean, moist and warm air. Again and again we climb over stones, old tree trunks and huge boulders. At the end of our demanding descent we reach the visitor centre of the biosphere reserve.

The Route of Marcos y Cordero

Caution: The path runs along very steep slopes. Throughout the whole route there is a risk of falling stones and accidental landslides. Each hiker assumes his or her own risk when undertaking this route.

The track to Casa del Monte

The reason why this track is in such a bad state is to be found in its ownership. The track is private and belongs to the whole neighbourhood of Las Lomadas. And the maintenance receives no help from the institutions and during the summer many visitors use it, altering its situation.

YOUR ATTENTION:

At the present it is not possible to walk down to Los Tilos due to a landslide in the last part of this path. Therefore, the transfer user, after walking to the Marcos & Cordero springs, must go back to Casa del Monte and walk down to Las Lomadas.

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Pick up in Santa Cruz de La Palma (check pick up point and time in the booking calendar)

We recommend suitable hiking clothing and sturdy footwear. During the routes, it is necessary to have enough food and drink, as well as sun protection, cap, light windbreaker and warm clothing in the winter months.

Due to weather conditions or unforeseen issues, there may be changes to the tour itinerary. You will be informed as soon as possible.

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us by e-mail or telephone:

We will be happy to help you and answer any questions you may have!