Cascada de los Tilos

Cascada de los Tilos is a waterfall in the municipality of San Andrés y Sauces, in the northeast of La Palma in the Canary Islands. It marks the entrance to the Los Tilos Forest, the first area in the Canary Islands to be declared a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, back in 1983.

What will you see?

The waterfall sits inside a ravine covered in laurisilva, a subtropical laurel forest that once dominated much of Southern Europe millions of years ago. This ancient ecosystem survived the ice age only in a handful of places — Madeira, the Azores, and parts of the Canary Islands — which makes Los Tilos one of the best-preserved remnants of this primeval forest anywhere in the world.

The path winds through a humid, jungle-like setting full of giant ferns, dense greenery, birdsong, and the constant sound of running water. A distinctive feature of the walk is a series of tunnels carved directly into the rock, fitted with their own lighting, which let visitors pass safely through the narrowest sections of the gorge.

It's worth knowing that the waterfall, although it looks entirely natural today, is actually partly man-made. In the 1950s its flow was diverted to power a hydroelectric plant, which left the fall running dry for long stretches. In 2005 the local council restored its dramatic flow by building a rainwater reservoir that now feeds the cascade.

How do you get there?

The starting point is the El Canal y Los Tilos Visitor Centre, reachable by car, with parking available on site. From there a linear, low-difficulty walking trail leads to the waterfall. The one-way walk takes roughly 15 to 20 minutes, making it accessible even for families with children and visitors without much hiking experience.

Entry to the waterfall and the Los Tilos forest is free of charge. Even so, take care on the damp, occasionally slippery sections of the path, particularly inside the tunnels and near the waterfall itself, where fine spray hangs in the air.

When should you visit?

Thanks to the ravine's humid microclimate, the waterfall looks striking all year round — the dense vegetation and steady water flow keep the setting lush regardless of season. Visiting in the morning helps you avoid the busiest crowds and enjoy the forest's quiet, birdsong-filled atmosphere with fewer other visitors around.

Because the gorge stays damp and shaded, wear shoes with good grip: stones and wooden walkways can get slippery, especially after rain.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there an entrance fee for Cascada de los Tilos? No, visiting the waterfall and walking the trail is free.

How long is the walk to the waterfall? The trail from the visitor centre to the waterfall takes about 15 to 20 minutes one way and is rated low difficulty.

Is the trail suitable for children? Yes, the path is linear, well maintained, and considered easy, which makes it a popular choice for families.

Is the waterfall natural? Partly — in the 1950s its water was diverted to a hydroelectric plant, and the scenic flow seen today was restored in 2005 through a purpose-built rainwater reservoir.