Erque is a scattered hamlet on the inner slopes of the Barranco de Erque. The ravine, traditional agricultural landscape and hiking routes described here give your trip planning a clear focus: landscape and rural heritage can be explored alongside selected trails.
Landscape of the Barranco de Erque
The Barranco de Erque is one of the largest and deepest ravines on the island of La Gomera. Erque and Erquito lie within the Orone Protected Landscape Area, in the catchment area of the Barranco de Erque. The Barranco is made up of basalt and volcanic lava.
Terraced land, numerous paths and stone water channels reflect La Gomera’s traditional agricultural landscape. Together, these features show that the rural landscape is made up of more than houses: the terrain and water management are also part of the cultural landscape.
Rural heritage in Erque and Erquito
The hamlet’s remote location has helped preserve buildings and certain traditional practices in Erque. This gives the hamlet considerable ethnographic and landscape value. The cultural heritage is therefore expressed not only in the architecture: preserved practices and the agricultural character are also part of the overall picture.
The settlement cluster of Erque and Erquito retains a traditional rural appearance. It includes stone houses as well as newer, plastered and whitewashed masonry buildings. Agricultural architecture is now in marked decline. In this way, different building styles stand alongside changes in traditional agricultural architecture.
Hiking trails and route choices
The second stage of the Camino Natural Cumbres de La Gomera is 16.6 kilometres long and runs from Degollada de Peraza to the square in Chipude. One section follows the Barranco de Erque and offers hikers a panoramic view of the entire ravine. The stage therefore combines clearly defined endpoints and a specific distance with views of the Barranco landscape.
The linear Chipude–Arguayoda–La Dama route leads from the central-western highlands of La Gomera to the coast at La Dama. Its estimated duration is four hours and 40 minutes. The route passes through Igualero and then descends steadily towards Erquito. It also offers a panoramic view of the entire Barranco de Erque within the Orone Protected Landscape Area, with the Fortaleza de Chipude Natural Monument in the background.
Another linear hiking route descends from Igualero to AlajerĂł. It follows traditional paths and passes through rural hamlets in a dry, agriculturally shaped landscape of considerable cultural and historical value. The route first reaches Erquito, then continues to San Lorenzo.
Different planning factors can help you choose a hike: for the second stage of the Camino Natural, distance and endpoints are key; for the route to La Dama, an estimated duration is provided. The Igualero–Alajeró route offers another point of comparison: a downhill trail through rural hamlets. Distance, estimated time and landscape character answer different questions. Check route details before setting out, especially the estimated duration.
Discover more destinations: El Guro, El Cercado, Valle Gran Rey, Hermigua, Alajero, Taguluche, Arure, Vallehermoso
For the main travel guide: La Gomera.
