Benchijigua combines striking volcanic formations with traces of rural life. The nature reserve of the same name and the hamlet of Benchijigua are distinct aspects of the destination: the protected area is the source of the Barranco de Santiago, while the hamlet, with its threshing floor and the hermitage of San Juan Bautista, offers a glimpse into the area’s history. When planning your visit, it is worth considering the nature and cultural experiences separately and choosing routes based on their actual course.
Ravines, rock formations and protected species
The Reserva Natural Integral de Benchijigua partially overlaps with the peripheral protected zone of Garajonay National Park. The protected area is home to a high concentration of endemic and endangered species, many of which are protected. These include Tajora (Sideritis marmorea), Taginaste (Echium acanthocarpum) and Siempreviva (Limonium redivivum). These names refer to specific botanical features of this landscape; the nature reserve is also the source of the Barranco de Santiago.
The cliffs and the volcanic plug of Agando are among the landscape’s characteristic geomorphological features. Mirador de Agando offers views of Benchijigua and the distinctive rock formation of Roque de Agando. From Mirador de Tajaqué, you can see the Barranco de Benchijigua and Playa de Santiago in the distance. The two viewpoints therefore offer different perspectives: one looks towards Benchijigua and Agando, the other towards the ravine and the distant coast.
The circular Route 16 Pajarito–Ajugal–Pajarito also conveys the area’s geological character. It runs along the southern edge of Garajonay National Park and offers views of the ravines of Benchijigua and Imada. Along the way, it illustrates how erosion has shaped the landscape and how the park’s predominant geology is made up of horizontally layered basaltic lava flows. In addition to the viewpoints, those interested in landforms can use this route to observe these connections.
Two routes, two different courses
The Los Roques–Benchijigua–Playa de Santiago route crosses the Barranco de Benchijigua. The estimated walking time is four hours and 30 minutes. On the descent, stone walls, old cultivated terraces, palm trees and volcanic formations shaped by erosion define the landscape. Suitable footwear and sun protection are recommended for the hike through the ravine. The time estimate and preparation advice provide a concrete basis for planning, without making any claims about the difficulty level or conditions on the day of the hike.
Another option is the Pastrana–Benchijigua–Imada–Barranco de Guarimiar route. This circular walk begins at the Barranco de Santiago and climbs to Imada. It then heads towards the old hamlets of Pastrana and Benchijigua; the return leg passes through the Barranco de Guarimiar and over El Rumbazo Pass. It follows an old bridle path adapted to the terrain, with switchbacks, paved sections and retaining walls. Unlike the route through the Barranco de Benchijigua, this route focuses on a circular circuit, with its climb to Imada and return via Guarimiar.
The hamlet of Benchijigua and its rural heritage
The Los Roques–Benchijigua–Playa de Santiago route passes through the hamlet of Benchijigua, which is no longer inhabited and has partly fallen into disrepair. It was once one of the area’s most important rural settlements. A large threshing floor stands in the centre of the hamlet, with the hermitage of San Juan Bautista beside it. Its patrons were the Counts of La Gomera, the island’s lords. At the entrance to the hamlet are water distribution structures that were once used to channel spring water from the ravines to the cultivated land. The threshing floor, hermitage and water distributors reflect different aspects of rural heritage: communal work, religious history and the former use of water.
The municipal calendar lists San Juan Bendito on 24 June as a celebration in Benchijigua.
Getting there and planning your visit
A municipal road from the Las Toscas district provides access to the hamlets of Lo del Gato and Benchijigua. The centre of the hamlet of Benchijigua, with its large threshing floor, can be reached by vehicle via the hillside above the ravine. A private car, bus and taxi are listed as transport options for the route through the Barranco de Santiago. These details relate to different access points and route information, so plan according to the specific destination you want to reach.
Whether your focus is on viewpoints, a longer hiking trail or the rural heritage of the hamlet, each of the places and routes mentioned has its own emphasis. You can explore Benchijigua through its landscape, historical traces or the course of a particular hike, without combining these destinations into a single route.
Discover more destinations: Chejelipes
Return to the main travel overview: San Sebastián De La Gomera.
