Bosque de La Esperanza / Las Raíces

Verified content· Updated 27 June 2026

El Rosario

Great green lung of Canary pineWithin the Protected Landscape of Las LagunetasRecreational area with picnic, camping zone, and trails

The forests of La Esperanza, with the Las Raíces area at its heart, are the great green lung of El Rosario, integrated into the Protected Landscape of Las Lagunetas. The Canary pine (Pinus canariensis) dominates, interspersed with small remnants of laurel forest —a vestige of the island's ancient forests— and with eucalyptus and Monterey pine plantations that give the place an unmistakable aroma and light. Las Raíces is now a popular recreational area with picnic areas, a camping zone, and trails that lead into the summit.

The enclave also holds a strong historical significance: here, on June 16 or 17, 1936, the semi-clandestine meeting of General Franco with military commanders from Tenerife was held to prepare the uprising. Declared a historical site in 1964, it preserved a commemorative monolith until its demolition by the Cabildo in 2015. Walking among these pines is to enjoy nature and memory at the same time.

Essential information

Accessibility

By car, it can be accessed via the Dorsal TF-24 road (La Laguna–El Portillo axis, passing through La Esperanza), at about 1,000 m altitude, with a signposted detour towards the Las Raíces recreational area; it has a parking area, but no reserved spaces for people with reduced mobility. By public transport, La Esperanza is connected to La Laguna by line 041 of Transportes La Esperanza (La Laguna–Las Rosas, La Esperanza), although from the village the ascent to the recreational area is several kilometers via the TF-24.

Risk Level

It is a mountainous area at about 1,000 m with frequent fog and cool, humid temperatures throughout the year; if you plan to walk its trails, wear appropriate footwear, bring water and warm clothing, and check the forecast before heading out.