Sendero de los Sentidos Trail

A few steps in from the road the light turns green and dim. The laurels close overhead, moss coats the trunks, and the air is cool and wet, because the shade keeps the humidity high whatever the weather is doing on the coast. It is very quiet. Look closely and the undergrowth is busy with plants and insects.

The three paths come in different lengths, so there is one for every pace and age: the shortest is a gentle stroll, the longest runs 1.5 km through the forest to a viewpoint looking toward Santa Cruz. That viewpoint can be reached by wheelchair, which makes the edge of the forest open to people who cannot manage the paths themselves.

• Bring a warm layer: the forest is cold and damp, and walking only partly warms you up.
• The paths have steps and are not wheelchair accessible; the viewpoint is.
• Stretches of path turn muddy after wet days, so wear shoes with grip.
• The trail signs are old; read the information board at the start before you set off.
• Dogs are allowed, and there are free public toilets about 39 m away.

Everything starts at Cruz del Carmen. If you drive, a free car park sits about 34 m away in a straight line, and there is a paid car park and free roadside parking as well. The free spaces go early.

By bus, get off at the Cruz del Carmen stop, about 53 m away. From there an information board for Sendero de los Sentidos and a guidepost for the PR-TF 1 trail stand close together, and the paths lead straight into the forest. Free toilets are about 39 m away; the nearest drinking water is further off, about 450 m, so fill a bottle before you come.

Best: early morning, after a few dry days.

Avoid: late morning onward if you need the free car park, and the days straight after rain.

The free spaces are gone by around 10am even on a weekday, and rain leaves parts of the paths muddy under the trees.