Las Mercedes

Overview

Las Mercedes is a little village nestled within the laurel forest. With its slightly breezy, cooler climate Las Mercedes is a fresh contrast to its neighbouring town within the San Cristóbal de La Laguna municipal. The village is stunningly silent but it is more than just a residential area. If you continue through Las Mercedes you will come to the Mercedes forest. Here you will discover bridges made from the trunks of trees, dipping valleys and a chance to go butterfly spotting.

Las Mercedes possesses a cultural twist to its fairytale image, with its handmade wicker work and items made from palm leaves available for sale. From here you can take in the sights of the Anaga rural park - a paradise for the nature lovers.

Alternatively, if the children aren’t as ecstatic about nature as you are, La Laguna’s Museum of Science and the Cosmos is just a short bus ride away.

History

Las Mercedes is one of the eighteen villages within the San Cristóbal de La Laguna municipal. Since the Spanish conquerer Alonso Fernandez de Lugo set up the first settlement in late 15th century, the population of La Laguna increase significantly. Eventually a number of villages were formed in the municipal and more people prefer to live there due to secure water supply from the Mercedes Forests. This makes agriculture the core of the area. Until today, you can still witness the passion for agriculture in literally every corner of Las Mercedes. Green laurel forests aside, the whole village was surrounded by fields and plantations!

Culture

Las Mercedes is a peaceful and relaxing village. Apart from its tranquil Mercedes Forest, the inhabitants there partly contribute to the silence-ness of the village: during the day, hardly anyone can be found in the village, as most of the population are at work either in La Laguna city or in the surrounding countryside. Many residents choose to live here for was it is - silence.

Economy

The main economy in Las Mercedes and the surrounding area aspire to be that of agriculture. Large fields of grain and vegetable plantations can be found surrounding the village. The farmers in Las Mercedes sell their produce solely in Tenerife, making it an important and unique contributor towards the industry of the Island.

How to get there

By Bus:
Las Mercedes is a very small village, so there are only a few buses going to and from it a day. You can get a bus to San Cristóbal de La Laguna via all major counties, then the 70, 71, 73, 74, 75, 76 or 77 bus to Las Mercedes.

By Car:
Take the motorway TF-1 to junction 4. Take motorway TF-2 down to the intersection with TF-5. Follow the sign posting to Puerto de la Cruz, and then continue down TF-5 through San Cristóbal de La Laguna. Drive through La Laguna to Las Mercedes. To continue onto Mercedes forest, Anaga Peninsula etc carry on through Las Mercedes village.

Sights

La Iglesia de las Mercedes (The church of Las Mercedes)

The church of Las Mercedes was built in honour of Santa María de la Cabeza and San Isidro Labrador. The church is located in the centre of the village and its feature square bell tower can be seen for miles across Las Mercedes. The outer architecture consists of beautiful religious engravings with portraits of Jesus Christ etched into the walls.

Museums

El Museo de la Ciencia y el Cosmos (Museum of Science and the Cosmos)

Located close to Las Mercedes in La Laguna is this complex, detailed museum. Stargate to the Cosmos is built in the form of a giant satellite dish and is accompanied by optical and radio telescopes. The exhibits are translated into English and Spanish, and they are organised into sections- the universe, the human body and the wonders of science & technology. You can go on the Cosmic Tour which allows you to travel to other planets by 3D glasses and earphones, or you can join the Astronomical Sleepover which takes place one Friday of every month. There are vending machines inside the museum appropriately selling Mars bars and Milky way. There is a lot to see, do and learn in the museum- it will be enjoyed by all ages! What’s more, if you have a Bono bus card you will receive half price entry.

Address: El Museo de la Ciencia y el Cosmos, Calle Vía Láctea s/n, 38200 San Cristóbal de La Laguna.
Telephone: +34 922 315 265
Opening times: Tuesday to Sunday 09:00 to 19:00, closed on Mondays, 24th, 25th and 31st December, 1st and 6th January.
Admission: Adults, €3, Children under 8 free, seniors over 64 years old €1.50, Children under 8 free, Sunday free entrance for all.

Activities

Bosque de las Mercedes (The Las Mercedes forest)

Las Mercedes owes its mysterious fairy woodland feel to Bosque de Las Mercedes. Known as Laurel (Laurisilva) forest, Mercedes forest is the image of perfection to many botanists and naturalists due to it being only 1 of the 3 remaining sub- tropical cloud forests on earth. In the late Milocene era this special type of forest was very common in Southern Europe and Northern Africa. The clouds doting on Mercedes forest provide much needed moisture for the bushes, trees and fauna that adapt in these unique woodlands; whilst it is an ideal habitat for wild and exotic flora. Many endemic species of animal can also be encountered within the forest such as Columba Bolli- rare species of woodland pigeon of whom can only survive in conditions similar to those of Mercedes forest. The forest is a mystery to micro environmental studies due to its capability of surviving 5-6 summer months and a Mediterranean climate; without the demand of average rainforest conditions and precipitation. Mercedes forest is an eye opener to the diverse micro climate the island has to offer. Visitors of the Island can see Mercedes forest in all its glory during any season, continuing from the forest leads to the pretty village of Las Mercedes.

Location: Bosque de las Mercedes, Las Mercedes, Santa Cruz de Tenerife.

Butterfly spotting in Mercedes forest

Within a small section of the Mercedes forest lays the surrounding area of Anaga. If you visit Anaga when it is not shrouded by mist you will be lucky enough to witness the many species of wild butterfly. Towards the north-west side of the area nearing the village of Las Mercedes it is noticeably clearer and hotter. Here amongst other species of butterfly you will find canary speckled wood, canary red admiral and canary large white by the dozen. The species of butterfly are amazing to watch while they graciously fly close together, making it clear how unique they are from one another. Las Mercedes provides a natural habitat for spotting butterfly and is open for visitors to enjoy all year round, it is recommended to visit in the height of the summer when the butterflies are frequently present.

Festivals

La Romeria (the Pilgrimage)

La Romeria is a festivity in honour of Maria de la Cabeza and San Isidro Labrador. The church of Mercedes (La Iglesia de la Mercedes) was also built as a devotion to them. During this festivity, which is held in May, traditional Canarian costumes are worn, sumptuous wines and meats are consumed while the locals celebrate throughout the night.

Festivities of Nuestra Señora de las Mercedes

The festivity of Our Lady of Mercy in October celebrates the devotion to the blessed Virgin of Las Mercedes. Religious flyers and decorations are put up outside local houses and colourful flags are zigzagged around the village ready for a night of fiesta. In the evening, the locals celebrate with wine and dance to the Canarian music.

Restaurants

Restaurante Melian

This simple and small restaurant is located on its own at the entrance of Las Mercedes village. It serves cold drinks, ice cream and typical tapas dishes.

Address: Carretera Monte de Las Mercedes, 158, Las Mercedes, 38293 San Cristóbal de La Laguna, Tenerife.
Telephone: +34 922 268 104

Nightlife

What Las Mercedes lacks in bars and clubs is made up with its showcase of nature. However, if you would like a memorable night out during you stay you can opt for the university town of San Cristóbal de La Laguna or the capital, Santa Cruz de Tenerife.

Shopping