Inagua, Nature reserve in Gran Canaria, Spain

Inagua is an integral nature reserve formed by the Inagua, Ojeda and Pajonales pine forests, between the municipalities of Mogán, La Aldea de San Nicolás and Tejeda, on Gran Canaria. Its terrain lies above 1,000 metres, with peaks such as Alsándara, Lina and Yescas exceeding 1,400 metres, and is cut by the headwaters of ravines like Mulato and Mogán.

The reserve was established in 1987 to protect Canary pine forests and the native species that depend on them. This protection effort helped preserve ecosystems that were increasingly threatened by human activity.

The reserve's name comes from the Inagua mountains, and the protected area was first declared a natural park under the name "Inagua, Ojeda y Pajonales" on 19 June 1987. Its status changed to an integral nature reserve on 19 December 1994, which prohibits recreational use and limits access to scientific purposes. Visitors can spot the Canary pine, bitter tabaiba, jaras and escobones along the slopes.

Visit in early morning hours when trails are quieter and wildlife is most active, bringing plenty of water since the terrain is exposed. Sturdy footwear is essential as paths wind through rocky and uneven ground with limited shade along the way.

The Gran Canaria blue chaffinch (Fringilla polatzeki) is one of Europe's rarest birds, and these pine forests hold its main refuge; the reserve also recorded the last Egyptian vultures (guirres) seen on the island, at the Llanos de Ojeda.