 In terms of strategy, the tableland of San Cristóbal de La Laguna was of vital importance to the conquest of the island.The path to reach the tableland from the coast, the path of La Cuesta, in those days was covered by thick vegetation that included Canarian pine, broom, beech, heather, palm trees, dragos, savin, and other species, and so the accession up the hill was a dangerous undertaking.Fernández de Lugo garrisoned Santa Cruz to prevent a surprise attack.