The south of Tenerife is very famous for its good weather, long beaches and the endless activities in nature that can be done both on the coast and in the mountains. Among all those outdoor experiences, one stands out for its more cultural character: the visit to the ethnographic park and botanical garden, Pirámides de Güímar.
This place is built around a complex of ancient stone pyramids whose construction motif is still unknown. In 1990 the Norwegian researcher, Thor Heyerdahl, became interested in these unique structures moving to the island to get to know them more closely. After being amazed with them, he formulated several theories that relate them to the Mayan and Egyptian pyramids. However, its origin has always generated a great controversy among the different experts in the field. In the auditorium of the park you can watch an interesting documentary on this subject that does not lack intrigue.
The facilities also have a museum located in a traditional Canarian house of the 19th century. Inside, cultures from both sides of the Atlantic come together, highlighting the importance of the Canary Islands as a key point of trade and human migration for centuries. Thus we can find a collection of representations of the South American and North African culture, like sculptures of deities and engravings in stone. You will be surprised by the large reed boats that will take you to simpler times, in distant lands. There is no doubt that this is a space to enjoy the cunning of the human being. Therefore, you will not cease to be amazed by the exhibition of photographs that covers all the civilizations that have constructed stepped pyramids and the meaning of these for each culture. Also outside the museum, you will have the opportunity to explore even more the mystery of Easter Island in an exhibition dedicated entirely to the survival of its inhabitants in the middle of the Pacific. As you can see, you will not leave without learning something new!
However, the itinerary does not end with the visit of the pyramids and the museum. The whole complex is surrounded by an orderly vegetation that makes up the Botanical Garden. You will discover for yourself more than twenty thousand square meters packed with endemic and exotic species. There, you can see examples of traditional export products of the islands: sugar cane, wine, cochineal, banana and tomatoes. As well as endemic species among which are the magnificent Canarian pine, the traditional palm tree or the impressive dragon tree. In route you will know not only the plant but its relation with the volcanic environment and its importance in the island’s culture. On the other hand, among its most exotic specimens we find the new Poisonous Garden, where you will learn the dangerousness of the species that behind their striking colors hide the most deadly poisons. In addition, if you are a true lover of botany you can buy a pass to the Tropicarium, a greenhouse of orchids and carnivorous plants of great scientific interest. There we can observe the curious adaptation of these foreign species to the Canary climate and soil. This area of the park is so delicate that you will have to enter accompanied by a park guide during visiting hours.
To finish, or take a break in the middle of the route, we recommend you go to the leisure area where a cafeteria with pleasant views of the complex awaits you. This is the perfect place to have a snack and rest for a while. For children, there is a playground and to complete the visit, a bazaar where you can buy traditional Canarian products.
If you want to spend a different day on your holidays, Pirámides de Güímar is the best option. With Alexandra Tour, the trip will be very smooth thanks to our comfortable minibuses and the kindness of our staff. Undoubtedly, choosing us is also the best alternative during your stay in Tenerife. Contact us to organize this and other excursions!
