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Museums

Pyramids of Güímar

3.8 · 8,756 reviews
Educational and serene.
Pyramids of Güímar, C. Chacona, s/n, 38500 Güímar, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Spain
Interesting facts
1

The pyramid structures are built without mortar, using only local volcanic stone.

2

Thor Heyerdahl moved to Tenerife specifically to study the site after seeing an article about it in a local newspaper.

3

The park houses the 'Poison Garden,' one of the few collections globally dedicated to toxic and venomous plant species.

4

Excavations revealed pottery sherds dating to the 19th century beneath the base of the structures.

5

The site includes a replica of the reed boat 'Ra II' used by Heyerdahl to demonstrate trans-Atlantic navigation possibilities.

6

The pyramids are aligned to ensure the sun sets directly over the peak of the structures during the summer solstice.

7

The park contains a museum dedicated to the life and maritime experiments of Thor Heyerdahl.

8

The garden area includes a collection of endemic Canary Island flora arranged by ecological zones.

9

The site maintains a specialized exhibition hall focusing on ancient maritime navigation theories.

10

The park is built on a site that was once a conventional agricultural field before its repurposing as an ethnology park.

Overview

The Pyramids of Güímar consist of six rectangular, terraced stone structures built from volcanic rock on the eastern coast of Tenerife. The site functions as an ethnological park covering over 64,000 square meters, focusing on the research and preservation of these architectural formations. Thor Heyerdahl, the famous Norwegian explorer, played a key role in the site's study, proposing theories regarding potential transoceanic contacts. The park features an on-site museum, a botanical garden, and a dedicated exhibition space for the study of the pyramids. The structures are aligned astronomically with the winter and summer solstices. In addition to the pyramids, the park hosts the Poison Garden, which showcases over 70 species of toxic plants. The site is situated on a slope, utilizing the natural incline for its terrace design. Archaeological investigations conducted in the 1990s determined that the structures are likely historical agricultural terraces rather than ancient monuments. The park is currently operational as an educational facility and outdoor museum.

Photo spot

The elevated viewing platform in the botanical garden provides the best vantage point for capturing all six pyramids in one frame.

Insider tips

Bring a hat and sunscreen, as the site offers minimal shade along the walking paths.

Explore the Poison Garden early in the morning to avoid the peak heat of the day.

Visit the auditorium first to watch the introductory film regarding Heyerdahl's research before walking the site.

What to avoid

Do not mistake the pyramids for pre-Hispanic monuments; appreciate them for their 19th-century agricultural history.

Good to know

Open daily throughout the year, including weekends and public holidays; no scheduled closures.

Etiquette

Maintain pathways and do not climb on the stone structures to prevent erosion or damage.

Plan your visit
Typical visit
2-3 hours
Best time to visit
Morning hours, especially during spring or autumn for comfortable walking temperatures.
Address
Pyramids of Güímar, C. Chacona, s/n, 38500 Güímar, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Spain
28.321, -16.414
Get directions
Details
Key exhibitsRa II boat replica, ethnological museum, and the Poison Garden
GardensBotanical and toxic plant collections

Frequently asked

Plan for about 2-3 hours to see the highlights.

The best time to visit is Morning hours, especially during spring or autumn for comfortable walking temperatures..

The elevated viewing platform in the botanical garden provides the best vantage point for capturing all six pyramids in one frame.

Close by you'll find Basilica of Our Lady of Candelaria, Loro Parque, Las Ventanas de Güimar.