Guïmar: Pyramids of Güímar Ethnographic Park Entry Ticket

If you’re visiting Tenerife and have an interest in mysterious structures, lush flora, and cultural exhibits, the Guïmar Pyramids Ethnographic Park is worth a visit. This attraction offers a blend of ancient-looking lava rock pyramids, beautifully curated botanical gardens, and engaging educational displays. For just $14, visitors get access to multiple highlights that are perfect for curious travelers keen on learning about local history and natural beauty.

What really draws people to this site is the chance to walk around six stepped pyramids that are oriented toward the sun on specific astronomical dates—an intriguing feature that hints at ancient or perhaps more recent cultural significance. The site also boasts a large botanical garden covering over 64,000m2, with a wide variety of plants, plus special themed gardens like the poison garden. One of the standout features is the premium ticket option, which opens access to the Polynesian exhibition and the poison garden, offering a deeper insight into indigenous cultures and dangerous flora.

A possible consideration is that the site is a bit out of the way, meaning you’ll need transportation like a bus or taxi to get there, but that also means it’s less crowded and more peaceful than some tourist hotspots. This experience is ideal for history buffs, plant enthusiasts, and those looking for a relaxed day immersed in nature and culture. It’s a multi-layered experience that balances outdoor exploration with educational exhibits, making it suitable for families, solo adventurers, or couples.

Key Points

• Affordable entry at $14 offers good value for a diverse experience.
• Beautiful botanical gardens and scenic views of the pyramids enhance the visit.
• The premium options deliver extra depth with Polynesian displays and a poison garden.
• The site’s outdoor layout makes it accessible and flexible for different walking paces and interests.
• Knowledgeable guides and audio options add context and enrich the visit.
• The site is wheelchair accessible, making it inclusive for most visitors.

A Closer Look at the Guïmar Pyramids Ethnographic Park

The Guïmar Pyramids are not your typical tourist attraction. These six lava rock stepped structures date back to the 19th century AD and are designed with astronomical precision—each pyramid aligned toward the sun on important dates. While their original purpose remains debated, their mystery is precisely what makes them fascinating. Whether you believe they are of ancient origin or a more recent construction, walking around the pyramids allows for a sense of stepping into a puzzle that’s still partly unsolved.

The site was twice nominated for the European Museum of the Year Award, which speaks to its cultural significance and well-curated presentation. As you stroll along the outdoor paths, you’ll get panoramic views of the pyramids, which look especially striking against the backdrop of Tenerife’s natural landscape. Some visitors noted that the audio guides greatly enhance the experience—they provide historical context, cultural insights, and fun facts that you might miss just reading the signs. One reviewer, Lynne, highlighted that the guide was “informative and gave context to the entire site,” making her visit all the more engaging.

Exploring the Pyramids

Walking around the pyramids, you’ll notice their precise orientation and the way they seem to interact with the sun’s position. The site’s design, based on astronomical alignments, suggests it could have been used for ceremonial or observational purposes. The fact that the pyramids are built from lava rocks adds a volcanic twist to their mystery—an intriguing feature that hints at the local geology’s influence on the structure’s design.

The Ethnographic Museum

Adjacent to the pyramids, the museum offers further insights into the site’s history and the cultures that may have influenced its construction. This feature is particularly valuable if you love learning about local traditions and the possible origins of the pyramids. Visitors have appreciated the well-maintained displays and the informative signage, which make complex ideas accessible.

The Botanical Gardens

Spanning over 64,000m2, the botanical garden is a highlight for plant lovers. It’s one of the five botanical gardens in the Canary Islands, hosting a diverse array of flora. The gardens are laid out in themed sections, including specialized gardens and outdoor routes that encourage leisurely exploration. The lush greenery provides a calming contrast to the rocky pyramids, and the views from various vantage points are stunning.

The gardens feature a large variety of plants, and with the audio guide or guided tours, you’ll learn about the significance of certain species, some of which may be toxic or poisonous—this is especially true if you opt for the premium ticket, which grants access to the poison garden. As one visitor, Lynne, pointed out, the poison garden showcased over 70 poisonous plant species, illustrating how many plants that appear harmless can be dangerous.

Why Choose the Premium Ticket?

The premium ticket unlocks access to the Polynesian exhibition and the poison garden, adding layers to your understanding of indigenous cultures and plant toxicity. The Polynesian exhibit showcases artifacts and displays from aboriginal cultures around the world, including the Rapa Nui (Easter Island). Reviewers like Beth emphasized that the premium experience was “100% worth it,” especially for the gardens and the café, which offers a relaxing spot after the exploration.

The poison garden, with its collection of dangerous plants, is both educational and slightly exhilarating—it’s not every day you get to see plants that could be deadly but are also used in traditional medicine or ornamental gardening.

Practical Tips for Visiting

• Wear comfortable shoes since you’ll be walking over uneven outdoor paths and gardens.
• Allocate around 3 hours for a relaxed visit, although the experience can be shorter or longer depending on your pace.
• The site is wheelchair accessible, making it easy for most visitors to enjoy fully.
• Audio guides are available in multiple languages—Spanish, English, German, French, Italian, Russian, and Norwegian—for a more enriching experience.
• Since there’s no food or drinks included, consider bringing a snack or planning to visit the on-site café.
• Check availability and starting times beforehand, as you’ll need to reserve your ticket for a specific day.
• The site does not include hotel pickup or drop-off, so organize your transport in advance. Buses or taxis are common options.

Authentic Experiences from Visitors

Many visitors highlight the knowledgeable guides and well-curated exhibits as major positives. Lynne, for example, appreciated the audio guide for providing a narrative that made the site’s history more tangible. Martin described his experience as “very enjoyable and well maintained,” noting that the three hours he spent there went quickly. Beth found the gardens “great,” and especially enjoyed her upgrade to the premium ticket, feeling it was “absolutely worth it” for the extra exhibits and the café experience.

Summary

The Guïmar Pyramids Ethnographic Park offers a unique blend of history, culture, and nature, all set in a peaceful outdoor environment. Its intriguing pyramids, paired with lush botanical gardens and themed exhibits, make it a well-rounded day out—especially for those interested in the unknown or the natural world. The site’s accessibility, guided options, and affordable price point make it a compelling choice for a diverse range of visitors.

However, keep in mind the need for transportation and the potential for a longer visit if you opt for premium access. The peaceful outdoor layout ensures you’ll enjoy a relaxed pace, whether you’re exploring the pyramids, gardens, or cultural exhibits.

If you love discovering unusual historical sites, appreciate beautiful plant collections, and enjoy learning about indigenous cultures, this attraction will suit you perfectly. It’s a thoughtful, engaging, and visually stunning stop that combines education with outdoor leisure—a clear winner for a day in Tenerife.

FAQs

Is the ticket valid for one day only?
Yes, the ticket is valid for one day, so plan to visit during your chosen time window. Check availability for specific starting times.

Are there guided tours available?
Guided audio guides are available in multiple languages, including English, Spanish, German, and French. Tours with live guides may be offered, but that’s not explicitly detailed.

Does the entry fee include the botanical gardens?
Yes, your ticket grants access to both the pyramids and the botanical garden.

Can I access the poison garden with the standard ticket?
No, access to the poison garden is included only with the premium ticket.

How long does a typical visit take?
Visitors usually spend about 3 hours exploring the pyramids, gardens, and exhibits, but this varies based on your pace and level of interest.

Is the site suitable for wheelchair users?
Yes, the site is wheelchair accessible, making it accommodating for most visitors.

Are there dining options on-site?
While food and drinks are not included, there is a café on the premises where you can relax after exploring.

Is there parking available?
Parking details aren’t specified, but transportation options like bus or taxi are common for visitors.

What should I bring for my visit?
Comfortable shoes are essential as you’ll be walking outdoors on uneven terrain. Also, consider bringing water, sunscreen, and a hat on sunny days.

To sum it up, the Guïmar Pyramids and Botanical Gardens present a carefully curated, budget-friendly day out that balances intriguing history, stunning scenery, and diverse plant life. Perfect for those who love a blend of outdoor activity and cultural discovery, it’s a genuine highlight for anyone exploring Tenerife.