Spain Pyramids-of-Guimar

Explore Pyramids of Güímar, Spain

Explore the Pyramids of Güímar, six rectangular terraced structures located in the town of Güímar on the southeastern coast of Tenerife. Constructed from unmortared volcanic rock, these step pyramids resemble ancient structures found in Mexico and Peru, sparking intense debate among historians, archaeologists, and diffusionist theorists like Thor Heyerdahl. Today, the complex forms the core of the Pyramids of Güímar Ethnographic Park, offering visitors an intriguing intersection of botanical design, historical inquiry, and astronomical alignment. Set against the dramatic backdrop of the Valle de Güímar, the complex spans over 64,000 square meters. Its primary allure lies in the enigmatic origins of the stone mounds. While traditional archaeological research dates the construction to the 19th century as agricultural step terraces built by local landowners, Norwegian explorer Thor Heyerdahl posited that they represented transoceanic cultural links between ancient Atlantic civilizations. Visitors walk along elevated pathways surrounding the stone terraces, observing the precise astronomical orientation of the principal structures, which align directly with the summer and winter solstices. Beyond the enigmatic pyramids, the park features specialized botanical gardens developed in partnership with the University of La Laguna. The Poison Garden showcases toxic plant species from around the globe, while the Sustainable Garden emphasizes Canary flora and ecological stewardship. Interpretive museum rooms detail Heyerdahl's famous transoceanic voyages aboard papyrus boats like Kon-Tiki and Ra II, framing the local structures within broader questions of global maritime history and human migration. Visiting the Pyramids of Güímar offers an intellectual journey through Tenerife’s complex past and natural heritage. Situated just a short drive from Santa Cruz de Tenerife and the southern resort zones, it provides a quiet contrast to the island’s coastal resorts. Whether you are drawn by astronomical curiosities, botany, or historical mystery, the park provides an engaging, multi-layered cultural experience.

Culture

The cultural landscape surrounding Güímar reflects deep Guanche roots and centuries of traditional Canarian customs. Prior to Spanish conquest in the late 15th century, the Valley of Güímar was an important Guanche kingdom. Today, this indigenous heritage is preserved in local folklore, geographical names, and archaeological preservation efforts integrated throughout the ethnographic site and surrounding municipality. Religious and agricultural traditions remain central to life in Güímar. The annual Romería del Socorro, celebrated every September, is considered one of the oldest traditional pilgrimages in the Canary Islands. The festival honors the Virgin of Socorro with colorful processions where locals wear traditional attire, play folk instruments like the timple, and carry offerings on decorated ox-drawn carts. The route traces a historical path from the town center down to the coastal chapel at Chimisay, where legend states the original Guanche image of the Virgin was discovered. Craft traditions also endure in the region. Local artisans continue centuries-old practices of Canarian lacemaking, pottery, and wood carving. Visiting the town center offers a look at traditional daily life, where historic square courtyards, wooden balconies, and local markets embody the quiet, reflective rhythm of island living beyond the resort zones.

Attractions

Within and surrounding the Pyramids of Güímar Ethnographic Park, visitors discover a refined collection of educational exhibits and nature walks. At the center of the park is the Chacona Museum, housed in a restored 19th-century manor house. The museum displays detailed replicas of Thor Heyerdahl’s papyrus vessels, historical maps, and archaeological artifacts that illustrate theories of early transatlantic navigation and cultural diffusion. Adjacent to the main pyramid structures is the Poison Garden, a carefully secured display showcasing over 70 species of lethal and toxic plants from around the world. Guided audio tours explain the biological mechanisms, historical uses, and ecological importance of these dangerous flora. Nearby, the Sustainable Garden presents indigenous Canarian vegetation and traditional water management techniques designed to withstand the island's dry microclimates. Outside the ethnographic park, the surrounding municipality of Güímar offers compelling natural and cultural sights. A short distance east lies the Malpaís de Güímar Special Nature Reserve, a dramatic landscape created by recent volcanic flows. Walking trails wind through rugged basalt fields, euphorbia scrublands, and coastal lava tubes terminating at the Atlantic shore. Additionally, the historic center of Güímar features notable traditional Canarian architecture, including the 17th-century Church of San Pedro, featuring carved pitch-pine woodwork and quiet plazas reflective of rural island life.

Visit the iconic sites

Cousine

Dining near the Pyramids of Güímar provides an authentic taste of traditional Canarian gastronomy away from heavy resort tourism. The town of Güímar and the neighboring coastal village of Puertito de Güímar feature traditional guachinches—simple, family-run eateries—and classic seafood taverns that highlight local agricultural and marine harvests. A cornerstone of local dining is papas arrugadas, small wrinkled potatoes boiled in heavily salted water, served alongside vibrant red and green mojo sauces crafted from garlic, red pepper, cumin, and cilantro. Given the region’s rich volcanic soils, local vegetables, avocados, and sweet potatoes frequently feature in rustic stews such as potaje de berros (watercress soup) and rancho canario, a hearty dish made with chickpeas, thick noodles, pork, and potatoes. Down along the waterfront at Puertito de Güímar, coastal dining focuses on freshly caught Atlantic seafood. Visitors can sample vieja (parrotfish), cherne (stone bass), or grilled octopus, typically cooked simply with olive oil and garlic to highlight natural flavors. Local meals are complemented by wines from the Valle de Güímar Denominación de Origen, known for crisp whites made from Listán Blanco grapes grown on steep, terraced mountain slopes. To complete a meal, sample local bienmesabe, a sweet paste made from almonds, honey, and egg yolks served with ice cream.