Surely when you think of pyramids, places like Sicily, Mexico, Mesopotamia, Polynesia or Peru come to mind, but what if we told you that it is possible to see pyramids in Tenerife?
If you are looking to spend a pleasant family day touring an open-air museum, today we bring the perfect post for you! The Güímar Pyramids Ethnographic Park was founded in 1998 in the town of the same name, by the Norwegian researcher Thor Heyerdahl. It is an open-air space that brings together several routes and gardens to guarantee the study and conservation of the Pyramids in Güímar, Tenerife.
The origin of the Pyramids of Güímar
The existence of the pyramids in Tenerife was discovered in the early 1990s, in the town of Güímar, in the northwest of the Island. There are several theories about their origin:
– Some researchers suggest that they are mounds of stones placed by farmers to clear the land in order to cultivate it.
– Other researchers defended the relationship of the pyramids with ancient civilizations and, therefore, think that they could not be the result of a simple accumulation by farmers.
– An investigation by the Canary Islands Institute of Astrophysics determined that the Pyramids of Güímar are astronomically oriented to the summer and winter solstices.
Outdoor routes
During your visit to the Güímar Pyramids Ethnographic Park, you can choose from four different outdoor routes, namely:
– The Botanical Route. This route introduces the visitor to dozens of endemic species of Canarian flora. Since just 2 years ago, the park includes the Poisonous Garden, a specialized botanical garden unique in the Canary Islands.
– The Export Route. A path to learn about those products that, during past centuries, have been the main basis of the diet of Canary Island inhabitants.
– The Cultural Route. On this route, attendees will discover the most historical, cultural and ethnographic aspects of the Archipelago since its conquest.
– The Volcanic Route. Finally, this route is ideal for those who want to discover the volcanic origin of the Canary Islands and the volcanic episodes that have taken place throughout history.
Botanical Garden Pyramids of Güimar
In 2017, the Güímar Pyramids Ethnographic Park was recognized with the prestigious designation of Botanical Garden. This distinction was unanimously granted by the Ibero-Macaronesian Association of Botanical Gardens. The Park has a large number of classified plant specimens, identified and presented so that all the necessary information about them can be viewed. The main objectives that this botanical garden seeks, are to respond to scientific conservation, as well as cultural and educational interests
At GF Hotels, we want to bring cultural and geographical elements closer to those tourists who decide to visit the Canary Islands. We believe that, in addition to being able to spend an enjoyable holiday in any of our hotels, those who wish to discover the real Tenerife can participate in a wide and varied range of activities that adapt to all tastes.
