In Güímar, a small town on the east coast of Tenerife, are the so-called Pirámides de Güímar - Pyramids of Güímar. These stone pyramids are embedded in an ethnographic park and an open-air museum, which was founded by the Norwegian archaeologist and ship traveller Thor Heyerdahl. Various research projects and excavations of the pyramids have taken place together with the University of La Laguna.
According to the relics found, the pyramids can be dated back to the 19th century. Interested visitors can learn more about the origins of the pyramids on a tour in the fascinating museum and the nature park. The visit to the site starts in the museum, where the excavation finds are well displayed and research results are presented. After the museum, the walk through the large nature park begins, which ultimately ends at the main pyramids 1 and 2. From there you have a good overview of all the pyramids and can see them up close. Pyramid 1 is also the only staircase pyramid that has a cave. Researchers have discovered that this cave was inhabited by Guanches.
Along the path through the park there are various stations that provide information on the diversity of plants on Tenerife or on the production of typical Canarian specialities such as palm honey. If you book an additional ticket for the "Jardín Venenoso - Poison Garden", you can learn interesting facts about the many different poisonous plants and their uses at the end of the tour. It is important to visit the museum when the weather is good, as the entire complex is outdoors and the tour takes about 2 to 3 hours.
PS: At the moment, two additional exhibitions are open to visitors in the complex, which present Thor Heyerdahl's expeditions in more detail. The first exhibition is about the settlement of Polynesia and life on the isolated island of Rapa Nui. This exhibition was prepared by the Mata Ki Te Rangi (Easter Island) Foundation. Another exhibition about plastic pollution in the oceans can be found in the outdoor area. Large maps and interactive elements highlight the pollution of our oceans and present impressive facts. Both exhibitions are worth a visit, but unfortunately the Tropicarium is currently closed to visitors.
We wish you an exciting day at the Museum of the Pyramids of Güímar.
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