Pyramids of Güímar
Archaeological Site Stepped stone terraces on Tenerife, disputed origins
Stone step pyramids on Tenerife’s east coast, part of the Ethnographic Park in Güímar. Visitors come for the outdoor terraces, the museum about local archaeology and Thor Heyerdahl’s research, and coastal walks along nearby agricultural landscapes.
The Pyramids of Güímar are a group of stepped stone platforms on the eastern slopes near the town of Güímar on Tenerife, Canary Islands. The structures and surrounding landscaped area are now presented as an ethnographic park with a museum.
The site contains six stepped lava-stone platforms built of local basalt and presented in a landscaped park that includes explanatory displays and a visitor centre. The park also features botanical elements and walking paths up the slope above Güímar.
The origins and age of the stone platforms have been debated; some researchers describe them as recent agricultural constructions while others have proposed older or ritual functions. Norwegian researcher Thor Heyerdahl promoted study of the site and helped establish the present Ethnographic Park in the late 20th century.
The pyramids and park sit on the eastern side of Tenerife above the town of Güímar, within the Canary Islands archipelago off the northwest coast of Africa.
- Number of pyramids: There are six main stepped stone platforms within the site, built from local basalt blocks laid without mortar.
- Visitor centre: Guided tours and a visitor centre are available that explain the debated origins of the structures and display archaeological and ethnographic material.
What to See #
- Stepped pyramids: The six stepped lava-stone platforms are the principal archaeological features; they are built without mortar and are grouped within a landscaped park on the slopes above the town of Güímar.
- Ethnographic Park and Museum: The Ethnographic Park and Museum, developed with involvement from Thor Heyerdahl, interprets the structures and displays regional ethnography and natural history; the park opened in the late 20th century.
How to Get to Pyramids of Güímar #
The Pyramids of Güímar are in the town of Güímar on Tenerife’s southeast coast. From Santa Cruz de Tenerife take the TF‑1 motorway southbound and exit for Güímar, then follow local roads to the Ethnographic Park (Parque Etnográfico). Interurban TITSA buses run from Santa Cruz to Güímar and the park is a short walk from the town centre.
Tips for Visiting Pyramids of Güímar #
- Arrive at the Parque Etnográfico de Güímar when the visitor centre opens to avoid mid-morning coach arrivals and to join the scheduled guided tour of the pyramid terraces before they fill up.
- Start at the ethnographic museum and watch the introductory film or guided talk - the interpretive centre explains construction and context that many casual visitors miss when they only walk the outdoor terraces.
- Combine the pyramid visit with the on-site gardens and viewpoint trail; the botanical terraces and coastal lookout provide perspectives of the structures and landscape that are easy to overlook from ground level.
Best Time to Visit Pyramids of Güímar #
The Pyramids of Güímar are visitable year-round thanks to Tenerife's mild climate; spring and autumn offer the most comfortable conditions and fewer visitors.
Weather & Climate near Pyramids of Güímar #
Pyramids of Güímar's climate is classified as Hot Semi-Arid - Hot Semi-Arid climate with warm summers (peaking in August) and mild winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from 12°C to 27°C. Semi-arid with limited rainfall with a pronounced dry season.
January
January is the coolest month with highs of 18°C and lows of 12°C. Moderate rainfall (52 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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February
February is cool with highs of 19°C and lows of 12°C. Moderate rainfall (45 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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March
March is cool with highs of 20°C and lows of 13°C. Moderate rainfall (36 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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April
April is cool with highs of 20°C and lows of 13°C. Light rainfall and partly cloudy skies.
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May
May is cool with highs of 22°C and lows of 14°C. Almost no rain and partly cloudy skies.
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June
June is mild with highs of 24°C and lows of 16°C. Almost no rain and partly cloudy skies.
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July
July is mild with highs of 27°C and lows of 18°C. The driest month with just 0 mm, partly cloudy skies, and breezy conditions.
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August
August is the warmest month with highs of 27°C and lows of 18°C. Almost no rain, partly cloudy skies, and breezy conditions.
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September
September is mild with highs of 26°C and lows of 18°C. Light rainfall.
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October
October is mild with highs of 24°C and lows of 17°C. Moderate rainfall (30 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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November
November is mild with highs of 21°C and lows of 15°C. Moderate rainfall (44 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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December
December is cool with highs of 19°C and lows of 14°C. The wettest month with 59 mm of rain and partly cloudy skies.
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