On the sunny east coast of Tenerife, the Pirámides de Güímar are a set of curious stepped stone terraces that look strikingly like small pyramids — and that once sparked a genuine scientific mystery. Championed by the famous Norwegian explorer Thor Heyerdahl, they sit at the heart of an enjoyable ethnographic park with gardens, exhibitions and reconstructions. Whatever you make of the theories, it is a leafy, thought-provoking half-day out and one of the more unusual attractions on Tenerife.
The pyramids and the mystery
The site preserves several terraced platforms built from dry-stacked volcanic stone, rising in stepped tiers. For a long time they were dismissed as ordinary field clearances — heaps of stone cleared by farmers and stacked at the edges of their land. That changed when the Norwegian adventurer Thor Heyerdahl, of Kon-Tiki fame, took an interest in the 1990s. He argued the structures were deliberately built and aligned with the sun, and drew parallels with step-pyramids elsewhere in the world, weaving them into his theories about ancient ocean crossings.
Mainstream archaeologists remain sceptical, and the origin and purpose of the terraces are still debated. But Heyerdahl's enthusiasm turned a neglected plot into a well-presented park, and the astronomical alignments — the platforms are said to line up with sunrise and sunset at the solstices — genuinely are intriguing. You can make up your own mind, which is half the fun.
Come with an open mind. The park presents the "built pyramids" case with gusto; many experts favour more everyday explanations. Enjoy the debate rather than looking for a definitive answer — the site is as much about ideas and exploration as archaeology.
The ethnographic park
The pyramids are set within a pleasant landscaped park that is a lovely place to stroll. Shaded paths wind between the terraces, and there is a poison garden and botanical area planted with species from around the world, reflecting Heyerdahl's global travels. Exhibition pavilions cover his famous expeditions, including replicas and displays about the reed boats Kon-Tiki and Ra, and there is usually an audiovisual presentation setting out the theories behind the site. It is well laid out, informative and easy to enjoy with children in tow.
Tickets and opening times
The Pirámides de Güímar is a paid attraction run by a foundation, open daily for daytime hours. As of 2026, adult admission is around the mid-teens of euros, with reductions for children and concessions — but prices and hours do change, so check the official site, piramidesdeguimar.es, before you visit. Allow around one and a half to two hours to see the terraces, gardens and exhibitions at a relaxed pace.
Wear a hat and comfy shoes. The lower east coast is one of the drier, sunnier parts of the island, and although the park is partly shaded you'll be outdoors on gravel paths for much of your visit. Sun protection and water are sensible in the warmer months.
Getting there
The park sits in the town of Güímar, just off the TF-1 motorway on the east coast, roughly midway between Santa Cruz and the southern resorts. It is very easy to reach by hire car — about 20–25 minutes south of the capital — and there is parking on site. Buses along the east coast also serve Güímar, from where the park is a short walk or taxi ride.
Combine it with the coast
Güímar pairs beautifully with the nearby seaside town of Candelaria, just up the coast, home to the great Basílica de Candelaria — the Canaries' most important church — and its striking seafront line-up of statues of the ancient Guanche kings. Between the two you get a full day mixing archaeology, exploration and living Canarian tradition, all within easy reach of the eastern motorway.
It is a refreshing change from a purely beach-based break: a place that gets you thinking about the island's deep past and the wider mysteries of how people once crossed the oceans. Few attractions on Tenerife spark quite as much conversation on the drive home.
Stepped stone terraces, solstice alignments and a Kon-Tiki explorer's big idea — the Pirámides de Güímar are Tenerife's most intriguing "what if?".
Book or check times ahead, allow a couple of hours, and let the debate carry you round the gardens. For more ideas across the island, browse our full list of things to do.