Before you choose
What you need to know about this experience
A cultural tour of Tenerife is a guided route through several towns following a historical thread: the culture of the island’s original Guanche inhabitants, the Castilian conquest, devotion to the Virgin of Candelaria or the colonial architecture of the historic centres. Unlike a scenic excursion, its focus is history, not views.
This page helps you choose the themed route that matches your interests and know what to ask so that the content is rigorous.
At a glance
| Aspect | What to expect |
|---|---|
| What it is | Guided heritage and history route through several towns |
| Common themes | Guanches, the conquest, Candelaria, historic centres, traditional architecture |
| Frequent places | Candelaria, Güímar, La Laguna, La Orotava, Santa Cruz (museums) |
| Duration | Half day or full day |
| Format | Small group or private, with transport |
| Tickets | Museums and parks are usually paid separately |
| Price | Depends on the provider, duration, format and entrance fees |
Common themed routes
| Route | What it includes | Suits you if… |
|---|---|---|
| Guanche Tenerife | Archaeology museums, Candelaria and its statues of the menceyes, places with Aboriginal significance | You are interested in the pre-Hispanic population |
| Conquest and foundation | La Laguna and other 15th- and 16th-century settings | You are interested in the birth of Canarian society |
| Religion and tradition | Basilica of Candelaria, historic churches, festivals | You are interested in traditions and sacred art |
| Architecture and historic centres | La Laguna, La Orotava, Garachico | You are interested in houses with balconies and courtyards |
| Enigmas and debates | Pyramids of Güímar | You are interested in historical debates |
Places that often feature
Candelaria
Coastal town home to the Basilica of Our Lady of Candelaria, patron saint of the Canary Islands. Its square is lined with statues of the menceyes, the Guanche kings of the island.
Pyramids of Güímar
The Pyramids of Güímar Ethnographic Park (Parque Etnográfico de las Pirámides de Güímar), promoted by the Norwegian explorer Thor Heyerdahl, covers more than 64,000 m² and preserves six stepped structures. Their origin is debated: several studies date them to the 19th century and link them to farming, while other hypotheses argue for a ceremonial purpose. According to the park itself, it opens every day from 10:00 to 18:00, except 1 January and 25 December.
A good guide presents this debate with its different positions, without selling it as a mystery solved one way or the other.
San Cristóbal de La Laguna
A World Heritage city founded in 1497, with a layout that served as a model for cities in the Americas. If you are only interested in La Laguna, see the guided tour of La Laguna.
La Orotava
A historic centre with mansions with wooden balconies and a tradition of flower carpets at Corpus Christi.
Museums in Santa Cruz
The capital’s archaeology and history museums help you understand the Guanche population before visiting the sites.
What happens
- Pick-up in your area.
- Guided visits to two or three places, with an explanation of the context.
- Entry to museums or parks, depending on the route.
- Food, usually at your own expense.
- Return.
Who it suits
- Travellers interested in history, anthropology and heritage.
- Anyone who has already seen Teide and wants a different view of the island.
- School groups or cultural associations.
- People with reduced mobility: the routes usually have little climbing, although it is worth confirming.
Who it may not suit, and what to weigh up
- Anyone looking for scenery or nature: see the excursions to Teide, Anaga or Teno.
- Anyone who does not want to pay entrance fees: the museums and the Güímar park charge their own admission.
- Anyone interested in a single place: a specific visit may suit you better than a route.
How to choose well
- What thematic thread does the route follow?
- Which places does it include, and how long at each?
- Are entrance fees included?
- What training does the guide have? Ask whether they hold a tourist guide licence and whether they have training in history or archaeology.
- How does the guide deal with debated topics, such as the origin of the Güímar pyramids?
- In which language?
- Shared or private format?
What is usually included and what to check
| Item | Usual practice | Check |
|---|---|---|
| Transport and guide | Included | Language |
| Entry to museums and parks | Not always | Price and opening times |
| Food | Not included | Planned time |
| Supporting material | Depends on the guide | — |
Opening times and closures
Museums, basilicas and parks have their own opening times. Access to the Basilica of Candelaria may be limited during religious celebrations, and the dates of the big festivals (such as those in August and February in Candelaria) draw large crowds. Ask the provider to fit the route around the calendar.
Accessibility
Candelaria, La Laguna and the museums are generally accessible. La Orotava has some very steep streets. At the Güímar park, ask about the accessible routes.
Price: what it depends on
We do not give a figure: cultural routes are very different from one another and there are not enough directly comparable prices.
The price depends on:
- The duration and the number of places.
- Entrance fees included.
- The format: small group or private.
- The language.
What to bring
- Comfortable shoes.
- Respectful clothing if places of worship are visited.
- Sun protection.
- Money for entrance fees if they are not included.
Alternatives and how to compare them
| If you are looking for… | Best option |
|---|---|
| Only La Laguna’s historic centre | Guided tour of La Laguna |
| Heritage of the north with scenery | North of Tenerife excursion |
| Your own route with a guide | Tailor-made private tour of Tenerife |
| Heritage and wine | La Laguna excursion with a winery visit |
Frequently asked questions
What is a cultural tour of Tenerife?
A guided route that follows a historical thread through several towns, with visits to museums, churches and historic centres.
Who were the Guanches?
The Aboriginal population of Tenerife before the Castilian conquest. Several museums and sites on the island explain their culture.
Are the Pyramids of Güímar Guanche?
Their origin is debated. Several studies date them to the 19th century; other hypotheses argue for a ceremonial purpose.
Are entrance fees included?
Not always. Ask before booking.
How long does it last?
Half a day or a full day, depending on the route.
Is it suitable for children?
It depends on the children’s interest and the route. The Güímar park has family activities.
Are there private cultural tours?
Yes. It is the most flexible option for choosing themes and pace.