High above Puerto de La Cruz on Tenerife, the Jardín de Aclimatación of La Orotava is a veritable tropical paradise. Created in the late 18th century, the garden is a haven of peace and diversity. Some 5,000 plant species from the four corners of the globe flourish here, including majestic trees. We enjoyed the peaceful surroundings, ideal for a break in the heart of the Canarian countryside.
In this article, you’ll find some useful tips to help you prepare for your visit and have a wonderful time!
This opinion is completely independent, based on our experiences. We visited the region anonymously, making our own choices and paying our bills in full.
Content
Why visit the Botanical Gardens in Puerto de la Cruz?
Is the Botanical Gardens worth it? Our opinion:
La Orotava Botanical Garden is well worth a visit for 3 reasons:
- Botanical diversity: the garden boasts an impressive collection of tropical and subtropical plants. Here you’ll find species from all over the world, some of which are particularly rare and unusual.
- Its landscaped setting: we were won over by the meticulous landscaping of the garden. Its paths through lush vegetation are serene and inviting.
- Its history: founded in 1788 by royal order, its purpose was to acclimatize exotic plants from America and Asia, before transferring them to the Iberian Peninsula.
This is one of Puerto de la Cruz’s must-see spots (article coming soon).
Why is La Orotava Botanical Garden famous?
The garden is famous for its botanical wealth and for its role in theacclimatization of exotic species in Tenerife. It houses a vast collection of tropical and subtropical plants. We discovered unique species that amaze botanical enthusiasts and curious visitors alike.
Founded in 1788 by order of King Carlos III, La Orotova Garden is of major historical and scientific importance, making it a benchmark in plant conservation. It is considered by some to be one of the most beautiful botanical gardens in the world.
In our opinion, it’s one of the most beautiful gardens in Puerto de la Cruz (article available soon).
Our favorite moments
We explored the Botanical Gardens mid-afternoon on an overcast day.
- We liked the layout of the garden. It’s a rectangle with perpendicular aisles. It’s easy to navigate and offers surprises at every junction.
- We particularly liked the most famous tree, the Ficus Macrophylla, with its impressive root branches dominating the center of the garden.
- But we really fell in love with the other majestic trees, with their straight, powerful trunks and imposing roots, such as the Ceiba Speciosa or the Bunya and Dammar pines. They exude a reassuring quiet strength.
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History in brief
In the 18th century, King Carlos III of Spain ordered the creation of the Jardin d’Acclimatation de La Orotava on Tenerife. The garden’s mission was to acclimatize tropical species discovered during Spanish expeditions to the Americas. The Marquis de Villanueva del Prado actively supports the project.
In the 19th century, German gardener Hermann Wildpret increased the plant collection from 220 to almost 5,000 specimens. In 1941, the garden was placed under the supervision of theInstitut National de la Recherche Agronomique. We were impressed by the incredible diversity of plant species.
Access: Jardin de La Orotava, Puerto de la Cruz
Where is the Botanical Gardens?
- About 2km from Plaza del Charco
- 1km from downtown Puerto de la Cruz
- On Calle Retama
- The entrance is opposite Placita Retama
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- But don’t take too big a car either, as some roads are narrow.
- There’s a lot of demand and it’s an island, so book early.
How to get there?
- By car: 5min to reach the garden from the town center
- By public transport: Jardín Botánico bus stop, in front of the garden entrance. Find out more here.
- On foot: 15min from downtown.
Parking
- Free parking is available in the side alley on the west side of the botanical gardens.
- The Tu Trébol shopping center parking lot is also accessible from this side street.
DISCOVER Puerto de la Cruz
Useful tips: duration, schedules, eating…
Best time to visit
It was very busy when we visited. We recommend that you come in the morning, when the garden opens, to take full advantage of its peacefulness.
Length of visit and main difficulties
You can walk around the garden in 1 hour, but it’s also very pleasant to stroll for 2 or 3 hours in the alleys of this exceptional place.
The large trees in the garden sometimes have impressive roots that impede passage through the paths. They are also indicated.
Advice on how to visit
Just follow the garden map. It can be downloaded to your cell phone via QR code.
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Visiting with children
We didn’t see any specific routes for children, but following the directions on the app can be a real treasure hunt in itself, with lots to learn.
Schedules and rates
The garden is open daily from 9am to 6pm.
Price: €3. Find out more here.
Catering
We didn’t see any restaurants on the grounds of La Orotova Garden, but we did spot Restaurant Muxacho, an 11-minute walk away. With its cosy atmosphere, the restaurant offers excellent dishes with local flavors, between land and sea.
Don’t miss our article on the best restaurants in Puerto de la Cruz. It will be online soon.
A walk through lush green alleys
Following the garden pathways, we move from straight paths lined with dense vegetation to circular junctions that punctuate our walk.
Exploring enchanting straight paths
The straight paths of La Orotava Botanical Garden elegantly guide us through a variety of vegetation. Every step reveals carefully arranged rows of trees and plants, creating an impression of serenity. The balance between ordered nature and wilder vegetation offers a soothing and visually pleasing experience.
Strolling from one circular crossroads to the next
As we make our way between the circular crossroads, veritable green traffic circles, we discover a subtle organization of garden spaces. Each crossroads offers a different view, highlighting the diversity of plant species. These artificial meeting points encourage you to stop, observe the details and enjoy a moment of calm amid the greenery.
Majestic giant trees
As we visit, the garden’s giant trees captivate us with their impressive dimensions and immerse us in the soothing shade of their vast canopy.
Dizzying dimensions
The giant trees in the Botanical Gardens impressed us with their dizzying heights. Their sturdy trunks rise majestically, creating an atmosphere of grandeur. Looking up, we felt tiny in the face of these natural colossi, which seem to defy time and dominate space with strength and elegance.
Dive beneath the thick canopy
Under the thick canopy of giant trees, we enjoyed a welcome coolness on a hot day. The light filters softly through the dense foliage. This immersion offers a feeling of natural refuge, a moment of calm in the heart of the garden’s lush vegetation. In fine weather, the play of light and shadow must be fantastic!
Between trunks and roots, the sculptural art of nature
The incredible shapes of trunks and roots captivated our attention, revealing a natural art form of fascinating textures and contours.
Admire trunks with textured bark
The trunks of the Botanical Garden’s trees reveal bark with singular textures, varying from rough to smooth. Each trunk tells a story through its natural motifs and invites attentive observation. These surfaces, marked by the passage of time, literally hypnotized us. They add an almost artistic dimension to the walk.
Roots with fascinating shapes
Tree roots are sometimes visible on the surface. They can even invade the aisles to the point of tripping. They form twisted interlaces. Sometimes gnarled, sometimes delicate, they unfurl with strength and grace and seem to sculpt the ground.
Water gardens
Water plays a central role in La Orotova Garden. From the large, essential pool in the center to the waterfall and rectangular pool at the bottom of the garden.
The large central basin
It’s a large circular pool in the center of the garden. A real focal point, it naturally invited us to take a break. The reflections of plants and trees on its tranquil surface create a soothing atmosphere, conducive to enjoying the harmonious beauty of the place.
The waterfall and rectangular basin
The waterfall wasn’t flowing at the time of our visit, but we were able to enjoy the tranquility of the large rectangular pool just behind it. It’s a particularly peaceful corner of the garden, with benches all around. We loved the water lilies on the water and the reflection of the red flowers of the African tulip trees.
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Frequently asked questions
What is the exact name of the Jardin de La Orotava?
The exact name of the garden is Jardin d’Acclimatation de La Orotava, also known as Jardin Botanique de Puerto de la Cruz. Although it is often associated with La Orotava, a town a little further south, it is actually located in Puerto de la Cruz.
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