If you’re planning to spend a few days in Puerto de la Cruz, be sure to pay a visit to the Archaeological Museum. Here you’ll discover the vanished civilization of the Guanches, Tenerife’s original inhabitants.
In this article, you’ll find a selection of 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.
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Why visit the Puerto de la Cruz Archaeological Museum?
Is the museum worth it? Our opinion:
Yes, it’s a tiny museum, but it’s well worth a visit, however short. Firstly, because it’s housed in a superb 19th-century colonial mansion, which in itself is well worth the detour. Secondly, because the visit enabled us to learn more about the fascinating pre-Hispanic civilization of the Guanches. However, the museum was under construction at the time of our visit, and we only had access to a limited tour.
The museum is one of the city’s few institutions dedicated to local history and heritage. This is one of our favorite activities in Puerto de la Cruz.
Why is the museum famous?
The Puerto de la Cruz Archaeological Museum is famous for..:
- The beautiful 19th-century colonial mansion that houses it.
- His collection of Guanche objects includes over 2,600 pieces.
- Itsessential role in preserving the memory of this vanished civilization.
Our favorite moments
During our visit, we particularly appreciated
- The museum’s colonial architecture, typical of the old buildings in the historic center.
- We were impressed by the Guanche mummy lying in the middle of one of the rooms.
- We liked the raw simplicity of the stone objects and tools on display, which bear witness to the lithic industry of the Guanches.
Unfortunately, ceramics were not on display at the time of our visit. Maybe you’ll have better luck?
WHERE TO STAY IN Puerto de la Cruz
Our favorites: neighborhoods and hotels
Right in the center
Hotel AF Valle Orotava – Check photos and availability
Near the beach
Hotel AluaSoul Orotava Valley – Check photos and availability
On the heights
Hotel Botanica y Oriental Spa – Check photos and availability.
Atlantic Mirage Suites & Spa Hotel – Check photos and availability
Tigaiga Suites apartments – Check photos and availability.
See our complete selection of the best hotels in Puerto de la Cruz.
History in brief
The museum’s history is relatively recent. Here’s what we’ve learned:
- In 1953, the Archaeological Museum of theInstitute of Hispanic Studies of the Canary Islands was created.
- In 1991, the museum was inaugurated in its current location.
Access: Archaeological Museum, Puerto de la Cruz
Where is the museum?
- In the historic district of La Ranilla
- 2 steps from Plaza del Charco
- Its address is as follows: Calle del Lomo, 9a, Puerto de la Cruz. Find out more here.
OUR TIPS TO RENT A CAR IN Tenerife
- Compare prices on our preferred platform: DiscoverCars – one of the best rated sites.
- If you’re planning to explore the mountains, don ‘t take the smallest cars. A more powerful engine will be more comfortable.
- 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?
The museum is located in the historic district of La Ranilla.
- It’s within easy walking distance
- The nearest bus stop is San Felipe la Peñita or Plaza del Charco. Find out more here.
Parking
If you’re coming by car, the Parking Explanada del Muelle is a 2-minute walk from the museum. It’s free and open 24 hours a day.
DISCOVER Puerto de la Cruz
Useful tips: duration, schedules, eating…
Best time to visit
- Come on weekdays, the museum is closed at weekends.
- Be sure to check the opening times, as the museum closes early.
- In high season, visitor numbers can be higher, as this is one of the few museums in Puerto de la Cruz.
Length of visit and main difficulties
- Allow around 30 minutes for the visit.
- The museum is housed in an old building with wooden staircases and walkways, but we only had access to the ground floor, as the upper floors were closed for renovation.
Advice on how to visit
There was no set itinerary for our visit. We started with the section on agriculture, followed by fisheries. This is where we were able to see the mummy. We’ve finished with the stone tools.
Between each room, we had to pass through the patio. Each time, it was an opportunity to admire the architecture of the place.
A LITTLE MORE patience
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Visiting with children
We didn’t see any trails specifically dedicated to children, but the illustrated explanatory panels seemed to us to enable young and old alike to discover Guanche culture.
Schedules and rates
- The museum is open Monday to Friday, 9am to 3pm.
- Closed on Saturdays and Sundays.
- Admission is free.
Catering
Restaurant La Cocina is located close to the museum. We tell you more in our article on the best restaurants in Puerto de la Cruz.
In the setting of a 19th-century colonial mansion
The museum was undergoing restoration work, but we were able to enjoy the beautiful colonial architecture of this proud home in the city’s historic district. From Calle San Felipe (opposite the main entrance), the facade catches the eye with its particularly decorative oriel window .
Access to the museum from the attractive Calle del Lomo takes you through a leafy courtyard. We then discover a magnificent patio under a glass roof. Don’t forget to look up at the carved and painted wooden passageways. They bear witness to the refinement of 18th and 19th century Canarian bourgeois architecture.
Remains of the Guanche civilization
Due to restoration work, we followed a limited but instructive route through the Guanche way of life. In particular, we discovered their fishing, breeding and farming techniques, as well as their habitat.
The presence of a Guanche mummy and a collection oflithic objects enabled us to learn more about their burial practices and their mastery of stonework. We really liked the simple shapes andrough, raw look of the few everyday objects on display.
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Frequently asked questions
Who is Guatimac?
This is a Guanche idol discovered on Tenerife. This statuette represents an anthropomorphic figure and is one of the rare examples of Guanche sculpture. It bears witness to the religious beliefs and practices of this vanished civilization. Unfortunately, Gautimac was not visible during our visit.
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