Archaeological Museum Puerto de la Cruz
Discover Guanche history at this small museum in Puerto de la Cruz, featuring aboriginal artifacts and a garden. Check for renovation status.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Best Time
Fewer crowds, more relaxed viewing
Archaeological Museum Puerto de la Cruz
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more relaxed viewing
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Discover Guanche history at this small museum in Puerto de la Cruz, featuring aboriginal artifacts and a garden. Check for renovation status.
"Disappointing place with limited artifacts, but free entry during renovations and informative panels."
Confirm Opening Hours ⏰
Renovations can impact access. Check official sources or call ahead to avoid disappointment.
Bring Your Own Info 📖
English information is provided, but consider bringing a translation app for Spanish panels.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Guanche History Panels
Informative displays detailing the life and diet of the island's original inhabitants.
Replica Guanche Mummy
A notable exhibit offering a glimpse into the burial practices of the aboriginal population.
Period Building
The museum is housed in a charming historical building, adding to the atmosphere.
Small Garden Area
A pleasant garden space offering a place to rest and reflect after your visit.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Check Opening Status Before You Go
Manage Expectations for Artifacts
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Confirm Opening Hours ⏰
Renovations can impact access. Check official sources or call ahead to avoid disappointment. +1
Bring Your Own Info 📖
English information is provided, but consider bringing a translation app for Spanish panels.
Proper Tenerife culture/history…
Free Entry During Renovations
Entry is often free when renovations are ongoing, making it a budget-friendly visit.
Combine with Local Exploration 🚶
The museum is in Puerto de la Cruz, explore the town afterward.
Tips
from all over the internet
Confirm Opening Hours ⏰
Renovations can impact access. Check official sources or call ahead to avoid disappointment. +1
Bring Your Own Info 📖
English information is provided, but consider bringing a translation app for Spanish panels.
Free Entry During Renovations
Entry is often free when renovations are ongoing, making it a budget-friendly visit.
Combine with Local Exploration 🚶
The museum is in Puerto de la Cruz, explore the town afterward.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Reviews for the Archaeological Museum Puerto de la Cruz are mixed, with many visitors noting its limited scope and ongoing renovations. While some appreciate the free entry during these periods and the informative panels on Guanche history, others express disappointment with the scarcity of original artifacts and the temporary nature of some exhibits. It's recommended to check the current status before visiting.
"A disappointing place :-(. There were only two rooms open, out of many that could have been, there were very few artefacts and even those were reproductions. There was what seemed like an interesting few well illustrated panels of information about the history of the original inhabitants, but all in Spanish (fair enough - we are in Spain!!) but it could easily have been in a book, with no point in visiting the place. We were given three very wordy A4 sheets of info in English (well done for this) but they only vaguely related to the illustrated panels. Again they could easily have been online or in a book, with no real reason to visit. It’s a lovely period building."
Peter Williams
"We called in today and entry was free as they are doing renovations and their is not much to see. Their was a replica mummy of an original habitant who were buried in caves. Their were information boards about their diet and life style in spanish. We were given information cards in English and it was quite interesting. They had a few pots and storage equipment that they used to store food. They had toilets you could use and some benches to rest on inside and in the little garden at the front. It would be worth coming back when the museum is fully open."
Sheila Brooks
"Turned up today to find that the museum is closed and nothing is available to view.
On talking to the proprietor at the Museum he informed me that the establishment is under renovations. The estimated time to completion is within the next 2 - 4 months....I would therefore recommend not visiting until at least end of Q1 2019"
Nigel Barton
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The museum is located in Puerto de la Cruz. Public transport within the town is generally good, with local buses serving the main areas. Taxis are also readily available. If driving, be aware that parking in the town center can be challenging.
Yes, Puerto de la Cruz has a bus network that can get you close to the museum's vicinity. Check local bus routes for the most convenient stop.
From Tenerife North Airport (TFN), you can take a bus or a taxi. Buses will likely involve a change in Santa Cruz or La Laguna. A taxi or pre-booked transfer will be the most direct option.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Opening hours can vary, especially due to ongoing renovations. It's crucial to check the museum's official website or contact them directly for the most up-to-date information before your visit. +1
Entry is often free, particularly during periods of renovation. However, this can change once full exhibitions are restored. Always confirm current admission fees.
Given the potential for limited access or ongoing work, advance booking is generally not required, but it's advisable to check if any special exhibitions or events necessitate pre-booking.
Information on accessibility can be limited. Given the historical nature of the building and potential for renovations, it's best to inquire directly with the museum about specific accessibility features.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The museum focuses on the aboriginal Guanche culture of Tenerife. You can expect to see displays on their lifestyle, diet, and burial practices, including replica mummies and ceramics. +1
While primary information panels are often in Spanish, the museum usually provides supplementary information sheets in English for visitors. +1
Given the current state of exhibits and potential for limited access, a visit might be brief, perhaps 30-60 minutes. Once fully operational, it could take longer.
There is typically no gift shop or cafe on-site at this small museum. You'll find these amenities in the wider Puerto de la Cruz area.
This exhibit showcases a replica of how the Guanche people were mummified and buried in caves, offering insight into their ancient traditions.
📸 📸 Photography
Photography policies can vary. It's generally advisable to check for signage or ask staff if photos are permitted, especially without flash, to protect the artifacts.
The historical building itself and the informative panels about Guanche life offer good visual opportunities. The garden area also provides a pleasant backdrop. +1
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider bringing along a tablet or smartphone with a translation app to help decipher the Spanish text on the information boards, making the experience more engaging for older children. The garden area also provides a small space for kids to stretch their legs. However, due to potential limitations during renovations, it's best to manage expectations for a lengthy or highly interactive experience.
💰 Budget Travelers
Even when there's a small admission fee, it's typically very affordable. Combine a visit with exploring the charming streets of Puerto de la Cruz, which is free to wander, and enjoy the public gardens. This makes it a cost-effective way to add a cultural element to your day.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Understanding the Guanche Heritage
Visitors can learn about the Guanches' diet, which consisted of agriculture, animal husbandry, and foraging. Their burial customs, often involving mummification and interment in caves, are a significant focus. The museum displays artifacts such as pottery, tools, and remnants of their clothing, providing tangible connections to this ancient civilization. The information panels, though primarily in Spanish, offer valuable context for understanding this unique heritage.
It's important to note that the museum's collection may be limited, and some displays might feature reproductions. However, for those interested in the pre-Hispanic history of the Canary Islands, it offers a foundational understanding of the Guanche people and their enduring impact on Tenerife's identity.
Navigating Renovations and Limited Access
During these renovation phases, entry has often been free, which can be a silver lining for budget-conscious travelers. However, the experience might feel disappointing if you expect a comprehensive museum visit. Visitors have reported receiving A4 sheets with information in English that vaguely relate to the displays, suggesting a temporary solution to provide context.
The advice from travelers is to always verify the current status of the museum before visiting. If possible, check their official channels or local tourist information for updates on which sections are open and what exhibits are available. Planning a visit for when renovations are fully completed is recommended for the most complete experience.
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