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At First Minute Transfer we bring you a complete guide for your visit to the Cactus Garden in Lanzarote. This attraction is one of César Manrique’s emblematic works and also one of the most visited. So if you want to live a complete experience of the island, you must make a stop at this place.
What is the Lanzarote Cactus Garden?
Any guided tour of the works of César Manrique includes the Cactus Garden (el JardÃn de Cactus). In this space, the artist from Lanzarote carried out his last intervention on the island. The result is a mixture between nature and art, as Manrique used to do in his works.
When you arrive at this space, you will not find just a sample of gardening. You will see architecture, sculptures and interior design, all in the same place.
Interesting facts about its design
The complex is designed to resemble an amphitheatre, with terraces surrounding the central space. Although the cacti are the protagonists, there are other elements that stand out in this space, such as the corn mill that dates from the 19th century and is one of the last in Lanzarote. From the mill, you can see the garden in all its splendour.
In the Lanzarote Cactus Garden, you will also find the colours of volcanic rock and lagoons with orange fish.
It is listed as an Asset of Cultural Interest, and in 2017 received the Carlo Scarpa International Garden Award from the Fondazione Benetton Studi Ricerche.
If you want to know everything about the garden in detail, you can opt for the Unusual Experience. This is a visit in which you will learn everything that has to do with the history and construction of this enclosure.
History and development of the Cactus Garden
The project to build the cactus garden began in the sixties of the last century. It was in those years when Manrique raised the idea to the council and encouraged them to buy the land.
The land where it was built was an old quarry where farmers obtained volcanic ash for their plantations. Later, the quarry became a landfill until Manrique convinced the local council to buy it to carry out the work.
But the work was not carried out immediately, because the land had to be rehabilitated first. Due to delays, the garden was ready several decades later. The inauguration took place on March 17, 1990.
Location and how to get to the Cactus Garden
Exact address and geographic location
The Cactus Garden is located in the town of Guatiza, in the municipality of Teguise, northeast of Lanzarote. The exact location is on Avenida GarafÃa, 35544, Lanzarote, between the towns of Guatiza and Mala.
Geographic coordinates: 29°04′49″N 13°28′35″W / 29.0804, -13.476281
Transportation available
You can get to the garden in a rented car, taking the LZ-1 highway from the island’s capital. There you will find a place to park your vehicle near the entrance to the garden.
If you prefer to opt for public transport, you can also get there by taking one of the lines 7, 8 or 9, which go to Plaza de Guatiza, which is just a few minutes’ walk from the garden.
But our recommendation is that you do the excursions in Lanzarote around the works of César Manrique. This way, you will get to know during a single tour the most interesting points of his work in Lanzarote.
What to see at the Cactus Garden?
It is a family site and is suitable for people with reduced mobility. In addition, children under 7 years old do not pay admission. As for the pets, only guide dogs are allowed, other animals cannot enter.
Types of cactus and unique plants.
The garden is a true cactus museum in which around 4,500 specimens, belonging to 500 species, are exhibited. In this space, there are plants from the five continents, which include some species typical of Lanzarote.
The first cactus to be planted in the garden was the Euphorbia Candelabrum, which currently measures between 6 and 7 meters. You can still see it in front of the store.
Another of the cacti that attracts the attention of visitors are the so-called mother-in-law cushions or hedgehog cactus. Their scientific name is Echinocactus grusonii, and they originate from Mexico.
They have that nickname due to their spherical shape, because they are surrounded by spines, and they have areoles at the top where the flowers appear.
Around the garden, there are prickly pear (Opuntia ficus-indica) plantations, a species of cactus used to grow mealybugs.
Featured attractions within the complex
Apart from the different species of cacti in the garden, there are other attractions that you can enjoy. There are the ponds with orange fish and aquatic plants, in which the colour of the sky is reflected, which complements the colourful style of the garden.
And inside the ponds there are two rofe monoliths.
Visit the restaurant to see other works by César Manrique, including a mural. In addition, you will taste dishes made with cactus. And from the terrace you will see the panoramic view of the garden.
Another point that offers an interesting view is the corn mill that stands out within this scenario. The structure itself is worth seeing to learn about its function.
If you stay in Lanzarote this is a must-visit place.
Opening hours, prices and services
Entrance fees
The price of tickets may vary depending on the season, at the time of writing this guide it costs 8 euros for each adult. Children aged seven to 12 pay a fee of 4 euros, and minors do not pay.
Tickets can be purchased online and are valid for three months from the date of issue. Also, you do not have to print them, just show the code that the system sends from your device.
If you want to buy reduced-rate tickets, you have to do so at the centre’s ticket office.
Residents of the Canary Islands pay 5 euros for adults, and 2.50 euros for children. Residents of Lanzarote enjoy a special price.
When with First Minute Transfer excursions, the cost of this includes entry to the garden.
Opening and closing times
The garden opens from 10:00 and entry is until 16:30. The centre closes at 17:00. If you go in December, keep in mind that the garden is closed on the 24th and 31st.
You can visit it at any time of the year. During the summer, it is open until 18:45.
You can go without booking a time or day.
Services available for visitors
After touring the Cactus Garden you can eat in a small restaurant located on the terrace, with a very pleasant atmosphere, a wonderful view of the garden and a vegetarian menu.
You can also find a souvenir shop, where you can buy souvenirs and items related to these plants and the garden.
There is free Wi-Fi, bathrooms for visitors with baby changing facilities. And, as we already mentioned, parking is free.
How long does it take to visit the Lanzarote Cactus Garden?
Take at least an hour to enjoy the garden, so you will have time to explore everything. You can stay a little longer to take advantage of the view of the restaurant and the souvenir shop.
This is how we summarize what you need to know about the Lanzarote Cactus Garden. Include this destination during your trip to the island, so that you can live a more complete experience.
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