Museo Casa Chacona
19th-century Canarian house in the Pirámides de Güímar Ethnographic Park, with exhibitions on Thor Heyerdahl and the stepped pyramids of the world.
Have only individual sections read aloud
About the museum
The Casa Chacona is a traditional 19th-century Canarian house located within the Pirámides de Güímar Ethnographic Park, in the east of Tenerife. The park, which protects a group of stepped stone platforms, opened to the public in 1998. Its fame is due to the research of the Norwegian explorer Thor Heyerdahl, who studied the structures in 1991.
The house serves as the park's museum. Its rooms present Heyerdahl's theory of possible contacts between ancient civilisations, examples of cultural parallels between different peoples, and a photographic exhibition of stepped pyramids from all over the world. They also explain the construction details of the Güímar structures and the scientific studies of their orientation with respect to the solstices, which researchers from the Instituto de Astrofísica de Canarias confirmed in 1991.
The origin of the pyramids is still debated: many archaeologists consider them the result of agricultural stone clearance in the 19th century. The museum is visited as part of the park route.
Highlights
- Traditional 19th-century Canarian house
- Thor Heyerdahl's theory of contacts between ancient civilisations
- Photographic exhibition of stepped pyramids from around the world
- Studies of the orientation of the Güímar pyramids with respect to the solstices
- Within the Pirámides de Güímar Ethnographic Park
Permanent exhibition
- Museo Casa Chacona – Exhibition on Thor Heyerdahl's theory, cultural parallels between ancient civilisations and a photographic display of stepped pyramids from around the world.
- Operated by
- Parque Etnográfico Pirámides de Güímar
Admission & discounts
| Adults | €12.50 |
|---|---|
| Full admission (full access, at least 2 hours) | €18 |
| Full admission with audio guide (7 languages) | €26 |
| 1-hour guided tour with a qualified guide | €22.50 |
| Family adventure and exploration workshop | €18 |
The museum is visited with the park ticket; the price of €12.50 corresponds to the basic admission. Prices vary by age and type of visit, and the park website does not state which option includes the Casa Chacona. School groups can get special rates on enquiry.
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible: no information
- Elevator: no information
- Accessible restroom: no information
- Accessible parking: no information
- Service dogs welcome: no information
- Tactile models & exhibits: no information
- Sign language tours: no information
- Easy-to-read materials: no information
- Audio description: no information
The park states that it is adapted for people with reduced mobility, with accessible routes and audio guides. For specific enquiries: piramides@piramidesdeguimar.es.
Kids & families
Great for kids & families
- Family tours & workshops
The park offers a family adventure and exploration workshop, in Spanish and English, with guides in German and French on request.
Getting there & parking
By public transit
Buses (guaguas) from Santa Cruz de Tenerife: lines 120 and 128. From the south of the island: line 111 to Güímar, then line 120 to the town centre.
By car
Parking available
Car parks at the main entrance and in the northern area of the park.
From the TF-1 motorway, exit 22.
Get directionsAmenities & dining
- Café
- Museum shop
Kon-Tiki café with views of the pyramids; park shop-bazaar; shaded picnic areas.
Events & venue rental
Enquiries for groups and private events: comercial1@piramidesdeguimar.es.
Plan your visit
| Guided tours | yes · approx. 60 min |
|---|---|
| Audio guide | yes (ES, EN, DE, IT, FR, NO, RU) |
| Photography | Personal photos and videos are allowed. Professional use requires special permission, and drones need prior authorisation from the park management. |
| Good to know | The basic admission requires at least 1 hour and full admission at least 2 hours. The audio guide is collected at reception. Pets are admitted, one per adult. |
