Unveil the secrets of the Guanches, Gran Canaria's extinct aboriginal population, with an archaeologist on this National Geographic Day Tour. Begin your tour at La Fortaleza Museum, where you can learn about ancestral diets, uncovering the nourishment that fuelled generations past. You will also have access to the archive room, exclusive to National Geographic travellers. Inside, a pair of rare mummies will reveal stories about the lives and deaths of the island's original inhabitants. After, you'll enjoy some local delicacies such as olive oil, bread, Tenefé salt, and pastries made with gofio flour, almonds or figs.
Next, explore La Fortaleza archeological site, the most complete in all Gran Canaria. Protected by law, it is important both in terms of its historical significance and location. See habitation caves adorned with paintings, granaries, stone houses, funerary monuments, engravings, and the island's oldest sanctuary. Learn why the Guanches' referred to it as the ‘Axis of the World', the place where heaven and earth converged.
Witness the ancient way of life in La Fortaleza as you discover the tunnel that traverses the rock, offering panoramas of La Fortaleza de Abajo. This sprawling settlement of excavated houses is just a stone's throw away.
Round off this experience with a scenic drive along winding roads to the foot of the caldera. You'll head to Mirador Santa Lucia, where you'll indulge in a typical Canarian lunch of regional cuisine with a side order of impressive views. As you relish the rich flavors, soak up the surrounding landscape and reflect on the history you've uncovered during this journey.
Nat Geo Day Tour: Guanches Mysteries Unearthed with an Archaeologist
- Unveil the mysteries of the Guanches on this fascinating National Geographic Day Tour led by an archaeologist.
- Enjoy exclusive access to a private archive room at La Fortaleza Museum and admire newly found relics.
- Discover some of Gran Canaria's most impressive aboriginal heritage at La Fortaleza archaeological site, accompanied by an archeologist.
- Explore the latest archaeological discoveries and distinct mummification techniques of the Guanches. Their uniqueness is so remarkable that a Guanche mummy graced the cover of National Geographic in 2021.
- Delight in savouring a delectable regional meal at a traditional Canarian restaurant, adding an unforgettable culinary experience to your adventure.
Transport
-
Guide
-
Lunch
-
Drinks
-
Local delicacy tasting
Transport
If you don't see the option to add a hotel for pickup, please provide the details at checkout.
- The photographer speaks Spanish but an official guide will be on hand to translate and assist throughout
- Approximate total time of walking or standing is about 2 hours 30mins
- Not suitable for wheelchairs
- Not suitable for those with reduced mobility
- Bring a hat
- English-speaking guide for all nationalities
- Bring suitable footwear
What people say about this experience
Based on 37 reviews from verified customers
Review categories
Value for money
5/5
Service
5/5
Staff
5/5
Safety
5/5
Nicole
From United States of America - June 2025Travelled as a couple
Excellent
Overall rated5/5
Superleuke en interessante excursie. De gids is zeer deskundig en weet als historici en archeoloog veel te vertellen over de geschiedenis en de opgrav ...
Marilyn
From United Kingdom - May 2025Travelled as a couple
35 - 44 years old
Excellent
Overall rated5/5
Very informative and interesting, the guide was excellent
Jocky
From United States of America - May 2025Travelled as a couple
35 - 44 years old
Excellent
Overall rated5/5
Although expensive,it was a great day. Sergio, the driver was very professional on testing roads and octavio, the guide, had tremendous knowledge of b ...
Paul
From United States of America - April 2025Travelled as a couple
35 - 44 years old
Excellent
Overall rated5/5
Mrs D
From United States of America - April 2025Travelled as a couple
35 - 44 years old
Excellent
Overall rated5/5
We loved the informative guide, the visit to the sites, the museum and the lunch.
Juli
From United States of America - April 2025Solo traveller
25 - 34 years old
Excellent
Overall rated5/5
Kunnskapsrik og serviceinnstilt guide. Bra opplegg. Koselig og minnerik tur.
You might also like
Cruising off the coast of the Gran Canaria has always been fun but this boat tour makes it even better. You can now hop off at any of the ports the Blue Bird boat docks in and wander around before hopping back on when the next one sails into port.The itineraries vary and cover four coastal towns in the southwest – Arguineguin, Anfi del Mar, Puerto Rico and Puerto de Mogan. So you can tick off sleepy fishing villages like Anfi, bubbly seaside spots like Puerto Rico and Arguineguin or more dashing towns like Puerto de Mogan.Each has its own charm – and nowhere can the colour of a town be better appreciated than during the weekly market. In Arguineguin, it's every Tuesday, while in Puerto de Mogan, there are two. Monday is the farmers' market while Friday sees the town come to life for the ethnic and gastronomic market – African drums, wooden wind chimes and Canarian cheeses are among the stall buys.
Think thundering hooves, whirring spurs and shouts of ‘yeehah' on this trip to Sioux City – the Canaries' most authentic cowboy themed adventure park. Wandering the dusty streets of a replica old west town, the action happens all around you. From cattle runs and horseshows to gunfights and bank heists, it's an entertainment extravaganza, Wild West style.Kick off the adventure the moment you step foot in the park. Originally a movie set for a spaghetti western, it's all swinging saloon doors and one-room jailhouses. Packed with gun-slinging characters, it feels every bit the authentic American west.Throughout the day, you'll be wowed by cattle runs, horseshows, duels, fights and more – some when you least expect it. Don't miss out on the thrilling bank heist. The town sheriff faces down some dastardly outlaws in an exciting horseback shootout. All in all, an action-packed family day out.
de, en
UD Las Palmas Gran Canaria Stadium Tour
Experience UD Las Palmas Gran Canaria Stadium like never before. Access the press conference room, the changing rooms, the tunnel to the pitch and much more!
en, es
ORIGEN at Sala Scala Gran Canaria
Embark on a fascinating journey through time and taste at Sala Scala Gran Canaria. Enjoy an immersive experience of history, culture, and culinary delights.
en, es, de
Banana World Guided Tour in Gran Canaria
Visit the first Banana Museum, visit a traditional Canarian house and taste locally-made products.
en, es
Rum Distillery Gran Canaria Ticket
Get to grips with Gran Canaria's history at the Arucas Rum Distillery – the oldest rum-producer in Europe. Enjoy a tour and tasting experience to learn all about the process of producing the spirit of choice for sailors, seamen and pirates throughout the ages. See the stills, taste different types, and find out how to make a perfect rum cocktail.
Dr Doolittle eat your heart out – Palmitos Park has more birds, fish and creatures than you could ever chat to. Set at the top of volcanic canyon near Maspalomas, this brilliant wildlife park boasts a roll call of residents that will impress your whole family, large and small.
Peaks of Gran Canaria: full-day hiking with pickup and lunch
Discover the peaks of Gran Canaria on a 9-hour guided tour. Hike in the central part of the island to see Pico de las Nieves, and learn about the the flora and fauna of this region.
en, es, de, pl
Full-day Gran Canaria tour with Teror, Tejeda and typical lunch
Villages, viewpoints and volcanic rocks dot Gran Canaria's jagged spine. This tour weaves its way through some of the island's most dramatic landscapes, stopping along the way to visit gems such as Teror, Tejeda and Fataga. David, one of our local guides, says, ‘The legend of the apparition of the Virgin Mary in Teror still intrigues me. It was in 1481, amid the Castilian conquest of Gran Canaria, and it helped change the island's destiny.'And Teror is where your adventure begins. Strolling past the balconied townhouses of Calle Real de la Plaza towards the mountain-framed basilica of Our Lady of the Pine is one of the defining Gran Canaria experiences. A scenic mountain drive away is Tejeda, which is a bit of a looker itself – red-roofed, whitewashed houses sprinkled on the slope of a valley. David adds, ‘Every time there's a list of Spain's prettiest villages, Tejeda is near the top. Its setting is unbeatable.' There's also a pit stop at Las Tirajanas viewpoint to admire a vast volcanic caldera, as we make our way to Fataga to eat. A lunch made from locally sourced ingredients will be served in a family-owned restaurant. After a little amble through the town, we'll visit a nearby aloe vera plantation to get the lowdown on its medicinal properties. Generations of islanders have used extracts from the plant for skin burns.
en
Full-day tour of the Red Canyon
Discover the native past of Gran Canaria, admire the stunning landscape of the Volcanic Caldera of Tirajana and enjoy tasting local products.
en, es