Manrique’s favourite of his creations, this charming garden features over 4,500 specimens of cactus and is set in a disused quarry in the heart of Lanzarote’s cochineal country. A traditional windmill overlooks the scene. Here’s what to expect when you visit.
The Jardín de Cactus is the last major project that Manrique worked on before his tragic death at 72 years of age in 1992.
Manrique chose a disused quarry in the heart of Lanzarote’s cochineal country as the spot for an agricultural centre with an extensive range of cacti – representing the rehabilitation of a place of great natural value on Lanzarote that was in a state of neglect.
As you arrive at the Jardín de Cactus centre, you’ll be greeted by a large, towering metal cactus in front of the entrance. It’s a popular spot for a selfie so why not take a snap to remember your visit?
When you entre the centre, you’re free to explore at your leisure. The staircase to the right of the entrance is the starting point and which will lead you through the stunning and well-maintained garden with thousands of cactus specimen from over 5 different continents (all of which are different sizes, structures & colours).
To capture the garden in all its beauty, it’s best to visit on a bright, sunny day with relatively little cloud coverage.
Each of the plants are individually signposted with species name and the path diverts in some areas and takes you up the sides of the centre with its different planting shelves.
You’ll notice just how quiet it is at the Jardín de Cactus too, with the wind blowing above and birds chirping away as you explore the different cactus species. In this way its different to the other centres as there are no tour guides or large groups (like at the Cueva de los Verdes), which allows you to really take it all in.
As you reach the middle of the garden, you’ll stand under the shade of a large Euphorbia Candelabrum that was the first cactus planted in the garden by Manrique and his colleagues in 1989.
Further on from this you will find a small pool with a face made out of rocks spewing water from its mouth – going up the stairs from here will lead you to the centres gift shop.
At the back of the centre is the bar-caféteria and windmill. We recommend stopping off for a coffee and a bite to eat before heading up to the windmill – sit down at one of the tables and admire the view of this stunningly crafted garden.
After you’ve taken in the view with a cup of the good stuff, look for the black sign with a yellow windmill on it next to a small staircase. At the top of the stairs, you’ll be met with a view over the entire centre as well as the windmill itself. Inside you’ll find the original mill.
BOOKING INFORMATION
The Jardín de Cactus is open every day from 10am until 5pm (last entrance at 4:30pm) and takes approximately 40-50 minutes to see it all.
Entry is €8 per adult, €4 per child (ages 7 – 12) and free for children under the age of 6. There is a discount for residents which is €5 per adult and €2.50 per child.
You can buy tickets online from the official website here:
https://ventaonline.cactlanzarote.com/en/tickets/jardin-de-cactus-ticket
