Botanical Garden Tenerife – Jardín de Aclimatación de La Orotava

Founded in 1788 by order of King Charles III of Spain, the Jardín de Aclimatación de La Orotava is the second oldest botanical garden in Spain. Its original mission was highly ambitious: to acclimatise exotic plants brought from the tropics before sending them on to the royal gardens on the Spanish mainland. Although the climate of the Canary Islands proved very different from that of the Iberian Peninsula, making full acclimatisation difficult, the garden thrived and evolved into an important scientific and cultural centre. Today, it is not only a beautiful park but also an active research institution, involved in the conservation of Canary Islands flora, international exchange of plant material, and ongoing botanical studies.

The name of the garden often causes some confusion – and with good reason. Historically, it was established as the Jardín de Aclimatación de La Orotava, since it originally fell under the jurisdiction of that municipality. In practice, however, it is located in the neighbouring town of Puerto de la Cruz, which is why many visitors refer to it as the Puerto de la Cruz Botanical Garden. Regardless of which name you come across, both describe the same enchanting green oasis, designed to inspire and fascinate every visitor.

Lose Yourself Among the Exotic

Covering an area of around 20,000 square metres, the garden impresses visitors with its astonishing diversity of tropical and subtropical plants. Here you will find extensive collections of palms, bromeliads, aroids, and mulberries, many of which are considered truly rare specimens.

As you wander along the neatly laid paths, you may feel as though you have stepped into a real jungle. Particularly striking are the ancient giant trees, with their powerful trunks and intricately entwined roots that convey both the strength and mystery of nature. One of the most remarkable highlights is a majestic ficus tree, admired for both its age and its imposing size.

The garden also features a greenhouse where visitors can enjoy a variety of epiphytes, including delicate orchids thriving in the cool shade. At its heart lies a tranquil pond, home to water lilies and turtles, surrounded by benches – the perfect spot to pause, relax, and take in the peaceful atmosphere.

The Jardín de Aclimatación de La Orotava is home to a collection of more than 2,500 plant species from all five continents, with some sources suggesting as many as 3,000. Particularly striking are the rare and exotic specimens, many of which can scarcely be found elsewhere in Spain.

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Here are just some of the remarkable plants you can discover in this historic botanical garden:

• Giant and Ancient Trees:
  • Moreton Bay Fig (Ficus macrophylla f. columnaris): This colossal fig is one of the garden’s most iconic features. Its immense size and dense network of aerial roots create entire columns, giving the impression of a “tree within a tree.” The roots are so strong that they resemble separate trunks, lending the garden an almost mystical atmosphere.
  • Rubber Tree (Ficus elastica): Another striking species of fig, recognisable by its sprawling, twisted roots.
  • Silk Floss Tree (Ceiba speciosa): Known for its bottle-shaped, thorn-covered trunk and flamboyant pink blossoms.
  • Araucarias (Araucaria bidwillii, Araucaria columnaris): Evergreen conifers with strikingly geometric crowns, instantly catching the eye.
  • Ginkgo (Ginkgo biloba): An ancient species often described as a “living fossil,” famed for its distinctive fan-shaped leaves.
  • Ear Pod Tree (Enterolobium contortisiliquum): Easily identified by its twisted pods, shaped like an ear.
  • Breadfruit Tree (Artocarpus altilis): A valuable tropical fruit tree, remarkable for its large, unusual fruits.
  • Camphor Tree (Cinnamomum camphora): Source of natural camphor, with aromatic leaves and timber.
  • Tipu Tree (Tipuana tipu): A broad-canopied species admired for its showy yellow flowers.
• Palm Collections: The garden proudly showcases an extensive collection of over 150 species of palm trees, many of which display unusual curved trunks, aerial roots, and distinctive bark textures. Among them are:
  • Canary Island Date Palm (Phoenix canariensis): An endemic species of the Canary Islands, majestic and widely seen across the archipelago.
  • Chilean Wine Palm (Jubaea chilensis): One of the largest palm species in the world, with an exceptionally thick trunk.
  • Oil Palm (Elaeis guineensis): Cultivated globally as a source of palm oil.
• Tropical and Subtropical Plants:
  • Bromeliads (Bromeliaceae): Numerous species, including alcantareas and puyas, often used as striking ground covers or epiphytes.
  • Aroids (Araceae): Featuring species such as spathiphyllum and anthurium, known for their showy spathes and spadices.
  • Mulberry Family (Moraceae): In addition to figs, this group includes other fascinating species from the same botanical family.
  • Giant White Bird of Paradise (Strelitzia nicolai): A larger relative of the well-known “bird of paradise,” with elegant white and blue blooms.
  • Angel’s Trumpets (Brugmansia versicolor): Spectacular plants with large, pendulous trumpet-shaped flowers.
  • Heliconia (Heliconia bihai): Tropical plants with brightly coloured bracts resembling parrot beaks.
  • Lychee (Litchi chinensis): A fruit tree famed for its sweet, fragrant fruits.
  • Coffee Plant (Coffea arabica): Visitors can see how the world’s most famous coffee variety is grown.
  • Orchids: A dedicated glasshouse displays different epiphytic orchids, though the collection is smaller than that of specialised orchidariums.
  • Succulents and Aloes: While not the main focus, the garden also features some intriguing drought-resistant species.

Practical Information

• Address: C/ Retama nº 2, 38400 Puerto de la Cruz, Tenerife.
• Opening hours: Daily from 9:00 to 18:00. The garden is closed on 1 January, Good Friday, and 25 December.
• Ticket prices: Entry costs €3, or €2 for residents of the Canary Islands.
• How to get there: The garden is about a 20-minute walk from the centre of Puerto de la Cruz. However, as the route involves an uphill climb, it is advisable to take a bus (Titsa lines 102, 103, 345, and 352).
• Best time to visit: To fully enjoy the tranquillity of the gardens, it is best to arrive in the morning, just after opening.

Visiting the Jardín de Aclimatación de La Orotava is a chance to step into a world of exotic flora, connect with history, and enjoy a moment of peace in one of the most beautiful corners of Tenerife. Despite its minor shortcomings, this botanical garden in Puerto de la Cruz will leave a lasting impression and is well worth a visit for nature and culture lovers.

You can easily combine your visit to the Botanical Garden with a tour of La Orotava, exploring its elegant mansions, terraced gardens, and authentic Canarian architecture. Many excursions also include nearby highlights such as Puerto de la Cruz, with its seafront promenade and Lago Martiánez pools, Icod de los Vinos with the famous Dragon Tree, Garachico and its natural lava pools El Caletón, or even a scenic drive towards Mount Teide National Park.

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