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Garden · Puerto de la Cruz, Canary Islands
La Orotava Aclimatization Garden
Botanical garden created in 1788 by order of King Carlos III to acclimatize tropical plants brought from the colonies, with a giant fig tree and century-old palm trees.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
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About La Orotava Aclimatization Garden
The Jardín de Aclimatación de La Orotava, commonly called the Jardín Botánico, was created in 1788 by order of King Carlos III on land above Puerto de la Cruz. The idea was to use Tenerife's mild climate to acclimatize tropical plants brought from the American and Asian colonies before taking them to the royal gardens of Madrid and Aranjuez. The plan failed because the plants did not withstand the peninsula's cold, but the garden remained.
The garden covers about 2.5 hectares and contains thousands of plants from several continents: palms, tropical trees, bromeliads, orchids, cacti and medicinal plants, arranged in beds with a lake in the center.
The best-known tree is a giant fig, from the strangler-fig group, with aerial roots that form a sort of cave. There are also rare Canary Islands trees.
Since 1952 the garden has been linked to the Canary agricultural research institute.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
From 1 hour to 1.5 hours.
Best time
In the morning, when it's milder and there are fewer people. Check the opening hours.
How to get there
It is on Calle Retama, in the La Paz neighborhood, about 1.5 km from the center of Puerto de la Cruz, roughly a 20-minute uphill walk, or reachable by city bus.
Tip
Look for the giant fig near the lake and the dragon trees. Bring insect repellent on humid days and allow time for the central lake.
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about La Orotava Aclimatization Garden
Why was the garden created?
To acclimatize tropical plants from the colonies before taking them to Madrid, by order of Charles III, in 1788.
Is the garden in La Orotava?
It is in Puerto de la Cruz; the name comes from the former valley of La Orotava.
What is the best-known plant in the garden?
A giant fig tree with aerial roots that form a kind of cave.