The crater-like display of cactii from around the world is a secluded area of peace and tranquility. From the bottom of the 'crater' you can't see any landscape to identify where you are.


The collection of cactii was built and collected over the 1980s, with the centre was finally opened in 1990. Manrique had to work hard to perusade the Cabildo de Lanzarote to acquire the land, giving him the clear run to transform the bleak gravel quarry into a magnificent display for all to see.

Jardín de Cactus is situated in Guatiza, municipality of Teguise, in the middle of an agricultural landscape characterised by extensive tunera plantations, used for the extraction of cochineal. The parasitic insect is used to make a dye which is used heavily in the food and cosmetic industry. As with many traditional methods in the world, this is in decline due to the availability of synthetic dyes. Manrique was so entusiastic about the area as he felt he could integrate the tourist aspects of Lanzarote with the industrial - to show visitors that there is more to Lanzarote than resort towns such as Puerto del Carmen.

From the moment you arrive, you see the Manrique stamp, with a large metal cactus. Somehow it blends into the environment and looks completely at home outside the Jardín. Just inside the garden, you find small cool coves to escape the heat of day, and two staircases invite you to step into the crater to explore the wealth of colour and exotic plants. Manrique also restored the windmill, which is now an exhibit at the Jardín. There is a café bar open daily, equally as inspired by Lanzarote's most respected artist.

The centre spans some 5,000m² and houses over seven thousand examples of 1,100 species of cactus. They come from near and far, with examples from the local surroundings housed beside plants from the USA, Chile and Kenya.