Ecomuseo de Guinea
Ecomuseo de Guinea
Ecomuseo de Guinea (Calle General las Puntas, 38911 Las Puntas) — this outdoor museum is the island’s largest cultural site. The Cases de Guinea is a fascinating journey through a volcanic cave and 20 ancient houses, four of which are accessible, displaying island life through the centuries.
The eco-museum’s guided route (through caves, volcanic tubes and other lava phenomena) shows you where and how the original settlers, the Bimbaches, lived and how houses and household goods have evolved from the times of the Spanish Conquest through the 20th century.
Adjoining the Cases is the Legatario (Centro de Recuperación del Lagarto Gigante de El Hierro), a sanctuary for breeding Gallotia Simonyi, the giant wall lizards native to El Hierro that can grow more than half a meter long. This lizard was the most endangered reptile in all of Europe, and one of the five animals most in danger of extinction in the world. Through to 1974, it was actually believed to be extinct. However, it was then that a herdsman ran across a few at La Fuga de Gorreta. The plan for re-introduction has made it possible to gradually free some of the reptiles raised in captivity in the places where they have been seen to congregate.
Admission: €17 per person (for the “El Hierro Passport” – which also provides access to other museums and points of interest throughout the island of El Hierro). Hours: 10:00 am – 6:00 pm (daily).