Lanzarote Cesar Manrique Foundation & Cactus Garden Tour

With its vine-laden lava fields, exuberant architecture and otherworldly landscapes, Lanzarote looks and feels like something from a sci-fi movie set. This exclusive half-day tour takes in the Cesar Manrique Foundation and his Cactus Garden, followed by a visit to Casa Museo del Campesino. Rosa, one of our expert local guides, says, ‘Manrique convinced his fellow islanders to invest in tourism without overdevelopment, making sure any human impact is in harmony with our volcanic landscapes.'

Manrique was admired by many in his lifetime, and his influence on Lanzarote's culture lives on. He was a versatile artist producing paintings, sculptures and architectural works, bringing sustainability to the forefront of his creations, long before it became a buzzword. You'll first tour his Jardín de Cactus where 1,100 species of sculptural succulents are grown. You can see instantly how Manrique's skill and vision enhanced the barren landscape.

Similarly, the Fundacion Cesar Manrique demonstrates that harmony between the built environment and nature can succeed. A visit to the artist's home-studio, built into a lava field, is ample proof. Then, we'll head to Casa Museo del Campesino for a look around. This museum stands as a testament to the spirit of Lanzarote's agricultural heritage, gracefully intertwining Manrique's craftsmanship with the natural beauty of Lanzarote. You'll end the day here, with a peek into Manrique's gratitude to the hard-working farmers on the island.