La Laguna: Varied Old Town Self-guided Walk

Tenerife’s historic La Laguna offers visitors an immersive self-guided walk through its captivating old town. This 3-kilometer tour guides you past 18th-century landmarks, uncovering the city’s rich cultural heritage. From the Casa Riquel to the stunning cathedral, you’ll discover enchanting architecture, the central plaza, and a renowned former monastery. With engaging audio guides, this flexible experience provides an enriching introduction to La Laguna’s remarkable past. What secrets might you uncover during your journey?

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Key Points

This self-guided tour of La Laguna’s historic old town covers approximately 3 kilometers and lasts 2.5 to 3 hours.
The tour starts at Casa Riquel, an 18th-century architectural example, and ends at the Cathedral of San Cristóbal de La Laguna.
Highlights include the Plaza del Adelantado, the city’s central square surrounded by colorful colonial buildings, and a series of historic homes.
The San Agustín Monastery, a 16th-century religious and educational institution, offers insights into the city’s cultural and intellectual development.
The tour features interactive elements, audio guides, and flexibility, with a cost of $8.60 per person and a free cancellation policy up to 24 hours in advance.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview

The self-guided tour of San Cristóbal de La Laguna, the former capital of Tenerife, covers approximately 3 kilometers and lasts 2.5 to 3 hours.

The tour starts at Casa Riquel, an 18th-century architectural example, and ends at the Cathedral of San Cristóbal de La Laguna.

The tour starts at Casa Riquel, an 18th-century architectural example, and ends at the Cathedral of San Cristóbal de La Laguna.

The cost is from $8.60 per person, and there’s a free cancellation policy up to 24 hours in advance.

Participants receive tour information on smartphones, allowing them to explore at their own pace and enjoy local food and drink along the way.

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Exploring the Central Plaza

Where does the tour begin? The self-guided walk starts at Casa Riquel, an 18th-century architectural gem.

From there, you’ll head to the Plaza del Adelantado, the city’s central square. This bustling plaza is the heart of La Laguna, surrounded by colorful colonial buildings and quaint shops.

Stop to admire the lively scene and soak up the local atmosphere. Look for the statue of Adelantado Alonso Fernández de Lugo, the first governor of Tenerife.

Use your smartphone to learn about the plaza’s history and significance as you wander through this charming public space.

Discovering Historic Homes

As visitors depart the bustling Plaza del Adelantado, they’ll discover a series of historic homes lining the streets of La Laguna.

These architectural gems offer a glimpse into the city’s storied past:

Historic homes in La Laguna offer a glimpse into the city’s storied past.

Casa Montanes: One of the oldest houses in the city, dating back to the 16th century, with its characteristic wooden balconies.
Casa Nava y Grimón: A 17th-century mansion featuring intricate stonework and an impressive entryway.
Casa Lercaro: An elegant 18th-century townhouse known for its harmonious facade and inner courtyard.
Casa de los Capitanes: A well-preserved 17th-century building with a mix of Moorish and Spanish architectural elements.
Former San Agustin Monastery: The predecessor of today’s university, boasting historical significance and architectural charm.

The Former Monastery

One of the highlights along the self-guided tour is the former San Agustín Monastery, a predecessor to the current university.

Originally built in the 16th century, the monastery was an important religious and educational institution in La Laguna.

Today, visitors can explore the site and learn about its history and architectural features.

The tour provides insights into the monastery’s role in the city’s cultural and intellectual development.

Wandering through the former religious complex offers a glimpse into La Laguna’s past and its evolution as a center of learning and spirituality.

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Uncovering Cultural Insights

The self-guided tour of La Laguna provides visitors with a rich tapestry of cultural insights, allowing them to explore the city’s history and heritage.

Along the way, participants can:

Uncover stories behind the city’s architectural gems, like the Casa Montañés, one of the oldest houses in La Laguna.
Explore the former San Agustín monastery, a predecessor to the current university.
Learn about the significance of the Plaza del Adelantado, the central square that has witnessed the city’s evolution.
Discover the unique traditions and customs that have shaped La Laguna’s vibrant cultural identity.
Appreciate the city’s designation as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, recognizing its historical importance.

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Tour Requirements and Recommendations

To enjoy the self-guided tour of La Laguna fully, visitors need a charged smartphone and an internet connection to access the tour information.

The tour can be started anytime using the link provided via email after booking. While offline access is available, an initial internet connection is required to download the necessary content.

Visitors should also come prepared with comfortable walking shoes, as the tour covers approximately 3 kilometers.

Booking and Starting the Tour

After booking the self-guided tour of La Laguna, visitors can easily start their journey by using the link received via email.

Visitors can conveniently begin their self-guided tour of La Laguna by utilizing the link provided via email upon booking.

This link allows them to:

Access the tour information and interactive elements on their smartphones
Begin the self-guided walk at their own pace, taking breaks as needed
Explore the city’s highlights, such as the Plaza del Adelantado and Casa Montanes, while learning about its history and culture
Complete entertaining tasks and riddles along the way
Enjoy the flexibility of starting the tour anytime, as long as they’ve an internet connection to download the necessary content.

Customer Feedback and Experiences

How do customers rate their experience with the self-guided tour of La Laguna? Based on 25 reviews, the tour holds an overall rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars. Many praised the flexibility of the tour and the engaging nature of the interactive elements, such as solving tasks and riddles. The audio guides were also mentioned as a valuable feature, providing insightful cultural and historical information. However, some noted that similar information is available for free on-site, making the tour less essential for those seeking basic facts about La Laguna’s old town.

| Positive Feedback | Neutral Feedback | Negative Feedback |

| — | — | — |

| Flexible tour pace | Audio guides informative | Information available for free |

| Engaging interactive elements | Tour content interesting | Tour not essential for basics |

| Helpful audio guides | – | – |

Frequently Asked Questions

Are There Any Age Restrictions for This Self-Guided Tour?

There are no age restrictions for this self-guided tour. It’s suitable for all ages, as participants can explore the city at their own pace and adjust the experience to their needs and interests.

Can I Purchase the Tour On-Site or Is Online Booking Required?

The tour requires online booking – there’s no option to purchase it on-site. You’ll receive a link via email to access the self-guided experience after completing the reservation process.

Is the Tour Available in Languages Other Than English?

The tour is available in multiple languages including English, Spanish, German, and French. Participants can select their preferred language when accessing the tour information on their smartphones.

Do I Need to Download Any Special App to Access the Tour Content?

No, you don’t need to download any special app. The tour content can be accessed through a link sent via email after booking. The tour is designed to be self-guided, with information provided on participants’ smartphones.

Can I Take a Break and Resume the Tour at a Later Time?

Yes, you can take breaks and resume the tour at a later time. The tour can be accessed via a link sent after booking, allowing you to pause and pick up where you left off.

The Sum Up

La Laguna’s self-guided tour offers a captivating journey through the city’s rich history and architecture. Visitors can explore at their own pace, discovering historic homes, the central plaza, and a former monastery, all while gaining cultural insights. With engaging audio guides and interactive elements, this flexible tour provides an enriching experience for those seeking to enjoy Tenerife’s vibrant past.