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If you are planning your next visit to the island and want to enjoy beautiful places, here we will tell you everything about Jameos del Agua in Lanzarote, because you cannot miss it. It is an amazing experience that you will never forget.
History and Culture of Jameos del Agua
Jameos del Agua is a natural space that also serves as a centre for art and tourism. It is located in the north of the island of Lanzarote, in the municipality of Haría.
The term “Jameo” refers to the formation of a hole in the roof of a volcanic tube due to its collapse. The tunnel, where Jameos del Agua is found, originated around 3000 years ago and has a known length of approximately 6 km, formed by three holes or openings.
Jameos del Agua was born from the eruption of La Corona volcano and subsequently, in the 20th century, it was used as a quarry from which various materials were extracted, actions that threatened to destroy this natural space. But thanks to the intervention of the famous Lanzarote architect and artist César Manrique, it ceased to be used for this purpose and began to transform into the artistic and cultural centre it is today.
The Legacy of César Manrique
Architect and artist César Manrique aimed to showcase the natural beauty of the volcanic tube in a more creative way; one that mixed nature and human intervention in a balanced and unique manner. To this end, he began a restoration and remodelling in the early sixties. The first stage was completed and presented to the public for the first time in 1966. However, it was not until 1977 that the final structure of Jameos del Agua was completed.
Cultural and Natural Significance
It’s important to mention that Jameos del Agua is a symbol of Lanzarote and the legacy left by César Manrique. It has been a protected area since 1994, due to the natural and cultural significance of the site. This has made it an area of scientific interest and of great ecological sensitivity.
Unique Geology and Biodiversity
The unique geology present in Jameos del Agua is due to the volcanic eruption of Timanfaya. As the lava solidified, it formed the columns, tunnels, fairy chimneys, stalactites, and stalagmites found inside. Regarding biodiversity, there are unique species in this area, such as the blind crabs. In addition, there is a variety of plants and animals like lichens, mosses, and cacti.
Albino Crabs and Their Conservation
For those who have not heard about it, Jameos del Agua is home to small blind and albino crabs. They are a unique species in the world and a symbol of Jameos del Agua and Lanzarote.
They are the product of a genetic mutation, and their scientific name is Munidopsis polymorpha; locally, they are called “jameitos.” They are characterized by their pearly white colour, due to the absence of melanin responsible for pigmentation in their bodies, and they only inhabit Jameos del Agua, on the island of Lanzarote. Furthermore, they are blind, but their sense of hearing is acute, and they have antennas that allow them to move in their environment without problems. Moreover, they are tiny, usually measuring just about two centimetres in length.
These little creatures feed on microscopic algae, and in Jameos del Agua, there are no large natural predators to defend against. However, their sense of touch is well-developed, as well as chemoreceptors, which they use to hunt and also to communicate with each other despite not being able to see.
Unfortunately, this particular and vulnerable species is under threat of extinction due to the fragility of its ecosystem and the effects of pollution, a result of tourist access to Jameos del Agua. For this reason, it is essential, when visiting this place, to comply with the rules and not disturb or alter the existing ecosystem.
Spectacular Geological Formations
In Jameos del Agua, one of the main geological formations is the main cave, at the center of which a lake formed due to the filtration of seawater.
The tunnel or volcanic tube was created due to the effects of erosion and water, which caused the roof of the tunnel, formed when the La Corona Volcano erupted, to collapse and create a void known as a “jameo,” according to the indigenous people.
Jameos del Agua are unique formations that are protected by environmental organizations, with the idea of preserving them in their natural state.
What to see in Jameos del Agua?
The tour of Jameos del Agua starts from Jameo Chico. From here, you must go down a stairway made of wood and lava remnants that is approximately 9 meters, and you will reach a chamber full of typical vegetation. You will also pass through a beautiful lake where endemic crabs of great scientific interest live.
Then you arrive at Jameo Grande, where you will find a bar, and in its final part there is an auditorium with spectacular acoustics that looks towards the volcano.
Finally, there is Jameo Casuela, which is usually open to the public when there are special events or for tours of small groups of people. In this section, you will find two waterfalls and a bar where you can taste wines and local food.
Restaurant inside the Jameos del Agua
Within the Jameos del Agua, there is a main restaurant that receives the same name. The dishes range between 20 and 40 euros. There you can also enjoy live music.
In addition, it has several bars where you can have drinks and snacks typical of the area.
Information for visitants
Opening hours
If you wonder when Jameos del Agua is open. Its usual hours are from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. every day. On summer, it also opens from 7:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m.
In weekends, they typically have a special schedule due to some activities. In these cases, they are open from approximately 7:00 p.m. to 12:30 a.m.
It is important to mention that to access the night activities in the Jameos del Agua, you must make a reservation.
How much is the entry to Jameos del agua?
You can purchase your tickets for Jameos del Agua by visiting the official website of the Lanzarote agency, CACT Lanzarote. You also have the option of going to the place and buying tickets directly at the box office, or hiring a Cuevas Express tour.
Tickets cost 10 euros for adults and 5 euros for children between 7 and 12 years of age who do not reside in the Canary Islands. For residents, the price is 8 euros for adults and 4 for children. Children from 0 to 6 do not pay.
If you buy ticket packages, you can get a percentage discount.
How to get to Jameos del Agua?
The way and routes you must take to get to Jameos del Agua vary depending on where you are.
If you are in Arrecife, you can go to the bus station and take a bus to the Jameos del Agua. These have 3 departures daily, and the trip only costs 4 euros and lasts approximately 50 minutes.
You can also take a taxi, although this alternative is expensive. From Arrecife to Jameos del Agua, they can charge you between 35 and 45 euros. Although the travel time is less than 26 minutes.
Another option is to get to the site in a rental car. Or that you do the César Manrique Tour of excursions in Lanzarote with our agency.
Where to stay near Jameos del Agua?
If you want to stay in Lanzarote, near Jameos del Agua, there are several hotels with excellent services and reviews. Some of them are:
- H10 Suites Lanzarote Gardens: It is a great hotel with large swimming pools, children’s area, garden, tennis courts and much more. You can find accommodation offers, such as 1 night for two adults, with breakfast included at 214 euros. Jameos del Agua to Punta Mujeres is a short walk, so you will be quickly back at your hotel when you finish the tour.
- Meliá Salinas: Its facilities are incredible. It has a large and beautiful swimming pool, and the rooms are spacious and elegant. It is only 18 kilometres from Jameos del Agua. Its cost is approximately 100 euros per day, with multiple services included.
- Oasis Lanz Beach Mate: It is located approximately 19 kilometres from Jameos del Agua. The price/quality ratio is remarkable. You will have a extraordinary attention, swimming pool, a spacious room and much more.
Is it possible to bathe in the Jameos del agua?
It is forbidden to bathe in the Jameos del Agua. This activity is prohibited, because the famous blind crabs live in the lake. These animals are of great scientific interest for Lanzarote and are in danger of extinction.
Throwing coins or other types of objects is also not allowed, because they can damage the marine ecosystem where these crabs live.
What to see near Jameos del Agua?
You can walk from Jameo del Agua to Cuevas de los Verdes. The centres are very close, so you do not have to decide between them, which to see Cueva de los verdes or Jameos del agua, you can visit them both in one day.
Another alternative that is very close to the site is the Mirador del Río, this is one of the best lookout on the island. From Jameos del Agua to the viewpoint, it is approximately 15 minutes by car. From here you can see the strip of water that separates Lanzarote from the island of La Graciosa and enjoy a beautiful panorama.
Now that you know everything about Jameos del Agua in Lanzarote, don’t miss the opportunity to get to know them and enjoy this natural and artistic beauty. If you are going to visit the island and want to make the best excursions, contact us.
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