Our journey in the footsteps of the Guanches begins with a visit to the Museo Arqueológico de Fuerteventura, which is located in the charming town of Betancuria. This place is a real treasure trove of knowledge about the island's ancient inhabitants and the perfect introduction to their fascinating culture. The museum is housed in a beautifully restored building at 21 Roberto Roldán Street and is open to the public all year round.

Importantly, admission to the museum is free, making it accessible to anyone interested in Guanch history. The exhibition is spread over three levels, which allows the collections to be arranged chronologically and thematically. It is worth noting that although the museum is not large, its contents are impressive and very well presented.

The museum features numerous archaeological artifacts, including Guanch ceramic vessels, tools and jewelry. Of particular interest are exhibits related to the daily life and beliefs of the island's ancient inhabitants. Also on display are skeletal remains, including skulls, which provide a better understanding of Guanch physiognomy.

One of the most valuable exhibits is the pottery collection, which shows the development of pottery techniques over the centuries. Here you can see both simple, hand-built vessels and more advanced forms from a later period. Of note are the distinctive patterns and decorations that are unique to Guanch culture.

The museum also offers interactive exhibits that provide a better understanding of the daily life of the Guanches. Here you can see reconstructions of their homes, tools and clothing. This is a great opportunity to feel the atmosphere of the old days and imagine what life was like on the island hundreds of years ago.

It is worth noting that the museum staff is very helpful and willing to share their knowledge with visitors. At the reception desk you can get detailed information about the exhibition, as well as maps and brochures that will help you further explore the traces of the Guanches on the island.

Keep in mind, however, that photography is prohibited in the museum and is enforced by guards. Therefore, it is advisable to focus on carefully viewing the exhibits and reading the descriptions to best absorb the information presented.

After visiting the museum, take a walk through the charming streets of Betancuria, which is a living museum in itself. Founded in 1404, this oldest town in the Canary Islands offers many attractions related to the island's history, including a beautiful church and captivating colonial architecture.

Continuing our journey in the footsteps of the Guanches, we head to the north of the island, where other fascinating sites related to the history of Fuerteventura's ancient inhabitants await us.

One of the most impressive sites is Castillo de El Tostón, also known as Torre de El Cotillo. This 16th-century fortification, although built after the Guanchen period, was built on a site that had been strategically important for the island's defense for centuries. It is located in the village of El Cotillo, at Castillo de el Cotillo, 35650 La Oliva.

Castillo de El Tostón is not only a monument of military architecture, but also an excellent vantage point. From its walls there is a beautiful panorama of the surrounding black cliffs, sandy beaches and ocean. This place allows you to imagine how important coastal control was for the ancient inhabitants of the island. It is worth noting the fortress' construction, which blends in perfectly with Fuerteventura's rugged landscape.

Although the castle itself is not directly related to the Guanchos culture, its surroundings bear traces of their presence. Remains of ancient settlements and places of worship can be found in the area. Take a walk along the cliffs and look for distinctive rock formations that may have been used by the Guanches for ritual purposes.

Another place worth visiting is the Parque Natural de Corralejo. Located on the northern tip of the island, this natural park offers not only beautiful scenery, but also a chance to see what the natural environment in which the Guanches lived was like. Vast sand dunes, volcanic rock formations and pristine beaches create an amazing landscape that has changed little since the ancient inhabitants.

Corralejo Natural Park is the perfect place to contemplate and imagine Guanchen life in harmony with the island's rugged nature. Note the diversity of flora and fauna that was an important part of their daily life. Walking through the dunes, you can feel like an explorer, looking for traces of an ancient civilization.

Of particular note are the Ajuy caves, which are located on the west coast of the island. These natural rock formations were used by the Guanches as shelters and places of worship. These caves, open to the public, offer an unforgettable experience and allow you to feel the atmosphere of ancient times.

The road to the Ajuy caves follows a scenic path along the cliffs, offering spectacular views of the ocean. The caves themselves are impressive for their size and rock formations. The interior is cool and damp, giving you an idea of how valuable this shelter was to the island's ancient inhabitants in Fuerteventura's hot climate.

It's worth remembering that both the Castillo de El Tostón, Corralejo Natural Park and the Ajuy caves are accessible year-round, but are best visited in the early morning or late afternoon to avoid the peak heat and crowds of tourists. Each of these sites offers a unique glimpse into Guanch life and culture, allowing you to better understand their connection to the island and its rugged beauty.

Our journey in the footsteps of the Guanches in Fuerteventura would not be complete without a closer look at Betancuria, which is the heart of the historic part of the island. This charming town, founded in 1404, is the oldest settlement in the Canary Islands, and although it was founded after the Guanches' period of domination, it is here that you can best feel the spirit of ancient Fuerteventura.

Betancuria, located in a picturesque valley surrounded by mountains, was the island's capital until the 19th century. Today, this quiet town impresses with its colonial architecture and the atmosphere of centuries past. Walking through the cobblestone streets, you can feel like you're in a time machine, transported back to an era when Guanch culture mingled with the influence of Spanish colonizers.

The centerpiece of Betancuria is Plaza Concepción, home to the beautiful Iglesia de Santa María de Betancuria church. This 16th-century church, while not dating back to the Guanchos, is built on a site that may have had ritual significance to them. Inside the church, you can admire valuable works of sacred art, as well as learn more about the process of Christianization of the island.

Near the main square is Casa Santa María, a former Franciscan monastery that now houses a museum of sacred art. Although the exhibit focuses mainly on the colonial period, you can find information on how the Christian religion replaced Guanchen beliefs.

Also worth a visit is the Ermita de San Diego, a small church located on the outskirts of town. According to tradition, it was built on the site of Saint Diego de Alcalá, who came to the island to convert the Guanches. This place symbolizes the meeting of two cultures and religions.

As you stroll through Betancuria, look out for traditional Canarian architecture - white houses with distinctive wooden balconies and colorful shutters. Although these styles developed after the Guanchen period, some elements, such as the use of local building materials, can be traced back to their traditions.

There are also several viewpoints in the Betancuria area that offer spectacular views of the countryside. One of them is the Mirador de Guise y Ayose, where you can see impressive statues of two Guanch kings. This site is a reminder of the island's ancient social organization and its division into kingdoms before the arrival of Europeans.

Betancuria is also a great place to sample traditional Fuerteventura cuisine. In local restaurants, you can try dishes with roots dating back to the Guanchos, such as gofio (roasted cereal flour) and goat's milk cheese.

It is worth remembering that Betancuria, although small, can be quite crowded during the peak tourist season. Therefore, it is best to visit in the early morning or late afternoon to enjoy its charm and historic atmosphere in peace.

Summarizing our journey in the footsteps of the Guanches in Fuerteventura, from the Archaeological Museum to the natural sanctuaries to historic Betancuria, we can see how deeply the culture of these ancient people has become part of the island's identity. Although the Guanches as a distinct community disappeared centuries ago, their heritage still lives on in the landscape, traditions and spirit of Fuerteventura. Exploring their history is not only a fascinating lesson in the past, but also a key to understanding the unique character of this Canarian island.