Maipés Archaeological Park in Agaete

What it is

At the exit from Agaete towards the valley, on a lava badland spewed out by several volcanoes more than 3,000 years ago, the ancient Canarians built a cemetery of nearly 700 tombs. Some are over 1,300 years old. They are stone tumuli, almost always in the shape of a truncated cone; the largest reach eight metres in diameter and three in height, and many were topped with red or yellow stones that can still be made out. Inside, in a stone box made to measure, the deceased was laid wrapped in rush shrouds. It is one of the largest aboriginal necropolises in the Canary Islands and has been an Asset of Cultural Interest since 1974.

The visit

You walk along paths through the lava, with the walls of Tamadaba above. There are guided visits, best arranged by phone on 928 171 177. Allow about 45 minutes at an unhurried pace; more if you stop at the information panels.

Hours and price

From October to March, Tuesday to Sunday from 10:00 to 17:00; from April to September, until 18:00. It is closed on Mondays, on 1, 5 and 6 January, on 1 May, on 4 and 5 August and on 24, 25 and 31 December. General admission €3, valid for a year; reduced €2 for young people aged 10 to 14, students and over-65s; free for under-10s. The combined ticket with the Cenobio de Valerón costs €5.

Getting there

Go through Agaete in the direction of the valley following the signs. From Las Palmas it is 33.5 km, about 35 minutes. By bus, Global line 103 to Agaete, then on foot.