Archaeological Park Maipés

The Maipés Archaeological Park is one of the most representative archaeological sites of what was the burial mound in Gran Canaria and one of the largest aboriginal necropolises in the entire Archipelago. The cemetery is on a badlands or volcanic lava flow that was expelled by several volcanoes more than 3,000 years ago. The ancient Canarians used this volcanic lava flow to create a cemetery with nearly 700 tombs, some of them made more than 1,300 years ago. These tombs or mounds usually have a truncated cone shape that, in some cases, reach eight metres in diameter by three metres in height. Inside, in a kind of stone box adjusted to the dimensions of the deceased, the body was deposited wrapped in shrouds made from plant fibres from reeds. Most of the Maipés tombs were topped with various coloured stones, usually red or yellow, which contrasted with the rest of the construction.

In 1974 the site was declared a Site of Cultural Interest (BIC) with the category of Archaeological Zone. In addition to its obvious archaeological value, we must add the impressive geology, represented by the volcanic lava flow, and the flora and fauna associated with it. Its location, beneath the spectacular walls on which the Tamadaba Natural Park sits, will make your visit unforgettable.