Visiting Agaete? Visit the Maipes Archaeological Park! In the heart of a lava field,imposing basaltremains bear witness to the life and mortuary rites of the ancient Canaries. Amidst tumuli dating back over 1300 years, we imagined the past of this beautiful valley, which also offers superb panoramic views of the surrounding area. This is one of the most impressive burial sites on volcanic soil in the Canary Islands!
Here are some useful tips to help you prepare for your visit and have a wonderful time!
This opinion is completely independent, based on our experiences. We visited the region anonymously, making our own choices and paying our bills in full.
Content
Why visit the Maipes Archaeological Site?
Is the park worth a visit? Our opinion:
Absolutely worth a visit. The Parque Arqueológico de Maipés is an open-air sanctuary set in an ancient lava flow. We discovered over 700 funerary structures, some dating back to the 8th century. The beautiful views over the Agaete valley also impressed us, as did the flora and fauna typical of this volcanic environment.
The site offers a fascinating blend of history and magnificent scenery. We think it’s one of the best things to do in Agaete!
Our favorite moments
During our visit, we liked it:
- The imposing tombs of volcanic stone, whose volume can still be seen in their ancient stature!
- The view over a lava landscape and the beautiful Agaete valley.
- Learn more about the culture of the Canaries’ ancient inhabitants.
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How to get to Maipes: access and map
Where is the archaeological site?
- In the eastern town ofAgaete
- Driving time from Las Palmas: 35min
- Driving time from Maspalomas: 1h
- At the gateway to Tamadaba Nature Park
- Here is a map to help you find your way:
OUR ADVICE FOR RENTING A CAR IN Gran Canaria
- Compare prices on our preferred platform: DiscoverCars – one of the best rated sites.
- If you’re planning to explore the mountains, don ‘t take the smallest cars. A more powerful engine will be more comfortable.
- But don’t take too big a car either, as some roads are narrow.
- There’s a lot of demand and it’s an island, so book early.
How to get there?
The site can be reached by car via the GC-2 road along Gran Canaria’s coast. It is well indicated. A number of buses also provide access to the park, dropping you off in nearby downtown Agaete (buses 103, 101, 105).
Parking
You can park in the street next to the site or in front of the soccer stadium where there is a parking lot.
Useful tips: duration, schedules, difficulties…
Best time to visit, opening hours and prices
Given the aridity of the site and the possible increase in visitor numbers in summer, we advise you to visit in the morning or at the end of the day. You’ll also avoid too much sun!
Closed on Mondays. In winter, it’s open from 10am to 5pm, and in summer from 10am to 6pm. The full price is €3 and the reduced price €2. More info on the official website here.
WHERE TO STAY INAgaete
Option 1: Puerto de la Nieves by the sea
For example:
- Hotel Occidental Costa Negra, with view – See prices, photos and availability
- Hotel Puerto de la Nieves, near the beach – See prices, photos and availability
Option 2: in the old town and valley
Here you’ll find mainly apartments and small houses for rent, in a quiet location and at lower prices than in the major seaside resorts.
See all our reviews on where to stay in Agaete (coming soon)
Length of visit and main difficulties
Allow 1 hour to visit the entire site. The site is partly accessible to people with reduced mobility. The paths are passable and well laid out.
Advice on how to visit
There’s no set direction for your visit, but we recommend you start at the interpretation center. He told us all the secrets about the archaeological site and gave us a better understanding of the burial mounds and associated rituals when we ventured outside. Once on the lava field, follow the red dirt paths and information panels that will guide you among the tombs. Take the opportunity to admire the scenery and the view of the Agaete valley!
Catering, toilets and facilities
There are no catering facilities on the archaeological site. Instead, we recommend heading for the center of Agaete or its waterfront, which is packed with seafood restaurants!
There are toilets on site.
DISCOVER Agaete
A witness to Canary civilization
The ancient inhabitants of the Canaries
Thanks to the interpretive panels and the interpretation center, we learned a lot about the ancient Canaries! This population came from North Africa with seeds and livestock. Although they had more advanced knowledge, they went back to living as if in the Stone Age, given the few resources the Canaries had to offer. These groups of people have thus developed a specific local culture, based on ancient traditions.
We found this out by observing the tombs and understanding the funeral rites of the aborigines. As well as burying their dead in caves or burial mounds, they also mummified some of their bodies. A sign of belief in an afterlife?
The cemetery and its unique burial mounds
We were amazed by the number of graves in the park. There are 678 of them! Although they vary in size and shape, tumuli are distinguished by their imposing size and circular form. In the past, some of them were over 7m in diameter. Tomb 33, one of the restored tumuli, is over 4m wide. Also built of skilfully layered volcanic stone, a wall encircled the cemetery, symbolizing the boundary between the world of the living and that of the dead. We caught a glimpse of the remains at certain points on the site.
Walking through the park, we could see holes inside the collapsed burial mounds. It was in this lower section that the bodies were deposited. Some of the tombs have been restored, allowing us to imagine the colorful peaks that once crowned the towers. We were transported into this mysterious past.
An archaeological park in the heart of an astonishing natural setting
A volcanic geology
Scattered across a field of lava, the tombs belong to a grandiose landscape known as maipes! This word, derived from malpais in Canarian, means petrified lava in the shape of small volcanic stones, and perfectly echoes what we admired. A lava flow over 3,000 years old that extends into the magnificent Agaete Valley.
The panorama of the hinterland is truly superb. We were struck by the contrast between the dark aridity of the archaeological park and the denser vegetation of the surrounding mountains. Take time to look around and contemplate this unique wilderness.
A wealth of flora and fauna
Despite its apparent inhospitality, the site is also home to a rich and specific flora and fauna! We felt the vibrancy of this ecosystem as we observed the local cacti and euphorbias. The park is home to 24 plant species endemic to the Canary Islands, distinguished by their adaptability. Despite our best efforts, we didn’t catch a glimpse of the bluish lizards or the birds that make their nests among the volcanic rocks. But maybe you’ll have better luck!
The Maipes Archaeological Site is located right next to the Tamadaba Nature Park. We caught a glimpse of the dark green of its famous pine forest. Why not extend your visit and venture deeper into Gran Canaria?
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Frequently asked questions
Is the Maipes Archaeological Park open to the public?
No, to enter Parc de Maipes, you have to pay an entrance fee. But the price is still very reasonable. Count €3 to discover this unique archaeological and natural site!
What are the attractions around the Maipes Archaeological Site?
Located in the town ofAgaete, Parc de Maipes is next to other attractions that are well worth discovering. For example, we recommend
- The El Huerto de las Flores botanical garden is just a few minutes’ walk away.
- The beautiful and fun Las Salinas natural pools.
- Beautiful beaches such as Playa de las Nieves and Playa de Guayedra
PLAN YOUR TRIP TO Gran Canaria
- Best of
Best things to do in Gran Canaria
Most beautiful landscapes
Most beautiful towns and villages
Most beautiful beaches
Best natural pools
Archaeological sites
Best museums
Best boat tours (coming soon)
Secret places, off the beaten track
- Practical advice
25 tips for a successful trip to Gran Canaria
When to go?
How to get around
How to rent a car in Gran Canaria
Driving tips
Best excursions (coming soon)
Itineraries: 3 days – 4 days – 5 days – 6 days – 7 days – 10 days
- The must-dos
Las Palmas and its historic center
Dolphin watching in Gran Canaria (coming soon)
Maspalomas dunes
Puerto de Mogan (Little Venice)
Agaete and its natural pools
The magnificent town of Agüimes
SHE MADE THE TRIP Claire
