Parque Arqueológico de Belmaco
Archaeological park in Villa de Mazo with the Belmaco cave, the first petroglyphs found in the Canary Islands, and an interpretation centre.
Have only individual sections read aloud
About the museum
Belmaco is the most emblematic pre-Hispanic site on La Palma and the first to be discovered in the Canary Islands: in the mid-18th century the military governor Domingo Vandewalle made its rock engravings known, and they have since attracted travellers and researchers. The site, in the barranco de Belmaco near the island's east coast, is declared a Bien de Interés Cultural (Asset of Cultural Interest).
It consists of ten natural dwelling caves and an engraving station with four panels of spirals, concentric circles and meander-shaped motifs. The main cave, which offered very good living conditions, was permanently inhabited by the benahoaritas, the early inhabitants of the island. According to tradition it was the home of Juguiro and Garehagua, the brothers who ruled the canton of Tigalate. A burial was also documented inside it, and scholars link the cave to rites for requesting rain; excavations have also revealed the use of pine needles (pinocha) to deworm livestock.
The park has an interpretation centre with models, photographs, multimedia resources and archaeological reproductions that introduce visitors to the Aboriginal world. From there, a path through native vegetation leads to the caves and the engravings, which are explained by panels.
Highlights
- Belmaco cave, home of the last leaders of the canton of Tigalate
- First petroglyphs discovered in the Canary Islands
- Interpretation centre with models and reproductions
- Path through native vegetation to the caves
Permanent exhibition
- Centro de interpretación de Belmaco – Rooms with models, photographs, multimedia resources and archaeological reproductions on the life and rock engravings of the benahoaritas.
- Operated by
- Ayuntamiento de Villa de Mazo
Admission & discounts
| Adults | €2 |
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Adult admission: €2.
Accessibility
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Kids & families
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Getting there & parking
The park is beside the LP-2 southern road, in the Lomo Oscuro district.
Get directionsAmenities & dining
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Events & venue rental
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Plan your visit
| Good to know | A path leads from the interpretation centre to the caves and rock engravings, with information panels. Visits outside the usual hours can be arranged. |
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