Parque Cultural La Zarza y La Zarcita

About the museum

The rock-engraving stations of La Zarza and La Zarcita are in the laurel forest (laurisilva) of Garafía, between La Mata and Llano Negro in the north of La Palma. First made known in 1941, they marked the beginning of research into rock art on the island. La Zarza occupies a wide rock shelter with 29 highly complex engraved panels; La Zarcita, on the edge of the barranco of the same name, has 18 panels. Researchers link these places with ritual spaces used by the benahoaritas in the forest. The site was declared a Bien de Interés Cultural (Asset of Cultural Interest) in 1991.

In 1998 the cultural park opened, the first archaeological park in the Canary Islands to be open to the public, with a visitor centre and a path through the forest to the petroglyphs.

The centre closed in 2021 for a refurbishment that added a lift and a ramp, a café and a room for temporary exhibitions. The works have now been completed, and in 2026 the Government of the Canary Islands and the Cabildo de La Palma (island council) presented the new museography, which will tell the story of research since 1941 and explain the types, techniques and meaning of the petroglyphs, with original pieces, touch screens and an area of virtual reconstruction and augmented reality. Reopening is planned for early 2027, under the management of the Cabildo.

Highlights

• Petroglyphs of La Zarza (29 panels) and La Zarcita (18 panels)
• Walk through the laurel forest to the engravings
• First archaeological park in the Canary Islands open to the public (1998)
• New museography with augmented reality (planned for 2027)

Permanent exhibition

• Centro de visitantes de La Zarza – The new permanent exhibition, planned for 2027, will explain research on La Zarza and La Zarcita since 1941 and the meaning of the petroglyphs, with original pieces and augmented reality.

Founded

1998

Operated by

Gobierno de Canarias

Admission & discounts

New opening hours and prices will be announced when the park reopens.

Accessibility

• Wheelchair accessible: no information
• Elevator
• Accessible restroom: no information
• Accessible parking: no information
• Service dogs welcome: no information
• Tactile models & exhibits: no information
• Sign language tours: no information
• Easy-to-read materials: no information
• Audio description: no information

The refurbishment of the visitor centre has added a lift and an access ramp.

Kids & families

New opening hours and prices will be announced when the park reopens.

Getting there & parking

The park is beside the LP-1 road (km 59), between La Mata and Llano Negro, in the north of Garafía.

Amenities & dining

• Café

The refurbished centre will have a café and a room for temporary exhibitions.

Events & venue rental

New opening hours and prices will be announced when the park reopens.