This spacious funeral mound of aboriginal culture is located on the way to the stunning valley of Agaete, and along with Arteara, in the municipality of San Bartolomé de Tirajana, constitutes one of the most spectacular burial mounds on volcanic material in the whole of the Canaries, with over a square kilometre of surface area.
The Maipés is a <em>malpaís</em>, an arid, rocky area of volcanic lava flow in which a cemetery is preserved, with nearly 700 Ancient Canarian tombs, some of which were made over 1.300 years ago.
These burial mounds were made out of volcanic stones, and are usually truncated cone-shaped, in some cases reaching up to 8m. in diametre and 3m. in height. The dead body was placed inside, in a kind of stone drawer made to the body’s size.
In 1974 the settlement was declared a Site of Cultural Interest under the category of Archaeological Zone. Along with its obvious archaeological value, the surrounding area has impressive geological features, represented by its lava flow, with all the flora and fauna associated with it. Its positioning under the spectacular high cliff walls of the Tamadaba Forest, itself a Natural Park, make for a memorable visit.
The Archaeological Park has its own Visitors Centre and a series of walks around the site especially adapted for the disabled. Information is laid out on the noticeboards, scale models, life-size recreations and multimedia applications, all available in several languages.
Visiting Hours
October - March
Tuesday to Sunday from 10:00 to 17:00 h.
April - September
Tuesday to Sunday from 10:00 to 18:00 h.
Closed Mondays, and 1st, 5th and 6th January, 1st May, and 24th, 25th and 31st December.
Entrance Fee
General price: 3 €. This price allows visitors access for a whole year.
Reduced price: 2 €: School groups (except local school) or groups of over 10 people with prior appointment; children between the ages of 10 and 14, student card holders, and over 65s.
Special free entry: Educational groups from the municipality with prior appointment; tourist guides and teachers accompanying groups; children under 10.
To qualify for the reduced fee, visitors must be able to produce all appropriate documentation.
Guided tours, activities and workshops are available to school groups or private groups of over 10 individuals.
Combo 5 €: Cenobio de Valerón + Maipés de Agaete.
Combo 8 €: Cenobio de Valerón + Maipés de Agaete + Cañada de Los Gatos.
Guided tours have to be requested by prior appointment.
Visiting Hours
October to March: Tuesday to Sunday from 10:00 to 17:0 h.
April to September(*): Tuesday to Sunday from 10:00 to 18:00 h.
Summer Opening Hours
*14th July to 31st August: Tuesday to Sunday from 10:00 to 14:00h.
Entrance Fee
General price: 3 €. This price allows visitors access for a whole year.
Reduced price: 2 €: School groups (except local school) or groups of over 10 people with prior appointment; children between the ages of 10 and 14, student card holders, and over 65s.
Special free entry: Educational groups from the municipality with prior appointment; tourist guides and teachers accompanying groups; children under 10.
To qualify for the reduced fee, visitors must be able to produce all appropriate documentation.
Guided tours, activities and workshops are available to school groups or private groups of over 10 individuals.
Guided tours have to be requested by prior appointment.
Maipés Archaeological Park of Agaete
Location: C/ Chapín s/n. Situated right behind Agaete football ground, the local primary school and the Civil Guard Barracks, on the road up to the valley.
Municipality: Agaete
Telephone: (+34) 928 171 177
E-mail: museosyarqueologia@arqueocanaria.com
Web: www.maipesdeagaete.com
