In the heart of the Barranco de San Juan, in Los Galguitos (San Andrés y Sauces), lies one of La Palma’s most important archaeological sites: the El Tendal Archaeological Park. This unique location is home to a vast natural cave, over 60 metres wide, once inhabited by the Benahoaritas, the island’s ancient inhabitants, for nearly a thousand years. A place where history, nature, and tradition come together in an unforgettable way.
Useful Information for Your Visit
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Address | Barranco de San Juan, Los Galguitos – San Andrés y Sauces |
| By car | Drive along the LP-1 road to the Ermita de San Juan de los Galguitos |
| By bus | Line 100 Santa Cruz – Barlovento (stop at the park entrance) |
| Opening hours | Monday to Sunday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM |
| Entry fee | €8 general admission Free or discounted entry depending on season |
| Accessibility | Partially adapted (contact for more details) |
| Ideal for | History lovers, families, curious travellers |
| Nearby | San Andrés y Sauces, Charco Azul, Los Tilos Forest, San Bartolo Viewpoint, Cubo de La Galga |
El Tendal: A Journey into the Island’s Past
The park brings together an impressive collection of natural caves, ancient settlements, burial sites, and a petroglyph station. In total, 27 dwellings have been identified, where thousands of remains have revealed how the Benahoaritas lived, ate, and honoured their dead.
Your visit begins at the Visitor Centre, offering a modern, immersive experience. Inside, you’ll find original archaeological pieces, informative panels, short films, a scientific documentary, and a captivating video mapping installation that brings the aboriginal past to life in a stunning natural setting.
The tour also explores how the ancient inhabitants used their surroundings, their spiritual beliefs, and their funeral traditions, presented in an engaging and accessible way for all ages.
Don’t Miss
- The main cave, a monumental space once home to more than 20 people.
- The immersive video mapping, bringing ancient life vividly to the present.
- The rock engravings and ritual objects, revealing a deep spiritual world.
- The stories of Adeyahamen, the ancient canton that once ruled this land.
Local Tip
To complete your journey into Benahoarita culture and rock art:
- Visit the Benahoarita Museum in Los Llanos de Aridane, where you’ll find more insights into La Palma’s pre-Hispanic history.
- And if you’re passionate about petroglyphs, don’t miss the Cueva de Belmaco in Villa de Mazo, one of the island’s oldest and most remarkable archaeological sites, with engravings preserved in their original location.
El Tendal Map
