Parque Arqueológico El Tendal

Parque Arqueológico El Tendal is in northern La Palma, at San Juan, and centres on a cave used by the island’s Benahoaritas before the 8th century. Inside the museum, exhibitions, touch screens and films introduce pre-Hispanic life, while archaeological finds include stone tools, ceramics and animal bones. A guided tour adds context about the people who lived here, their food and the island’s plants and wildlife. Set aside a couple of hours if you want to explore the exhibits and join a cave tour.

The cave and its early inhabitants

El Tendal’s main archaeological site is a cave about 60 metres wide and 15 metres deep. The Benahoaritas, La Palma’s Indigenous people, used it before the 8th century. The material provided estimates that 15 to 20 people may have lived inside. The cave gives the museum visit a direct connection to the place where people lived, rather than leaving the story solely to display cases.

The site also presents evidence of everyday life. Stone tools, ceramics and bones of domesticated animals are among the finds from more than 1,000 years ago. Together, they offer a view of the materials and food practices associated with the island’s early inhabitants.

Museum exhibits and guided tours

The museum uses exhibitions, touch screens and films to introduce La Palma’s pre-Hispanic history. A guided tour of the caves can add detail about the Benahoaritas, including their food and the plants and animals of the island. Reserve ahead if you want to take part, since tour places should be secured in advance.

The daytime museum visit is free, while guided tours are paid. Allow at least a couple of hours to see the exhibitions and take a cave tour. The park is at San Juan in northern La Palma, on the LP-1.