Palma Sola
The site has been given the modern name of the area, which means “solitary palm.”
Ceremonial center of the ancient inhabitants (800 BC-750 AD) of the heights above Acapulco bay, in the state of Guerrero, with 18 impressive carved rocks depicting myths, personages, the natural environment, agricultural cults and the measurement of time.
About the site
Palma Sola covers an area of approximately 9 acres of the “amphitheater” on the upper part of the Cerro El Veladero. It was no accident that this particular spot was chosen for a ceremonial center. This is where two streams emerge and there is a rocky crag; it is also a spot which overlooks not only the lower slopes of the hill but also the bay. This is where the local people from Hornos, Caleta, Puerto Marqués, Zapotillo and Tambuco used to climb up to celebrate their religious festivals. The site was also used for astronomical readings in order to determine the rainy periods, the sowing season and the dry periods.
Even though it has not been possible to determine exactly the dates the site was occupied, some of the archeological features can be dated to the Middle Preclassic and the Epiclassic (800 BC- 750 AD).
The archeological site, covering about half a mile in length, includes nearly twenty rock carvings made with a chiseling technique. Generally these are schematic outlines of human figures (anthropomorphic), animals (zoomorphic) and geometrical motifs, together with what might be calendar records. Rock carvings 1, 10, 11 and 15 are especially important because of their complexity and interpretation.
Even though it has not been possible to determine exactly the dates the site was occupied, some of the archeological features can be dated to the Middle Preclassic and the Epiclassic (800 BC- 750 AD).
The archeological site, covering about half a mile in length, includes nearly twenty rock carvings made with a chiseling technique. Generally these are schematic outlines of human figures (anthropomorphic), animals (zoomorphic) and geometrical motifs, together with what might be calendar records. Rock carvings 1, 10, 11 and 15 are especially important because of their complexity and interpretation.
Map
Did you know...
- The Palma Sola rock carvings were made in an extremely hard stone, at a time when metal was unknown.
- The site has been named Palma Sola after the spot where it is located. The original name and the identity of its inhabitants remain unknown.
- Human figures, mythical themes, geographical references, lineages, agricultural cults and time measurement are the main subjects depicted in the rock carvings.
Practical information
Wednesday to Sunday from 09:00 to 16:00 hrs. Last entry 16:00 hrs.
Free entry
Tiene una sala introductoria.
Se ubica en los límites del Parque Federal El Veladero y las colonias Independencia y Palma Sola de la ciudad de Acapulco.
From the city of Acapulco, take the Costera Miguel Alemán to the junction with Escudero avenue, and continue along Aquiles Serdán and Constituyentes towards Palma Sola avenue; the last section of the route is done on foot.
Services
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+52 (747) 471 7121
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Jefe del Departamento de Protección y Resguardo de Bienes Culturales
Héctor Torres Calderón
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+52 (747) 472 2604