Atapuerca

Atapuerca is a small municipality in Burgos province that covers a rural area containing two villages. The terrain holds several important archaeological sites with remains from different periods of human history.

Discovery of archaeological sites began in 1899 when railway construction uncovered human bones over one million years old. Subsequent excavations revealed this location was a major setting for human development across many time periods.

The Experimental Archaeology Centre runs research and teaching programs about how prehistoric people lived and settled in this region. Visitors can learn how archaeologists study ancient remains and reconstruct daily life from thousands of years ago.

Visiting is best done after checking in advance, as many dig sites are accessible only with guided tours. A visitor center provides information about the archaeological sites and helps plan your trip.

The Atapuerca mountains hold several caves and crevices that preserved thousands of fossils as though trapped in a natural museum. These geological formations were ideal for keeping bone material intact over millions of years.

Location: Province of Burgos

Capital city: Atapuerca

Elevation above the sea: 953 m

Part of: Mancomunitat «Comarca del Arlanzón», Mancomunitat de Municipis Encuentro de Caminos: Sierra de Atapuerca, Camino de Santiago y Vía Romana, Mancomunitat «Ríos Arlanzón y Vena»

Shares border with: Cardeñuela Riopico, Rubena, Quintanapalla, Fresno de Rodilla, Barrios de Colina, Arlanzón, Ibeas de Juarros, Villaescusa la Sombría, Arraya de Oca

GPS coordinates: 42.37667,-3.50917

Latest update: December 20, 2025 16:07