Santa Ana, Archaeological site near Palanda, Ecuador.
Santa Ana is an early settlement in the Palanda River valley, situated on an eastern Andean slope with a central sunken plaza as its focal point. The excavated remains include ceramic vessels, stone tools, storage containers, and mineral ornaments from the ancient community.
The site contains evidence of a previously undocumented culture in the Chinchipe river region, first revealed through systematic excavation in the early 2000s. The artifacts extend back thousands of years, offering insight into early human settlement and agriculture in this Andean area.
The crafted objects found here reveal skilled artisanship in ceramics, polished stone, and ornamental work with precious stones. Visitors can see how people shaped daily and decorative items that suggest both practical knowledge and artistic expression.
The site sits in a mountain valley and is most easily accessed during drier seasons when trails are passable. Nearby Palanda offers basic lodging and food options for visitors exploring the archaeological area.
The location holds evidence of the earliest known use of cacao in the Americas, stretching back several thousand years. This discovery changed how archaeologists understand when people in this continent first began working with this plant.
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