El Chorro de Maita, Archaeological site in Banes, Cuba
El Chorro de Maita is an archaeological burial site containing the remains of around 110 individuals from precolonial times, located on the eastern slope of Yaguajay Hill near the Cuban coast. The excavation area is paired with a museum that displays recovered artifacts including tools, pottery, and ceremonial objects.
This burial ground dates from 1300 to 1550 and contains evidence of early encounters between indigenous populations and European settlers in the region. The burial practices and grave contents document this period of contact in Caribbean history.
The burial ground reveals social hierarchies through funeral offerings, where certain graves hold precious ornaments and ceremonial objects that show the elevated status of specific community members.
The on-site museum displays items discovered during excavations and gives visitors a clear view of life in the precolonial era. It is best to visit during the cooler morning or late afternoon hours to avoid the peak heat of the tropical climate.
Analysis of human remains reveals varying diets among the population, showing that different social classes had distinct access to marine and land-based food resources. These dietary differences point to the economic disparities that existed within the community.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
