Do I need prior experience in archaeology to join?

No prior experience is necessary; the activity is designed for beginners and guided by experts.

Is the activity suitable for children?

Yes, children aged 6 and older can participate, making it a great family-friendly outing.

How long does the Arqueólogas por un día experience last?

The activity lasts about one hour, with access to the park and interpretation center for the whole day.

Can I take home the replicas I make?

Yes, participants create their own petroglyph rubbings which they can keep as souvenirs.

Are original petroglyphs touched during the activity?

No; all rubbings are made on replicas to protect the original rock art surfaces.

Is the park accessible by public transport?

Campo Lameiro is best reached by car from Santiago de Compostela; check local transit options beforehand.

Hands-On Archaeology at Parque Arqueolóxico da Arte Rupestre | History Tour | Attraction

Campo Lameiro, a quiet corner of Galicia in northwest Spain, is home to one of Europe’s most fascinating open-air museums of prehistoric rock art. At the Parque Arqueolóxico da Arte Rupestre de Campo Lameiro (PAAR), visitors connect directly with millennia-old history through the unique hands-on experience, Arqueólogas por un día (Archaeologists for a Day). This immersive activity invites you beyond the typical museum visit, offering a rare chance to engage in the documentation and preservation of ancient petroglyphs within a genuine archaeological park.

The park itself sprawls across a landscape engraved with granite outcrops bearing intricate carvings from the Bronze Age. These petroglyphs—depicting spirals, anthropomorphic figures, and geometric shapes—stand out against Galicia’s lush greenery and rugged terrain. PAAR protects these irreplaceable records of human creativity and ritual, and through this program, you get to experience the tools and techniques archaeologists use to study and preserve them.

Participants actively learn how to document rock art, understanding the delicate balance between revealing history and conserving fragile surfaces. The highlight of the visit is creating your own replica of a petroglyph using traditional calco (rubbing) techniques, all guided by experts passionate about Galician heritage. This hands-on craft becomes a tangible memento, grounding your experience in history as something personal, practical, and lasting.

Unlike typical hiking or climbing trips common to Galicia, this adventure merges outdoor activity with cultural immersion. It’s ideal for families, history buffs, and anyone curious about how ancient societies left their marks on the landscape. The park’s location near Campo Lameiro offers a serene setting far from crowds, yet it’s just a short drive from Santiago de Compostela, making it accessible for a meaningful day trip.

PAAR’s dedication to education and conservation ensures visits support sustainable tourism, safeguarding these carvings for future generations. For those seeking a blend of intellectual curiosity and outdoor engagement, Arqueólogas por un día stands apart as an enriching encounter with the past set within Galicia’s extraordinary natural and cultural environment.

About Parque Arqueolóxico da Arte Rupestre de Campo Lameiro

Parque Arqueolóxico da Arte Rupestre de Campo Lameiro, in Campo Lameiro (Pontevedra), is an archaeological park dedicated to the study, preservation and interpretation of prehistoric rock art. The park offers guided tours of petroglyph sites, educational workshops, family gamified activities and themed events that connect visitors with Bronze Age techniques and local heritage.

On-site experiences include a recreation of a Bronze Age settlement, hands-on ceramics workshops that teach ancient pottery techniques, rock‑painting and painting activities using natural pigments, and archaeological‑style sessions where participants document and reproduce petroglyphs.

Evening programs reveal the landscape after dark through nocturnal guided visits that combine expert narration with local myths. Adventure offerings include a heritage-themed escape room, experimental hunting demonstrations using replica tools, and orientation-based family challenges that reward participants with a Protectors of Petroglyphs badge. Tour lengths and formats vary to accommodate families, schools and adult groups.

The park emphasizes experiential learning: visits are led by knowledgeable guides who explain petroglyph techniques, contextualize motifs and detail conservation considerations. Participants leave with tangible keepsakes—ceramic pieces, painted postcards or replica petroglyphs—created during workshops. Located in Campo Lameiro, Pontevedra, the park is designed as a cultural destination for visitors seeking active, educational engagement with prehistoric rock art and local heritage. All programs are presented in Spanish and, where available, through guided interpretation tailored to audience needs. Bookings and schedules are published seasonally by the park and bookings are recommended for popular experiences such as sunset tours, family gamified activities and hands-on archaeological workshops early to secure preferred dates.