Santa Ana-La Florida Archaeological Site

Discover the origins of chocolate and a lost civilization at this Ecuadorian archaeological site.

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Journey back over 5,500 years at Santa Ana-La Florida, an archaeological site near Palanda, Ecuador, revealing the Mayo-Chinchipe-Marañón culture. This groundbreaking discovery redefines our understanding of early Amazonian settlements and the origins of cacao domestication, offering a unique glimpse into a sophisticated pre-Columbian society.

A brief summary to Santa Ana

39, EC
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Local tips

Wear comfortable shoes for walking around the archaeological site.
Bring insect repellent, as the site is located in a humid, subtropical environment.
Hire a local guide for a more in-depth understanding of the site's history and significance.
Combine your visit with a tour of local coffee plantations in the Palanda region.

Getting There

Bus

To reach Santa Ana, begin by taking a bus from Zamora to Palanda. Buses depart frequently from the main terminal in Zamora. From Palanda, the archaeological site is approximately 5 kilometers away. You can take a taxi or walk to the site. Taxis are readily available in Palanda's central area. The cost for a taxi from Palanda to Santa Ana is approximately $3-$5.

Discover more about Santa Ana

Santa Ana-La Florida, located just north of Palanda in the Zamora-Chinchipe Province of Ecuador, is a significant archaeological site dating back to 3500 BC. This area unveils the mysteries of the Mayo-Chinchipe-Marañón culture, challenging previous assumptions about early civilizations in the Americas. Excavations that began in 2002 have revealed a complex ceremonial center with a central sunken plaza, temples, and tombs filled with fine ceramic vessels, demonstrating a sophisticated level of social organization and symbolic expression. One of the most remarkable discoveries at Santa Ana-La Florida is the evidence of the earliest known use of cacao. Traces of cacao, dating back 5,500 years, were found in ceramic pottery, indicating that the Mayo-Chinchipe-Marañón culture not only consumed cacao but also used it in a socially and symbolically significant way. This finding has rewritten the history of chocolate, establishing Ecuador as the original home of cacao domestication. Visitors to Santa Ana-La Florida can explore the archaeological site and learn about the Mayo-Chinchipe-Marañón culture through exhibits and guided tours. The site's location on the eastern slope of the Andes, in a transitional zone between highlands and lowland jungles, offers a unique perspective on the interaction between different ecological zones and cultural exchange. The discovery of Strombus and Spondylus shells, originating from the coast, further supports the idea of trade and interaction between the Amazonian people and coastal cultures.