Atapuerca: 1.5 Million Years of Human History on the Camino de Santiago

In this episode of Camino Wonders, we explore one of the most important archaeological sites in the world: Atapuerca Archaeological Sites, located directly along the Camino de Santiago.
Our guest is a PhD in Human Evolution from the University of Burgos, a member of the Atapuerca research team since 2015 and an official guide of the archaeological sites. With over a decade of fieldwork experience, he takes us deep into the science, history, and human stories behind this extraordinary place.
What makes Atapuerca unique?
Atapuerca allows scientists to trace human presence in Europe for over 1.5 million years, all in one location. From early hominins to Neanderthals, these sites help us understand who we are, where we come from, and how humans survived long before modern comforts existed.
Atapuerca & Pilgrims
Many pilgrims walking the Camino pass directly through Atapuerca sometimes without realizing the historical treasure beneath their feet. In this conversation, we discuss:
Why pilgrims should stop in Atapuerca
How tours are adapted for Camino walkers
The connection between digging into the past and discovering yourself on pilgrimage
Museums & Preservation
All archaeological remains are preserved and displayed at the Museum of Human Evolution, offering visitors a rare opportunity to see original human fossils, not replicas.
AI, Archaeology & the Future
We also discuss how artificial intelligence may assist archaeology, without replacing human expertise, especially in reconstructing broken bones and stone tools through 3D modeling.
This episode is for:
Camino pilgrims
History & archaeology lovers
Educators & students
Anyone curious about what it truly means to be human

If you’re walking the Camino Francés, Atapuerca is not just a stop, it’s a revelation.

Buen Camino.

Chapters
01:36 Introduction & Guest Background
02:49 Life as an Archaeologist at Atapuerca
03:42 First Excavation Experience
04:29 How Big Is the Atapuerca Team?
05:00 Neanderthals & Open-Air Settlements
05:56 The Historic Railway Trench
06:56 How Large Is the Atapuerca Complex?
07:48 Atapuerca Visitors Images
08:11 Tour Sizes, Seasons & Weather
09:04 Ticket Prices & Accessibility
09:44 Why Atapuerca Is So Important
09:56 Atapuerca Archeological Sites Images
10:58 Pilgrims Visiting Atapuerca
11:52 Tour Schedules for Pilgrims
12:33 Pilgrims Stopping Unexpectedly
14:17 Archaeology & the Camino Connection
15:12 Sharing Science with the Public
16:01 A Day in an Excavation
18:26 Why Excavations Take Decades
19:14 How Many Bones Have Been Found?
19:48 Human vs Animal Bones
21:07 Can AI Help Archaeology?
23:07 Where Are the Remains Stored?
23:53 How Long to Visit the Museum?
25:27 Most Incredible Discovery (Neanderthal Tooth)
27:34 Atapuerca Caves Images
27:47 Life Expectancy in Prehistory
29:15 Dating Ancient Bones
30:32 Students & Education at Atapuerca
31:05 Survival Then vs Now
32:29 Why Pilgrims Must Stop in Atapuerca

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