As Nieves Latte Stone Quarry
A quarry on Rota with latte stones still half cut from the bedrock.
Updated 3 September 2026
The As Nieves quarry on Rota, sometimes called the Taga Stone Quarry, is where ancient Chamorro cut latte pillars and capstones out of the limestone, and around a dozen remain in place at various stages: some fully shaped and still attached at the base, others barely started. Work stopped and was never resumed. It is the clearest surviving evidence of how latte were actually made. The largest unfinished stone here would have been bigger than anything at the House of Taga had it been raised.
What's there
- The unfinished latte - stones still attached to the bedrock they were cut from.
- The stages of work - pillars at every point between started and finished.
- The tool marks - the working visible on the surfaces.
- The abandoned quarry - work that stopped and was never taken up again.
When to go
December to June is the drier season. The site is open ground year round. Vegetation grows over it in the wet months.
What to expect
The site is overgrown in places and the stones take pointing out. There is little interpretation on the ground. Getting to Rota means a flight and services are limited.
Nearby
Sinapalo is nearby, and Songsong is southwest.
What to pack for As Nieves Latte Stone Quarry
Chosen from what this place is for. Tap a kit for the full checklist.
- Comfortable walking shoes - Sightseeing means kilometres of pavement and cobbles daily. Find on Amazon
- A slim anti-theft daypack - Zips that close properly; keep it in front in crowds and on transit. Find on Amazon
- A refillable water bottle - Many cities have public fountains; save money and plastic. Find on Amazon
- A light layer + compact umbrella - For museum air-con and a sudden shower. Find on Amazon
Some links on this page are Amazon affiliate links - if you buy through them we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
All packing kitsPlan your trip
Where to start if As Nieves Latte Stone Quarry is going on the list.
Booking links on this page are affiliate links - if you book through them we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. It never changes what we write about a place.
Opening times, ticket prices and seasonal closures change - check the official source before you go: official site.