Cueva de las Manos, Santa Cruz : Interesting Facts, Information & Travel Guide

Cueva de las Manos, Santa Cruz is an ancient archaeological site located in the Pinturas River Canyon of the Patagonian province in Santa Cruz, Argentina. It is one of the most important archaeological sites in South America, dating back to 13,000 BC and is a World Heritage Site. The main attraction of this archaeological site is the incredible artwork that adorns the cave walls. It consists of handprints, game-playing motifs, and many other paintings. In this blog, we’ll explore the fascinating history behind this site, interesting facts and information, as well as a comprehensive travel guide for visiting Cueva de las Manos, Santa Cruz.

Interesting Facts About Cueva de las Manos, Santa Cruz

1. Cueva de las Manos is a World Heritage Site that has been protected by UNESCO since 1999.

2. The cave is estimated to be over 10,000 years old and is filled with Paleolithic paintings portrayed on the walls.

3.The most common figures painted on the walls of the cave are outlined hands that are believed to have been painted by ancient hunters and shamans.

4. Paintings in the cave depict several distinct landscapes, including mountains, volcanoes, rivers and forests.

5. The longest panel inside the cave is 48 metres long.

6. Inside the cave, there have been numerous artefacts found such as ochre, bone tools and clay figurines that suggest that the area was inhabited in the past.

7. Archaeologists have discovered over 800 paintings inside the Cueva de las Manos.

8. Other notable paintings have been discovered in the cave depicting natural and human-made structures, like platforms, piles of stones, and pampas.

9. The accuracy of the shapes and lines on the paintings indicate that artists used some form of measurement.

10. The Cueva de las Manos is thought to have been an important spiritual site for the ancient tribes in Patagonia.

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History & Information About Cueva de las Manos, Santa Cruz

, Argentina

Cueva de las Manos (Cave of the Hands), is a UNESCO World Heritage Site located in the Patagonian region of Santa Cruz province, Argentina. It is one of the world’s most renowned cave paintings, and the only prehistoric site to make the list.

The site was first discovered in 1941 by Cartel Barros, who were searching for cattle in the area. The rock paintings inside the cave were originally attributed to the Tehuelches, a nomadic indigenous group who once inhabited the region. However, the dating of the paintings has recently been revised, pushing the origin of the art back to somewhere between 9,000 and 12,000 years ago, making them some of the oldest in the world.

The cave consists of several chambers, the majority of which are filled with rock paintings. Most of the artwork is red in colour and consists of paintings of handprints, some of which are adorned with motifs of animals, such as guanacos, rheas, and foxes. There are also several human figures depicted in the painting, which may have been associated with various religious and spiritual beliefs.

The site is not only a significant archaeological and anthropological find, but it is also a testament to the cultural expressivity of the people of the past. It provides clues to how they lived, their spiritual beliefs, and the art forms they employed. As such, it remains an amazing source of inspiration and education for generations to come.

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Travel Guide For Visiting Cueva de las Manos, Santa Cruz

Here is the perfect travel guide for visiting the Cueva de las Manos (Cave of Hands) in Santa Cruz, Argentina!

Getting There:

Cueva de las Manos is located on the southern part of Argentina, approximately 700 kilometers south of the city of Buenos Aires. The national park, where the cave is situated, can be reached by car or by long-distance bus from most major cities in Argentina.

Things to Do and See:

• Visit the Cueva de las Manos, a World Heritage Site UNESCO site where you can observe ancient hand-painted images that date back to 13,000 B.C.E.

• Enjoy stunning wildlife and vistas on the drive to the park.

• Take a guided tour of the cave and learn about its history and significance.

• Hike the surrounding trails and explore the stunning Patagonian geography.

• Go bird watching in the area, which is home to more than 50 species of birds.

• Head to the town of Perito Moreno and enjoy its outdoor activities and relaxing atmosphere.

• Visit nearby Los Antiguos, a tranquil village surrounded by beautiful lakes.

Tips:

• The area is known for its unpredictable climate, so make sure to bring protection from rain and wind.

• The cave port is quite windy, so it’s worth it to wear a jacket or warm clothes.

• Book accommodation in advance, as the area can be quite popular during certain times of the year.

• Don’t forget to bring appropriate footwear for exploring the cave and the surrounding trails.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Cueva de las Manos, Santa Cruz

Q: What is Cueva de las Manos?

A: Cueva de las Manos is a cave in Patagonia, Argentina that contains some of the oldest paintings in the world. The paintings were done between 13,000 and 9,500 years ago by ancient hunter-gathering cultures. The paintings depict a variety of animals including guanacos, rheas, and human hands.

Q: What is the significance of the Cave of Hands?

A: The Cave of Hands has been designated as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, and it is one of the most important archaeological sites in the world. The significance of the cave lies in its beautiful and intricate artwork, which provides insight into the ancient culture that created it. It also serves as a reminder of how interconnected all of humanity is across time and space.

Q: How can I visit Cueva de las Manos?

A: Cueva de las Manos is located in the Santa Cruz province of Patagonia, Argentina. The nearest town is Perito Moreno, which is about 70km away. The cave is located on private land, and visitors are required to arrange a tour in advance with the local tourism office in Perito Moreno.

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