The Cueva de las Manos, also known as the Cave of Hands, is an archaeological site in Santa Cruz Province, Argentina, near the town of Perito Moreno. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is best known for its cave paintings, which date from roughly 13,000 to 9,500 years ago and rank among the earliest human artistic expressions in South America.
What you will see
The walls of the cave are covered with painted hands, many of them stencilled or outlined in red, ochre and other natural pigments. Alongside the hands are figures and scenes that show how the people who made them lived and thought long before the modern era. The site is a direct link to some of the first communities to settle this part of the continent.
Planning your visit
- Setting: The cave lies in the open, dry landscape of Santa Cruz Province, so the visit suits people who enjoy wide views and quiet surroundings.
- Who it suits: Visitors interested in archaeology, prehistory or rock art will find it especially rewarding.
- Contact: For current information about access and visiting arrangements, you can call +54 2963 432105.
Because the paintings are very old and fragile, the site is protected, and visitors are expected to follow the guidance given on site. Going with an interest in the story behind the images will make the experience more meaningful than simply viewing them.