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Cueva de las Manos

Plizio editorial teamUpdated: Jun 2026Data Sources

Historical site

Weather…

The Cueva de las Manos, located in the spectacular canyon of the Pinturas River in Santa Cruz Province, houses one of the most significant collections of prehistoric rock art in the world. The oldest depictions date back to around 7300 BC and were created by early hunter-gatherer cultures, presumably the ancestors of the Tehuelche people. The cave is famous for the countless stencils of human hands applied to the rock using a negative technique with mineral pigments. In addition to the hands, the paintings depict hunting scenes, symbols, and animals such as guanacos, providing valuable insights into the life and spirituality of Patagonia's early inhabitants. The colors were derived from natural materials like hematite, kaolin, and manganese oxide, retaining their brilliance over millennia. Due to its exceptional cultural and historical significance, the site was declared a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1999. Today, it is a protected national monument that attracts visitors from around the globe while remaining subject to strict conservation measures.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jan, Feb, Dec.

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Avg °C	14	13	10	6	2	-1	-2	0	3	6	10	12
Rain mm	8	14	17	19	29	27	23	25	17	13	14	12

📋 Practical info

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Visiting

The Cueva de las Manos is an outdoor archaeological site that can be visited. Visits are only allowed with a guide to protect the paintings.

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Typical hours

The site is typically open during daylight hours. Fixed guided tour times are offered, which vary by season.

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Photography

Photography is allowed during the tour, but without flash and tripod. Drones are strictly prohibited.

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Time needed

The guided tour lasts about 45 minutes to one hour. Allow extra time for travel and the surrounding area.

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Combine with

Nearby is the Perito Moreno National Park (not the glacier), which you can also visit. The town of Perito Moreno is also worth a detour.

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Getting there

Cueva de las Manos is located in a remote area of Santa Cruz province. Access is best by rental car on unpaved roads.

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Insider tip

Book the tour in advance as spaces are limited. Bring insect repellent, especially in summer.

Geography

Coordinates

-47.15580, -70.16330

Facts

Oldest paintings are more than 9,000 years old
Designated a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1999
Pigments consist of hematite and manganese oxide
The majority of hand stencils are of left hands
Depictions of guanacos illustrate hunting strategies
Cave is situated in the 200-meter-deep Pinturas River canyon

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

Start Destination Via (optional)

Overnight stops

Vehicle

Only stops with (optional): 💧 Water ♻️ Disposal 🔌 Power 🚻 Toilets 🚿 Shower

Sights in the town Cueva de las Manos (1)

Cerro Corona🌿 nature

A rugged Patagonian mountain peak rising prominently above the arid steppe landscape of the region.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

What is Cueva de las Manos?

It is a Patagonian cave with famous prehistoric hand stencils and rock art. It is one of Argentina’s most important archaeological sites.

How much time should you plan for the visit?

For the cave and the visit itself, plan about 2 to 3 hours. With travel and photo stops, half a day is more realistic.

Is the site easy to access?

It is reachable, but the road is remote and sometimes long. On site there are often guided sections and limited infrastructure.

When is the best time for photos?

Morning or late afternoon is best, when the light falls more softly on the rocks. In high season, also watch the wind and weather.

What is the cave known for?

The cave is famous for its hand stencils, which give a direct look into early human art. It is a strong symbol of Patagonia’s prehistory.

Cueva de las Manos: where is it located?

Cueva de las Manos is located in Argentina.

Cueva de las Manos: when is the best time to visit?

The most pleasant time to visit is Jan, Feb, Dec.

Cueva de las Manos: why is it worth visiting?

The Cueva de las Manos, located in the spectacular canyon of the Pinturas River in Santa Cruz Province, houses one of the most significant collections of prehistoric rock art in the world.

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