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Cueva de las Manos Cave, also known as the cave of hands, stands as a renowned tourist destination in Argentina. Its name originates from the abundance of handprints adorning the cave walls. But where do these handprints come from? How long have they existed? For detailed insights, delve into the following article!
What Makes Argentina Unique?
Argentina, a country in the Latin American region, borders the Atlantic Ocean and is a splendid destination in South America. This nation boasts incredible natural wonders, exemplified by Cueva de las Manos Cave. Alongside, it radiates elegance and modernity from its bustling cities.
Exploring the Mysteries of Cueva de las Manos Cave Paintings
Cueva de las Manos Cave is a series of caves in Santa Cruz, Argentina. Situated within the Francisco P. Moreno National Park, it holds significant importance in archaeology and biology. Additionally, it serves as a unique and popular tourist destination.
It seems that caves always harbor many mysteries, and Cueva de las Manos is no exception. What sets this place apart is the thousands of handprint paintings adorning the rock walls. At first glance, it may send shivers down your spine. However, these handprints are estimated to be thousands of years old, dating back roughly 9,500 to 13,500 years.
Cave adorned with myriad unique handprints (Image Source: Collection)
Behind these paintings lie numerous intriguing hypothetical stories. Scientists believe these images were formed from minerals. To determine their age, researchers extracted remaining components within the color tubes for testing. This is considered the tool ancient people used to spray ink onto their hands, imprinting them on the rock walls.
Upon entering the cave, you'll immediately notice images of hands, predominantly left hands. The hand sizes correspond to those of a 13-year-old child but slightly smaller. Therefore, according to scientists, they placed their left hand on the wall while holding the color tube in their right hand. The hidden meaning behind this action remains unanswered.
Architecture of Cueva de las Manos Cave
Cueva de las Manos Cave extends approximately 24 meters deep with a height of 10 meters. The entrance area spans up to 15 meters wide. The interior features a fairly steep slope, resulting in a height of only about 2 meters. It has also been one of Argentina's primary sites for archaeological research over the past 25 years.
The ancient method of creating paint colors was remarkably inventive, resulting in various shades. For instance, from red (made from hematite, maghemite minerals) to white (kaolin), or into yellow (natrojarosite) or black (manganese oxide).
Some images have turned into yellow and black hues (Image Source: Collection)
One of the surprising things for visitors here is the red spots on the cave ceiling. This ceiling ranges from 2 to 10 meters high. Researchers believe they were created by ancient people dipping hunting tools into ink. They would then throw them onto the ceiling to create these marks.
What makes Cueva de las Manos Cave remarkable?
The cave paintings in Cueva de las Manos Cave belong to three different cultural backgrounds. According to research, the first group is the camelid hunters on the plateau. The second group is the handprint leavers, estimated to be around 7,000 years BCE. Alongside are footprints of the Native American indigenous group. This culture existed around 3,300 years BCE.
The third group is identified as those who lived here around 1,300 years BCE. They are the Tehuelche hunters, also indigenous inhabitants of Patagonia. They depicted geometric shapes and symbolically meaningful images on the rocks. These images represent humans and animals. Some diverse and multi-sized abstract drawings are yet to be deciphered.
Some other images besides handprints are painted on the cave walls (Image Source: Collection)
Visitors will mostly see images of characteristic South American animals. For example, the graceful guanaco, South American ostrich, etc. The paintings are vividly described and full of characteristics. It can be said that these are priceless resources for archaeologists.
Exciting Tourist Destinations in Argentina
Apart from Cueva de las Manos Cave, Argentina boasts numerous other captivating attractions. If you've come to this country, why not embark on a journey? Rest assured that every destination will leave an unforgettable impression on you. Below are some interesting places you can consider visiting.
1. Valdes Peninsula
Alongside Cueva de las Manos Cave, the Valdes Peninsula is also highly renowned. This destination attracts many domestic and international tourists every year. It can be said that this is a nature reserve with breathtaking scenery. If you're a lover of the wild natural world, you must include this destination in your itinerary.
Stepping foot on the Valdes Peninsula, you'll have the opportunity to admire rare and endangered species. Some of them are currently at risk of extinction. This place is also the habitat of many wild species. For example, the southern right whale, sea lions, etc.
At the Valdes Peninsula, this image is not too uncommon (Image Source: Collection)
Many have likened the Valdes Peninsula to one of the greatest wonders on the planet. Moreover, this is a rare place on earth where you can see whales from the coast. Not only does it have pristine blue beaches and white sands, but it also boasts vast grassy plains. There are thousands of seabirds gathered here.
2. Iguazu Waterfalls
Alongside Cueva de las Manos Cave, the Iguazu Waterfalls are also well-known. This waterfall is located on the border of Argentina and Brazil. It is one of the most famous tourist attractions in Argentina. When you visit this place, you will feel the fresh and pleasant atmosphere.
The Iguazu Waterfalls possess incredibly breathtaking scenery. The rushing white waters always flow magnificently, and the sound of the falls echoes through the mountains. Your journey suddenly becomes filled with many beautiful memories when you come to this place. The beauty of the falls is considered unlike any other waterfall in the world.
It's no wonder this waterfall is dubbed one of the world's natural wonders (Image Source: Collection)
The Iguazu Falls were formed by volcanic eruptions. The ancient lava flows have now turned into pristine white waterfalls. The cascading waters connect to the lush green river. The falls are surrounded by dense tropical forests. These elements blend together to create a stunning natural landscape.
3. Mount Fitz Roy
Mount Fitz Roy is also a very famous landmark alongside Cueva de las Manos Cave. This mountain is considered an icon of the Andes range. Surrounding the mountain are impressive plains and glacier-filled valleys. If you're an explorer, you can't miss this place.
This mountain is also known by the intriguing name of the Smoking Mountain. This is because clouds swirling around the mountain resemble cigarette smoke. This has attracted many photographers. Photos taken here have become very popular on social media.
The mountain from afar looks just like a painting (Image Source: Collection)
This rugged terrain is perfect for mountain enthusiasts. What's more, the image of Monte Fitz Roy has been chosen as the logo for fashion brands in Patagonia. Just that alone is enough to imagine the beauty of this place.
4. Perito Moreno Glacier
The Perito Moreno Glacier is as famous as Cueva de las Manos Cave. It is one of the most famous glaciers in the world. Almost every traveler wants to set foot here at least once. The magnificent, cool beauty of the glacier will leave you impressed.
This prominent destination is part of the Los Glaciares National Park. The glacier covers an area of up to 250 km2 and extends up to 5 km wide. You'll get to admire giant ice blocks. What's even more amazing is that you can walk on it. This is one of the few glaciers still growing and maintaining.
One of the world's most famous glacier wonders (Image Source: Collection)
This glacier river is ranked as the third largest freshwater ice block in the world. If you're lucky, you'll see chunks of ice breaking off and falling into the water below. This majestic natural scenery is truly worth admiring. It will be one of the scenes you can't forget.
Cueva de las Manos Cave is a very interesting destination in Argentina. If you have the opportunity to travel here, make sure to visit this place. This fascinating country with its beautiful landscapes has many remarkable landmarks for you to stop by. If you want to book a tour to Argentina, contact Mytour via hotline Mytour!
