Buzz
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 the Cueva de las Manos Cave. Alongside, it radiates elegance and modernity from its bustling cities.
Moreover, this place is renowned for its rich football history and fiery Tango dance culture. Over time, Argentina has increasingly attracted numerous tourists. Among the highlights here are the fascinating eco-tourism journeys.
The national flag of Argentina waving against the blue sky (Image Source: Collection)
Destinations like Cueva de las Manos cave will surely enhance the excitement of your journey. Setting foot here once will make you understand why this country is so captivating.
Exploring Techniques for Cueva de las Manos Cave
Visiting Cueva de las Manos cave is not difficult for travelers. However, if it's your first time here, you should do some research beforehand. This will ensure a smooth exploration without too much hassle.
You can travel by road to reach the cave. There is a secondary route in the North Bajo Caracoles area. Alternatively, you can drive up to Cañón de Río Pinturas. When you reach the building or protected area, you cannot proceed on your own. At this point, hire a guide or guard to enter the cave.
The pathway leading visitors into the cave (Image Source: Collection)
Some areas inside the cave will be fenced off to prevent visitors from causing damage. This helps protect the landscape from subjective impacts. The best time to visit here is during the spring or summer. So, plan and schedule your visit accordingly!
Unveiling the Mysteries of Handprints in Cueva de las Manos Cave
Cueva de las Manos Cave is a series of caves located in Santa Cruz, Argentina. Situated within the Francisco P. Moreno National Park, this site plays a crucial role in archaeology and biology. Additionally, it is a unique and highly renowned tourist destination.
Seemingly, caves always harbor many mysteries. And Cueva de las Manos Cave is no exception. The distinct feature of this place, known to many, is the thousands of human handprints adorning the cave walls. At first glance, it might send a shiver down your spine. However, these handprints are estimated to date back thousands of years, specifically around 9,500 to 13,500 years ago.
The cave adorned with myriad unique handprints (Image Source: Collection)
Behind these, lies a plethora of intriguing speculative stories. Scientists suggest that these drawings are formed from minerals. To determine their age, remnants were extracted from the color tubes for testing. It is believed that ancient people used these tools to spray ink onto their hands, leaving imprints on the cave walls.
As you enter the cave, you immediately notice images of hands, predominantly left hands. The hand sizes correspond to those of a 13-year-old child but slightly smaller. Therefore, scientists speculate that they placed their left hand on the wall while holding the color tube with their right hand. However, the hidden meaning behind this action remains unresolved.
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. Inside, there is a relatively high slope, reducing the cave's height to about 2 meters. This site has been a focal point for archaeological research in Argentina for the past 25 years.
The ancient method of creating paint colors was also highly creative. This resulted in various color shades in the paintings. For instance, from red (made from hematite, maghemite minerals) to white (kaolin). Or to yellow (natrojarosite) or black (manganese oxide).
Some images have turned yellow and black (Image Source: Collection)
One of the surprising things for visitors here is the red dots 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 then threw them onto the ceiling to create those marks.
What Makes Cueva de las Manos Cave Unique?
The 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 the footprints of the native American group. This culture has existed for about 3,300 years BCE.
The third group is identified as the inhabitants around 1,300 years BCE. They are the Tehuelche hunters, also indigenous residents of Patagonia. They depicted geometric shapes and symbolic images on the rocks. These symbolize humans and animals. Some abstract drawings of various sizes remain undeciphered.
Some other images besides handprints are painted on the cave walls (Image Source: Collection)
Visitors will mostly see images of characteristic South American animals. Such as the wild guanaco, South American ostrich,... The paintings are vividly described and highly characteristic. It can be said that this is an invaluable resource for archaeologists.
Exciting Tourist Destinations in Argentina
Besides Cueva de las Manos cave, Argentina boasts many other fascinating attractions. If you've visited this country, why not take a trip? Surely, every destination will leave an unforgettable impression on you. Below are some interesting places you can consider.
1. Valdes Peninsula
Alongside Cueva de las Manos cave, 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 fan of the wild natural world, you must include this destination in your itinerary.
Stepping foot on Valdes Peninsula, you'll have the opportunity to admire rare and endangered species. Some of them are currently facing extinction. This place is also the habitat of many wild species. Such as sea bass, southern right whales, sea lions...
In Valdes Peninsula, this sight is not too uncommon (Image Source: Collection)
Many have likened the peninsula to one of the greatest wonders on the planet. Moreover, it's a rare place in the world where you can see whales from the coastline. Here, you'll find not only pristine blue beaches and white sands but also vast grasslands. Thousands of seagulls gather in this place.
2. Iguazu Waterfalls
Alongside Cueva de las Manos cave, the Iguazu Falls are also well-known. This waterfall is located on the Argentina-Brazil border. It is one of the most famous tourist destinations in Argentina. When you visit here, you will feel the fresh and comfortable air.
Iguazu Falls possesses incredibly breathtaking scenery. The rushing white waters always pour magnificently, the sound of the waterfall echoes through the mountains. Your journey suddenly becomes filled with many beautiful memories when you come here. 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)
Iguazu Falls were formed by volcanic eruptions. The ancient lava flows have now turned into dazzling white waterfalls. The cascading waterfalls connect to the lush green river below. The falls are surrounded by lush 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 'smoking mountain'. This is because the clouds swirling around the mountain look like cigarette smoke. This has attracted many photographers. Photos taken here have become very popular on social media.
The mountain looks like a painting from a distance (Image Source: Collection)
The 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 for you to imagine the beauty of this place.
4. Perito Moreno Glacier
Perito Moreno Glacier is a landmark no less famous than Cueva de las Manos cave. It is one of the most famous glaciers in the world. Almost every tourist wants to visit this place at least once. The magnificent beauty and coolness of the glacier will leave you in awe.
This prominent destination is located in Los Glaciares National Park. The glacier covers an area of up to 250 km2 and extends up to 5 km wide. You will marvel at the gigantic ice blocks. What's even more amazing is that you can hike on it. It's also one of the few glaciers still growing and maintaining.
One of the most famous glaciers in the world (Source: Collection)
This glacier is considered the third largest freshwater ice mass in the world. If you're lucky, you'll see ice chunks breaking off and falling into the water below. This majestic natural scenery is truly worth admiring. It will be a sight you won't forget.
Cueva de las Manos cave is a very interesting destination in Argentina. If you have the opportunity to travel here, be sure to visit this place. The fascinating country with many beautiful landscapes has many outstanding landmarks for you to explore. If you want to book a tour to Argentina, contact Mytour via hotline Mytour!
