High-Level Archeology

The barren Patagonian plateau surprises us with its many attractions among which are the archeological sites playing a key role in understanding the culture of indigenous people long ago. Setting off from Pico Truncado we made our way to Cueva de las Manos and Piedra Museo.


Cueva de las Manos

We headed to the Interpretation Center at the Pinturas River canyon to understand, from a scientific point of view, how other people lived. The guided visit to Cueva de las Manos took us up and down a path by the rock wall following the course of the river.

Our guide explained that scientists had managed to determine two distinct cultures according to their level of development and different survival strategies: the Tehuelche (11,000 years ago) and the Casapedrense (7,500 years ago). In order to do this, they collected arrow heads, scrapers and rasps used by the Teheulche and animal remains (skin, bones, meat) from the Casapedrense era when they depended on hunting guanacos, skunks, cervids and birds.

Thorough research has led to an understanding of the essence of the materials they employed, revealing the clever use these prehistoric men gave to them. A noteworthy example is the use of boleadoras a throwing weapon made of rounded stones at the end of interconnected crude leather straps.

The rock ledges and projections we saw had sheltered these Patagonian settlers in the late Pleistocene. They were primitive hunter-gatherers who left layers of imprints on the cave walls, depicting their daily activities and the number of people in the different tribes.

Our surprise turned to astonishment when we reached the main cave. “Hundreds of hands and other patterns in negative and positive have been found. Different hues of red, ocher, yellow, green, white and black were used. The human figures and guanaco hunting scenes have been studied by archeologists since 1972. It is incredible that these drawings and imprints on the rock can still be seen this clearly after so long,” said our guide as we strained our ears not to miss a word.

Should visitors prefer adventure in the desert, they can go to Estancia Cueva de las Manos (formerly Los Toldos) which offers accommodation and guided tours in 4-wheel drive vehicles as well as trekking. If they are well-trained, they can enjoy unique cave paintings in extremely rugged terrain.


Piedra Museo

This archeological site, located 250 km from Pico Truncado, is important as it is not only the oldest in Argentina, but proof of early human settlements approximately 13,000 years ago. It was discovered by none other than the prominent Argentinian paleontologist Florentino Ameghino.

Reliable studies have revealed the presence of abundant water, good grassland and animals as well as the extraordinary skill of the hunters.

The Regional History Museum in Pico Truncado displays irreplaceable material proving the presence of man in both archeological sites. Some original pieces and reproductions of cave paintings and photographs are among the priceless documents in the museum.

Thanks to our specialized guides we really appreciated the different cave paintings bearing witness to the beginning of life in the Patagonian steppe.