Guachipas Rock Paintings

Guachipas Rock Paintings

Duración: 11 Horas

To the south of Salteña city, you'll find one of the province's most well-preserved archaeological treasures, the Las Guachipas Painted Caves. This sacred site once served as an oratory for the Guachipas tribes.
These caves, also known as Cuevas Pintadas Las Juntas, feature approximately 33 eaves carved from red sandstone. They display images depicting religious ceremonies, battles, and scenes from the daily lives of indigenous peoples.
During this activity, you can explore the caves and marvel at the ancient wisdom and secrets preserved in the paintings. With the guidance of an expert, you'll also visit the Cabra Corral Dam and the Finca Santa Anita, a ranch committed to keeping Salta's gaucho traditions alive. Additionally, you'll explore Argentina's first Tobacco Museum, which highlights the crop's pre-Columbian social, shamanic, and ritual significance.

From 269.167 ARS

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Descripción del Tour:

Our adventure kicks off at 07:00 AM with a pick-up from your hotel conveniently located in the heart of Salta. We will journey south through the province via National Route No. 68 until we arrive at the CIARG, the Guachipas Rock Art Interpretation Center. This site is acknowledged as one of the main attractions of Guachipas and holds the title of the most significant archaeological site in the Lerma Valley.
Our exploration continues to the rocky hill, where eaves, caves, and walls of red sandstone reveal numerous depictions of camelids, condors, felines, and other indigenous animals, along with geometric and abstract designs. The remarkable Painted Caves of Guachipas were created between the 9th and 15th centuries by the native communities that once lived in this area.
The most captivating elements are some red, black, and white figures resembling warriors, known as the shield-men. Observing them allows us to journey back to that distant past, envisioning those men and women, honoring their harmonious bond with nature, and most importantly, respecting their legacy.
Around midday, we will retrace National Route 68 to reach the Cabra Corral Reservoir, where you'll have free time to enjoy lunch and admire the expansive water mirror of the dam, covering over 130 km².
Post-lunch, we will explore Finca Santa Anita, where family dedication and local efforts have preserved ancient customs and unique artifacts, culminating in the creation of the first Tobacco Museum in Argentina. Traditional activities such as goat cheese production, chili cultivation, Creole tobacco processing, and an array of aromatic medicinal plants and native trees will transform this visit into a fragrant journey into the past, rich with ancient wisdom.
The tour concludes around 6:00 PM with a drop-off at your hotel in Salta.

Lo que SI incluye:

* Round trip transfers * Bilingual guide ESP/ENG

Lo que NO incluye:

* Entrance to museums * Tips * Lunch

Preguntas Frecuentes

The excursion includes round-trip transportation from your accommodation in downtown Salta, a Spanish-speaking guide specializing in history and archaeology, and admission to the archaeological site of the cave paintings. During the tour, you'll enjoy stunning scenery while learning about the pre-Columbian cultures that inhabited the region. A lunch stop at a local restaurant is also included, where you can sample typical dishes from the northern Argentine region. It's the perfect option for those looking for a cultural and natural experience in one trip.

The total duration of the tour is approximately 8 hours. The itinerary is designed to allow you to enjoy the site with enough time to explore the cave paintings, participate in the guide's lectures, and take photographs of the surroundings. The shuttle ride from Salta to the archaeological site takes approximately 2 hours each way, allowing for an enriching experience without rushing. This full-day tour is ideal for those who want to explore without worrying about transportation and travel arrangements.

Yes, the Guachipas Cave Paintings tour is suitable for people of all ages. Access to the paintings is via well-marked, moderately difficult trails, allowing both children and seniors to enjoy the tour without any major inconvenience. However, participants are advised to wear comfortable shoes and be prepared to walk some sections. The guides are trained to offer support and assistance to those who need it, ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience for all visitors.

The best time to visit the Guachipas Cave Paintings is during spring and fall, when temperatures are pleasant and the extreme heat of summer is avoided. These months offer a milder climate, ideal for the hikes required to access the archaeological site without major complications. In spring, the landscape is painted in intense greens and wildflowers, while in autumn, the ochre and gold hues create a magical atmosphere. However, the tour is available year-round, allowing you to plan your visit whenever it suits you best.

To fully enjoy the hike, it's recommended to wear comfortable, hiking-appropriate clothing, including sturdy footwear. Don't forget to bring a hat or cap and sunscreen to protect yourself from the sun, as well as a reusable water bottle to stay hydrated. Although the hike includes a lunch stop, you can bring healthy snacks to refuel during the hike. It's also advisable to bring a camera or smartphone to capture the landscapes and cave paintings you'll encounter along the way, ensuring you preserve the memories of this fascinating journey.

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