Cueva de las Manos
Cueva de las Manos
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Cave of the Hands contains prehistoric paintings.
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stork90
Mount Juliet, TN1,403 contributions
Dec 2022
I can't believe the previous negative review. We thought this site was magnificent! It is much bigger than we expected. You could easily see the art from the boardwalk/trails along the wall, and the colors are still amazingly vibrant. Be aware that there is at least a kilometer of walking out and the same back, as well as a number of stairs. We were amazed that the cost is only 2,000 pesos/person.
The guide gave the tour in both Spanish and English, but the English part seemed truncated, and he couldn't answer any questions we put to him, even with some other visitors translating for us.
The guide gave the tour in both Spanish and English, but the English part seemed truncated, and he couldn't answer any questions we put to him, even with some other visitors translating for us.
Written December 6, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Vilma
Rosario, Argentina24 contributions
Mar 2024 • Family
A treasure! Cave paintings of ancient settlers dating back 12,000 years! They show aspects of guanaco hunting, the main source of subsistence for the ancients. Entry is organized and with a discount for national retirees. With guide.
Written March 13, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
sergey-sem48
Moscow, Russia87 contributions
Dec 2013 • Couples
I recomend to use a rental car or take a bus excursion from Perito Moreno. We joined to occasional group at Ruta 40 and needed to cross canion to rech Perito Moreno after it.
At last stop before Perito Moreno, by the way from El Chalten to Bariloche, we had the opportunity to join an excursion to a known Las Manos Cave. A small bus brought us to a picturesque canyon at the Pinturas River. Here we had given helmets and on wooden planked footway we descended into the canyon. Our guide Valeria had pointed to a bus standing at the other side of the huge canyon and told us we were going to this car that was waiting for us. It was a good joke, and all laughed amicably.
The planked footway led us to a large cave, but its entry was closed. No matter for all the interesting rocks covered by prints of human hands were on the outside. It looked as if someone put one hand on a stone and sprayed paint from a tube. There are hundreds, if not thousands of such prints, and some pictures of animals - mostly guanacos, but also trees, circles, prints of ostrich's paws and even a white moon. According Valeria's explanations, the oldest pictures there were animals and hunt scenes, about ten thousand years old and hand prints about two thousand years old. It is very strange, but no human remains were found here. The picture rocks are fenced off from the track by a metal grid to prevent new paintings.
We had been looking at these miracles for about an hour. After that we had reached the end of footway, and one man collected our helmets and brought them back to entry, but Valeria didn't follow. At that moment I became afraid that Valeria's talk about the car was not a joke.
Valeria told us to follow her and went over the handrail. We followed her and went straight down a slope. The canyon had about two hundred meters depth, and small cows peered up at us surprised from its bottom. A not so small river was waiting us there.
Gradually all had gone down and were stopped by river. Then Valeria showed us what we should do. She had taken off her shoes, rolled up trousers and entered into water. We followed and the river was shallow and warm, the water pure and transparent. When we came to the other bank, we walked about a hundred meters barefoot and climbed up a hill of volcanic ash. The ash was warm and soft and it was pleasant for our bare feet.
After putting our shoes on, we had only to rise two hundred meters up towards our goal. The rock before us was almost vertical, but we knew with Valeria we could overcome anything. She led us via imperceptible paths and we went out of canyon in the sunset, an unbelievable and magnificent sunset. I had never seen anything like it. The clouds were as a flame - red and yellow, and the entire heavens were enveloped in flames.
At last stop before Perito Moreno, by the way from El Chalten to Bariloche, we had the opportunity to join an excursion to a known Las Manos Cave. A small bus brought us to a picturesque canyon at the Pinturas River. Here we had given helmets and on wooden planked footway we descended into the canyon. Our guide Valeria had pointed to a bus standing at the other side of the huge canyon and told us we were going to this car that was waiting for us. It was a good joke, and all laughed amicably.
The planked footway led us to a large cave, but its entry was closed. No matter for all the interesting rocks covered by prints of human hands were on the outside. It looked as if someone put one hand on a stone and sprayed paint from a tube. There are hundreds, if not thousands of such prints, and some pictures of animals - mostly guanacos, but also trees, circles, prints of ostrich's paws and even a white moon. According Valeria's explanations, the oldest pictures there were animals and hunt scenes, about ten thousand years old and hand prints about two thousand years old. It is very strange, but no human remains were found here. The picture rocks are fenced off from the track by a metal grid to prevent new paintings.
We had been looking at these miracles for about an hour. After that we had reached the end of footway, and one man collected our helmets and brought them back to entry, but Valeria didn't follow. At that moment I became afraid that Valeria's talk about the car was not a joke.
Valeria told us to follow her and went over the handrail. We followed her and went straight down a slope. The canyon had about two hundred meters depth, and small cows peered up at us surprised from its bottom. A not so small river was waiting us there.
Gradually all had gone down and were stopped by river. Then Valeria showed us what we should do. She had taken off her shoes, rolled up trousers and entered into water. We followed and the river was shallow and warm, the water pure and transparent. When we came to the other bank, we walked about a hundred meters barefoot and climbed up a hill of volcanic ash. The ash was warm and soft and it was pleasant for our bare feet.
After putting our shoes on, we had only to rise two hundred meters up towards our goal. The rock before us was almost vertical, but we knew with Valeria we could overcome anything. She led us via imperceptible paths and we went out of canyon in the sunset, an unbelievable and magnificent sunset. I had never seen anything like it. The clouds were as a flame - red and yellow, and the entire heavens were enveloped in flames.
Written March 9, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
bluebay06
La Spezia, Italy2,209 contributions
Feb 2017 • Couples
Cuevas de Las Manos is a very interesting place to visit driving on Ruta 40. The site is fantastic with paintings (mostly left hands, but also guanacos, lesser rheas, cougars and hunters) dating back to 9000 years B.C. (and probably even 13.000 B.C., questioning the dating of the first transit of Bering till now accepted as 17000 BC). The visit of the painting and the view of the valley of the Pinturas River are really fantastic. During summer this cave is open from 8 AM to 7 PM and can be visited only with a guide (the cost of the guide is included in the entrance ticket). One side of the cave collapsed, so the cave is open and there is no claustrophobic problems at all. There are 2 roads to reach the cave, both unpaved. The easiest way is to refuel in Bajo Caracoles, proceed 3 km north on Ruta 40 and turn right on Ruta 97 driving 43 km till the cave. The parking space is next to the entrance. The alternative solution is to stay in Hosteria Cuevas de Las Manos, an excellent option (we selected this option), but some physical effort is required to reach the cave because the road from the Hosteria to the cave ends on the other side of the canyon and to reach the entrance of the Cueva it is necessary to walk under the sun for 40 minutes down from the edge of the canyon to the Pinturas River and then up to the cave. The trail is steep but not dangerous. On the other hand the short driving (less than 18 km) from the Hosteria to the Canyon is a African like safari with hundreds of guanacos and lesser rheas together with birds. At sunset the guanacos move to the top of the hills to spend the night in such a defensive position to reduce the effectiveness of cougar ambushes while small animals come out from their burrows. Coming from Caretera Austral we refueled in Perito Moreno (the town) and after driving 68 km South on Ruta 40 we saw on the left a very small sign indicating the access to the Hosteria which is not visible from the main road. The accommodation is very good in rooms with private bathroom and breakfast included. The dinner is available (you have to ask at the arrival) with good local food in a tasty menu without choice. A dinner in family where the few customers exchange information and travel tips. The generator is switched off at midnight and the sky becomes incredibly full of the Southern Hemisphere stars.
Written March 14, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
wilhelmm-norway
Fornebu, Norway189 contributions
Jan 2015 • Friends
Fascinating canyon and Caves With tons of different paintings, mostly of hands, but also of different animals and symbols. Everything from 1300 to 9300 years old. Rare to see such old manifests of a long gone Indian culture in these parts of the world. No wonder the Caves are on the UNESCO list of world Heritage. The road is not too bad, and you easily drive from Perito Moreno to visit the Caves, and on to Gobernadores in a day. Even better: Stay overnight at the Hotel Bajo Caracoles - fascinating hotel in the middle of nowhere. Do not miss this sight if you pass on the Routa 40!
Written February 1, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
EtanM
Hartford, CT30 contributions
Dec 2014 • Couples
This place is amazing. The long bus trip is worth it!
We had one excellent tour guide and a very good translator. A young man who was alert to the nature around us and thanks to him we got to see and learn about the wild life as well as the art. There is also a small nice museum on location.
We had one excellent tour guide and a very good translator. A young man who was alert to the nature around us and thanks to him we got to see and learn about the wild life as well as the art. There is also a small nice museum on location.
Written January 20, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
gerhildschiller
Porto Alegre, RS23 contributions
Mar 2013 • Family
difficult to get to, not by bus
but it is definitely worth the visit
bring time
because the surrounding landscape is very interesting to walk through
the cave itself is not a cave
it is a overhanging rock
the actual cave is only acessible for scientists
nevertheless it is overwhelming to see 9000 year old spray art and drawings
but it is definitely worth the visit
bring time
because the surrounding landscape is very interesting to walk through
the cave itself is not a cave
it is a overhanging rock
the actual cave is only acessible for scientists
nevertheless it is overwhelming to see 9000 year old spray art and drawings
Written February 14, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Fiona M
Mendoza, Argentina74 contributions
Dec 2011 • Couples
After driving around a large area of Patagonia, I can see why this site was chosen by these early peoples as a place of rest and refuge. Located on a mountain next to a beautiful valley, it's easy to understand the attraction of this place. The paintings on the walls remain a vivid reminder of those who came before us. This was definitely a worthwhile site to visit. We were lucky enough to have a private tour as we were the only people there at the time. Our guide was very knowledgeable, not only about the history of the site, but of the area.
One thing to take into consideration is that this area is in FULL sun, and there isn't a lot of shade. Visitors are required to wear a hard hat, so I wasn't able to wear my large brimmed hat. My husband had a baseball cap that he was able to wear underneath.
One thing to take into consideration is that this area is in FULL sun, and there isn't a lot of shade. Visitors are required to wear a hard hat, so I wasn't able to wear my large brimmed hat. My husband had a baseball cap that he was able to wear underneath.
Written January 11, 2012
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
wellnessvb
Sydney, Australia3 contributions
Feb 2017 • Solo
Perito Moreno, sleepy and underwhelming, is the unexpected gateway to many wonderful sites, animals and stunning scenery in the NorthWest of Santa Cruz. Touted as a stop-over on the way between El Calafate/El Chalten and Bariloche,
I'm glad I decided to check out the Cuevas de los Manos.
The day I spent travelling to the Caves with a local tour company from Perito Moreno was delightful, seeing Guanacos and ostriches, and hiking through the striking CAÑADON DEL RIO PINTURAS to the Caves of the Hands (UNESCO World Heritage listed). It felt like a gateway, a perfect prelude to the caves, alive yet so still.
At the Caves, you have guided tours in English or Spanish, showcasing this UNESCO World Heritage listed site of ancient art and history on the rocks. The guides are passionate and dynamic about their site.
My guide spoke English as well as his native Spanish, and can cater for groups as well as individual travellers like me, and also organised my accomodation, assisting with my local travel. In retrospect, I would like to have stayed longer....
You can visit Cuevas de los Manos directly, however it is the tour companies that can take an average experience and make it excellent, suggest where else to go and organise where to stay....
I'm glad I decided to check out the Cuevas de los Manos.
The day I spent travelling to the Caves with a local tour company from Perito Moreno was delightful, seeing Guanacos and ostriches, and hiking through the striking CAÑADON DEL RIO PINTURAS to the Caves of the Hands (UNESCO World Heritage listed). It felt like a gateway, a perfect prelude to the caves, alive yet so still.
At the Caves, you have guided tours in English or Spanish, showcasing this UNESCO World Heritage listed site of ancient art and history on the rocks. The guides are passionate and dynamic about their site.
My guide spoke English as well as his native Spanish, and can cater for groups as well as individual travellers like me, and also organised my accomodation, assisting with my local travel. In retrospect, I would like to have stayed longer....
You can visit Cuevas de los Manos directly, however it is the tour companies that can take an average experience and make it excellent, suggest where else to go and organise where to stay....
Written March 9, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
cperron
Costa Rica43 contributions
Sept 2014 • Couples
It's a bit of a drive, no matter if you've rented a car or are going on a guided tour but every second is worth it - and while the access roads are bumpy and a bit dusty, the opportunity to see unique wildlife pays off. We saw an armadillo, countless guanacos, wild ostrich and flamingos just on the way there! Not to mention the incredible red rock and pampas scenery..
For guided tours we discovered several operators out of Puerto Montt but having our own 4x4 truck made for a very memorable trip and the flexibility to stop for as many photos as we wanted. When we arrived (go early) there weren't any other tourist and we were treated to a long (1.5 hr) tour and truly felt like our guide allowed us to enjoy the art at times staying quiet, and at other he chimed in with truly informational, entertaining details (like which minerals resulted in the different colors)
For more avid hikers, there is a longer trail that winds through the canyon and provides better interaction with the local flora and fauna, so make sure to bring hiking boots. Basic food is served, but better to pack your own - as well as a large bottle of water, a hat and sunscreen - it gets hot!
The caves, or rather overhangs allow you to get very close to the art and as they are located on the edge of a canyon, condor viewings are common. We paid a $4.00 entrance fee and brought our own food, and slept in Chil Chico for the night making it a very affordable experience.
I run a travel site aimed at meaningful travel and unique experiences, and this is still one of my favorites. For a complete guide and review feel free to read it here: http://taproottravel.com/cueva-de-las-manos/
For guided tours we discovered several operators out of Puerto Montt but having our own 4x4 truck made for a very memorable trip and the flexibility to stop for as many photos as we wanted. When we arrived (go early) there weren't any other tourist and we were treated to a long (1.5 hr) tour and truly felt like our guide allowed us to enjoy the art at times staying quiet, and at other he chimed in with truly informational, entertaining details (like which minerals resulted in the different colors)
For more avid hikers, there is a longer trail that winds through the canyon and provides better interaction with the local flora and fauna, so make sure to bring hiking boots. Basic food is served, but better to pack your own - as well as a large bottle of water, a hat and sunscreen - it gets hot!
The caves, or rather overhangs allow you to get very close to the art and as they are located on the edge of a canyon, condor viewings are common. We paid a $4.00 entrance fee and brought our own food, and slept in Chil Chico for the night making it a very affordable experience.
I run a travel site aimed at meaningful travel and unique experiences, and this is still one of my favorites. For a complete guide and review feel free to read it here: http://taproottravel.com/cueva-de-las-manos/
Written May 22, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hola quisiera saber si la cueva de las manos es accesible como para llegar con un niño?
Written October 17, 2018
Esraremos pronto por ahà me interesa saber el precio d la excurcion ya q vamos con un agencia de viajes y no sabemos los precios ..y estamos asustados por el dolar ..no se como cobran allá gracias!
Written September 30, 2018
Hola. Alguien sabe cómo puedo llegar a la cueva de las manos desde Calafate... Gracias
Written September 10, 2018
Is there a discount for national students?
Hay un descuento para estudiantes nacionales?
Written February 12, 2018
gostaria de saber quanto tempo leva d el chalten ate esta atração.... e se de lá (ou de el calafate) fazem este tour.
Written December 21, 2016
Qué ciudad es mejor para alojarse y luego visitar la cueva de las manos? yendo desde Buenos Aire en avión?
Written January 24, 2015
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