Patagoina Hike to the Cueva de las Manos

Embark on a captivating hike through the wilderness of Chile, where you'll encounter the stunning and diverse landscapes of Patagonia before reaching the Cueva de las Manos. Inside this prehistoric cave, you'll discover an impressive array of cave paintings.

Patagonia Hike to the Cueva de las Manos

Your adventure begins with a convenient pick-up from your hotel in Chile Chico at 7:30 am, followed by a comfortable ride in a minibus or 4x4 to the trailhead of Patagonia National Park. Here, we will set off on our trekking journey through this stunning natural sanctuary.

During the medium-difficulty trek, spanning 7 kilometers (4.4 miles), we'll traverse the expansive and arid terrains of the Patagonian plains. As we distance ourselves from the shores of Lake General Carrera, you'll witness the gradual transformation of the landscape around us.

We will pause multiple times along the trail to fully appreciate the remarkable geological formations characteristic of this region in Chilean Patagonia. One of the standout features is the remarkable Piedra Clavada, a needle-like rock rising to 40 meters (130 feet) due to the erosive power of the wind.

Continuing our journey, we will arrive at the renowned Cueva de las Manos, where we can observe ancient paintings dating back over 10,000 years. You’ll see how the prehistoric inhabitants of this site artistically rendered various petroglyphs depicting their hunted animals and the outlines of their own hands.

The hike culminates in a visually striking area known as Lunar Valley, aptly named for its surreal, moon-like landscapes. As we take in the breathtaking surroundings, we will enjoy a light snack.

Our return trek will bring us back to the trail’s starting point, followed by our journey back to your hotel in Chile Chico, with an estimated arrival time of 1:30 pm.