Cueva de las Manos Portal

The Cueva de las Manos Portal is set within a remarkable, ancient landscape. The canyon itself is a deep incision into Jurassic-era rocks, deposited roughly 150 million years ago during a period of intense volcanic activity.

Over time, glaciations reshaped the region. Ice advancing from the southwest reached the confluence of the Pinturas and Caracoles rivers about one million years ago, and subsequent glacial movements, along with powerful meltwater rivers, continued to carve and deepen the canyon.

Until roughly 15,000 years ago, a large mountain lake fed the canyon basin. Its waters, together with those of the Pinturas River, once flowed toward the Atlantic Ocean. The lake’s level dropped significantly when the outflows of lakes Pueyrredón and Buenos Aires opened toward the Pacific, leaving behind the Caracoles Canyon with its myriad landslides, sediment deposits, and salty lagoons – lasting traces of a river that no longer exists.

Exploring the canyon today, visitors can spot Wolffsohn’s viscacha – recently reintroduced through rewilding efforts – alongside black-chested buzzard-eagles, Andean condors, and the elusive puma. Notable plant species include molles and calafates, adding color and texture to the landscape.

Access is open from 9:00 to 19:00. Visitors wishing to enter outside these hours can use the self-registration station at the portal’s Information Center.

Hiking and wildlife watching

Tierras Blancas Trail

Distance: 7 km

Duration: 2 hr

Difficulty: high

Balcón Sur Trail

Distance: 8 km

Duration: 2 hr

Difficulty: high

Huella Cañadón Caracoles Trail

Distance: 12 km

Difficulty: low, but requires endurances given length

Climbing

Climbing area

The Caracoles Canyon climbing area has long been used by the local community. It features 80 routes of varying difficulty, all set within a spectacular landscape that reflects the ancient processes that shaped the canyon. Climbing routes are free to use and are supervised by a resident ranger (as of January 2025).

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Hiking

El Cóndor Viewpoint

Perched on a high moraine at the edge of the Pinturas Canyon, this viewpoint offers parking and picnic tables. Its large windows frame striking views of the canyon’s diverse geological formations. Access is free.

Accomodation

Cañadón Caracoles Campgrounds

This rustic campground features 10 tent platforms, each equipped with a table and benches, a shared fire ring, a dry toilet, and access to water for washing utensils (not potable). There are no showers.
Sites are available on a first-come, first-served basis or by reservation 15 days in advance via WhatsApp at +54 9 2966 22-8408 or by email at [email protected].

Services

Visitor Information Center

Your visit begins at the Information Center, where registration is mandatory. Coffee, tea, and simple sandwiches are available for purchase, but there is no full à la carte food service.
The portal offers two parking areas – one for motorhomes and another for up to 20 vehicles. Please note that the motorhome area does not have a black water disposal station.