By Santa Cruz Profunda, from Puerto San Julián · Updated 2026-10-15
The Cueva de las Manos has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1999 and lies in the Río Pinturas canyon in northwestern Santa Cruz. It's a Provincial Park managed by the municipality of Perito Moreno. Getting there isn't hard, but there's gravel, long distances and few fuel pumps. Here's everything you need to know.
Access options
1. Via RP 97 from Bajo Caracoles (the most used)
From Perito Moreno, head south on paved RN 40 to the hamlet of Bajo Caracoles. At the junction with RP 97, turn north. Turismo Ruta 40 describes the road like this: after about 11 km, Cerro Poivre appears on the left, a volcanic hill shaped like a cap; 38 km further on, a hairpin bend marks the start of a descent of about 120 m to the entrance, along 1.5 km of cliffside road. In total it's 47 km of gravel; allow at least an hour. Note: the Bajo Caracoles fuel pump is 2.6 km south of the junction.
2. Via RP 101
The official site describes it as a gravel road that is “scenic, winding, with steep grades”. Some media say it's taken from RN 40 and that the gravel section is about 29 km. Check its condition before choosing it.
3. On foot from the Cañadón Pinturas Portal
The Perito Moreno municipal website mentions access from the Cañadón Pinturas Portal of Parque Patagonia, via a 5 km high-difficulty trek. The portal is on RN 40, 54 km south of Perito Moreno.
Distances
According to Turismo Ruta 40, from the Cueva: Bajo Caracoles 47 km, Perito Moreno 118 km, Lago Posadas 120 km and Los Antiguos 176 km. From Perito Moreno, the full trip takes around 2 h 45 min.
Opening hours and fees
The official site lists: high season (October to April) 9 am to 7 pm and low season (May to September) 10 am to 5 pm, every day. Visits are guided only, in groups of up to 20 people, first come, first served (Turismo Ruta 40), and last about an hour.
Fees published on the municipal website as of today: general ARS 40,000; Argentine residents ARS 14,000; provincial residents and retirees/pensioners ARS 5,000; residents of the local area (Comarca) ARS 4,000; children under 12 and holders of a disability certificate (CUD), free. Prices change often: check before you travel at Turismo Perito Moreno – Cueva de las Manos (tarifas y accesos).
Fuel and services
There's fuel in Perito Moreno, Los Antiguos, Bajo Caracoles and Lago Posadas, according to Turismo Ruta 40, which also warns that it isn't always available. The rule is to fill up wherever you can. At the site there are toilets, drinking water and a shelter selling food and drinks. Pets and camping are not allowed.
Without a car
Excursions in small vehicles leave from Perito Moreno and Los Antiguos. There are also seasonal buses that stop at Parque Patagonia: check before you travel at Parque Patagonia – Cómo llegar.
What you'll see
The paintings cover a rock wall on the south side of the canyon. According to Turismo Ruta 40, citing INAPL, they span almost 8,000 years: there are negative hand stencils (mostly left hands), guanacos alone and in herds, circular hunting scenes, rhea footprints and geometric figures. The hands were made by blowing pigment around a hand pressed against the rock. The walkway brings you close, but behind a railing that protects them.
Possible itineraries
- Round trip from Perito Moreno: a full day, with the guided tour in the middle.
- From Los Antiguos: also a full day; leave early, as it's 176 km each way.
- Traveling south on Route 40: Perito Moreno → Cañadón Pinturas Portal → Cueva (via RP 97) → Bajo Caracoles for the night, or continue to Lago Posadas.
These are our own suggestions.
Tips
- Leave early: in strong wind, gravel driving gets slow.
- Bring warm clothes even in summer, plus water and something to eat.
- Check road conditions with Vialidad Provincial, especially in winter.
- Don't touch the paintings or leave the walkways.
To plan the whole trip: Northern Route 40, Perito Moreno and Route 40 in Santa Cruz: fuel, gravel and distances.
Frequently asked questions
How much gravel road is there to the Cueva de las Manos?
Via RP 97 from Bajo Caracoles, it's 47 km of gravel. Allow at least an hour.
What are the Cueva de las Manos opening hours?
According to the official site, October to April 9 am to 7 pm and May to September 10 am to 5 pm, every day. Confirm before you travel.
Can you visit without a guide?
No. Visits are guided only, in groups of up to 20 people, first come, first served.
Where can I get fuel?
In Perito Moreno, Los Antiguos, Bajo Caracoles or Lago Posadas. Fill up wherever you can.
