Archeological findings and treasures Archeological findings confer upon Patagonia an attraction of powerful singularity. Examples of great cultural richness and value for humanity are within the reach of visitors to the region. Surrounded by valleys, woods, gulches or rock formation they guard the marks of the ancient inhabitants of our Land. For 10,000 years, the ancient inhabitants of present-day Santa Cruz left their marks in caves, on rock ledges, and walls. The Cueva de las Manos [Cave of the Hands] is the most remarkable example: a veritable sanctuary of prehistoric art, which has been declared part of Humanity's Cultural Heritage by UNESCO. Guided excursions to this site lead visitors to discover 800 paintings of hands and hunting scenes surrounded by the spectacular gulch of the Valle del Río Pinturas [Pinturas River Valley].

In the environs of the Estancia [ranch] La María 's main building, 150 km from Puerto San Julián, other archeological testimonies can be appreciated in paintings which date back 12,600 years found in 87 caves and ledges along 12 gulches.

Punta Walichu and Playa Bonita, two sites discovered by Perito Moreno in 1877, feature samples of more recent prehistoric art in Santa Cruz: 4,000 year old paintings, only 8 km from El Calafate.

In the province of Chubut, the Leleque Museum retells the experience of the indigenous peoples who inhabited Patagonia: the changes in the societies that settled in these lands, their conflicts, beliefs and religious rituals comprise a long history. One hundred meters from the “La Trochita” railroad, at the foot of the Andes Mountains visitors can appreciate different traces left behind by those who once peopled these territories.

At the Lihué Calel National Park in La Pampa , whose name stands for “hills of life”, a sample of late rupestrian art can be seen at the Valle de las Pinturas [Valley of the Paintings], exhibiting red and black geometrical patterns dating back approximately 2,000 years.

Different areas in the province of Río Negro boast important archeological findings: the Carri-Laufquen Grande lagoon, the large Pampa Alegre caves and the prehistoric paintings of Cerro (Mount) Bandera are all major attractions. Remarkable basalt formations opening into natural caves can be found in the site of Angostura de Ñancucheo. The Casa de Piedra [Stone House] on Maquinchao stream shows traces of what once was a settlement of aboriginal cultures, featuring rupestrian paintings and the imposing beauty of the gulch Cañadón el “39” with its prehistoric art next to a petrified forest. An engaging suggestion for archeology lovers.

Also in Río Negro, huge fossil conglomerates of marine fauna remains can be seen in Mount Catanlil, near the town of Ingeniero Jacobacci.

The territory of Tierra del Fuego was inhabited by hunting and gathering nomadic societies. Numerous archeological sites which have been excavated or are currently being explored bear witness to the whole occupation process by aboriginal cultures which began over 10,000 years ago in the north of the island and around 6,000 years ago on the coasts of the Beagle Channel.