Catavina Rock Paintings

Catavina Rock Paintings is an archaeological site featuring thousands of images carved and painted onto granite rock surfaces scattered across the desert landscape. The designs show animals, human figures, and geometric patterns distributed across multiple rock walls and cave openings.

The paintings were created more than 10,000 years ago by the peoples who inhabited this region before European arrival. They represent a rare record of these ancient cultures and how these societies perceived their environment across many millennia.

The paintings show how early inhabitants represented their world through symbols and recorded their stories on stone walls. These images offer a window into the daily life and beliefs of the people who created them.

The site lies in remote desert terrain and requires sturdy shoes and plenty of water for a visit. It is wise to arrive early in the day and bring sun protection, as the location offers no shade.

The paintings are not confined to a single cave but spread across a wide area among massive granite boulders and cardón cacti. This natural setting of stone and desert plants makes the location one of the less-known archaeological treasures of the region.

Location: San Quintín

GPS coordinates: 29.75197,-114.74287

Latest update: December 6, 2025 19:06