Punta Walichu - Reserva Natural y Arqueológica, Archaeological museum in El Calafate, Argentina.
Punta Walichu is an archaeological site featuring caves and rock walls along Lake Argentino's shore. The vertical cliffs display ancient paintings and symbols left by prehistoric inhabitants of the region.
The site was first documented in 1877 when explorer Francisco Pascasio Moreno discovered ancient markings on the cliff walls. These marks represent human occupation dating back thousands of years before that discovery.
The name comes from a goddess of the Tehuelche peoples who inhabited this region. The rock walls display hand imprints, animal tracks, and geometric patterns that reflect how these early inhabitants perceived their surroundings.
The site is located about 9 kilometers from El Calafate and accessible via Route 11. Guided tours in multiple languages run from morning through evening hours.
The artists used natural pigments to create paintings that have maintained their color and form over thousands of years. This durability reveals an unexpected level of technical skill among prehistoric makers.
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