Camping in Cueva de las Manos
Cueva de las Manos, a UNESCO World Heritage rock art site in Santa Cruz, offers wild camping amid 9,000-year-old handprint paintings and dramatic canyon scenery. Drive remote Ruta 40 to camp beside the Pinturas River canyon.
4 min readUpdated for 2025–2026 SeasonCueva de las Manos (Cave of the Hands), a UNESCO World Heritage Site deep in the Pinturas River canyon of Santa Cruz province, preserves some of the oldest rock art in South America — stenciled handprints and hunting scenes dating back 9,300 years. For car campers on the Ruta 40 corridor, this remote site is a powerful highlight that requires careful planning and self-sufficiency. The cave is accessed via a 46 km gravel road from the tiny settlement of Bajo Caracoles or from the slightly larger town of Perito Moreno. The canyon itself is breathtaking — steep walls of layered rock, condors wheeling overhead, and the quiet Pinturas River below. Camping near the site transforms a brief tourist stop into an immersive experience with the ancient landscape.
Campsites
Camping Cueva de las Manos
PaidThe small campground near the cave entrance, operated by the site guardians. Basic but functional, with unbeatable proximity to the UNESCO rock art and canyon hiking.
Camping Estancia Cueva de las Manos
PaidA working estancia offering camping with ranch hospitality. Optional guided horseback rides to the cave and canyon viewpoints. Meals featuring Patagonian lamb available.
Río Pinturas Canyon Wild Camp
wildWild camping along the Pinturas River canyon, outside the UNESCO protected zone. Spectacular canyon scenery and condor viewing. Complete self-sufficiency required.
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Before you hit the trail: Cueva de las Manos
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Best Time to Visit
Best Time to Visit Cueva de las Manos 2026 — Month-by-Month Guide
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How to Get to Cueva de las Manos 2026 — Flights, Driving & Transport
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Cueva de las Manos on a Budget 2026 — Costs, Tips & Money-Saving Guide
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Autumn in Cueva de las Manos 2026 — Weather, Activities & Tips
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Where to Stay in Cueva de las Manos (2026) — Neighborhoods & Hotels
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Cueva de las Manos Weather Guide (2026) — Monthly Climate, Temperatures & Best Time
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Best Day Trips from Cueva de las Manos 2026 — Distances & Driving Guide
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Hidden Gems in Cueva de las Manos (2026) — Secret Spots & Local Tips
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Family Travel Guide to Cueva de las Manos (2026) — Kid-Friendly Tips
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Hiking Trails in Cueva de las Manos (2026) — Best Hikes, Difficulty & Maps
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Frequently Asked Questions
How do I access the cave paintings?
Guided tours run from the site entrance. You cannot enter the cave independently. Tours last about 1-2 hours and explain the different painting periods spanning 7,000 years.
Is the road from Ruta 40 to the cave passable?
The 46 km gravel road from the RN40 junction is generally passable with 2WD in dry conditions but can be treacherous when wet. High clearance recommended. Check conditions in Perito Moreno or Bajo Caracoles.
How remote is this destination?
Very remote. The nearest town with services (Perito Moreno) is 163 km away. Cell service is nonexistent. Come fully prepared for self-sufficient camping.
Can I combine this with a Ruta 40 trip?
Absolutely — Cueva de las Manos is one of the highlights of a Ruta 40 road trip. Plan it as a camping stop between El Chaltén/El Calafate and the Lake District.
Are the paintings really 9,000 years old?
Yes, the oldest paintings date to approximately 9,300 years ago. The cave has multiple layers of art from different periods, with the famous hand stencils being the most iconic.