Cueva de las Manos

We booked a tour with Guanacondor company in Perito Moreno to the world heritage site of Cueva de las Manos. Situated in a spectacular canyon (which was created by the Rio Pinturas during the Jurassic period), the cave paintings have survived for over 9300 years, but some are merely 7000 years old. Approaching from the north (as we were) requires a 2 kilometre trek down the steep gorge and into the canyon floor, before climbing up to the caves. The scenery along this trail is very dramatic, and our tour guide pointed out different flora & fauna local to the area, making the journey down as enjoyable as the actual cave visit. The paintings were explained to us by another guide; some are of hunting scenes, but most are of hands, hence the name of the site. These paintings are mainly negatives of left hands, with the odd right hand thrown in. The hand paintings were created by the use of mineral pigments, mixed with saliva and blown from their mouth over their hands. Amongst the many hand paintings, a three fingered and six fingered hand can be seen. The guide explained that this was probably as a result of marrying within the family - sounds like a town not many miles away from Rawtenstall - in a northerly direction!

The cave is to the right of Lisa's head. Andyb is chewing (not being grumpy)

Spot the in - breds