Walichu Caves

Get under the skin of El Calafate and see the ancient rock paintings of Patagonia’s earliest settlers on this 3-hour sightseeing tour. Traveling in an air-conditioned coach, drive to the shores of beautiful Lake Argentino to visit the Walichu Caves, home to rock paintings believed to date back 4,000 years. Next, enjoy a panoramic tour of El Calafate Old Town, and visit the El Calafate Historical Interpretation Center to learn about the area’s incredible history, geology, peoples and glaciers.

General information: Nativo Experience is a 4×4 midday excursion along the coast of Lake Argentino. Ideal for the day of arrival or departure, it has an anthropological approach, making a journey through time on the passage of man in these lands, rediscovering stories of the first expeditions and daring that ventured into the unknown.

It begins with a visit to Punta Walichu, site archaeological located 8 km from the town, you can see the traces of the first men who walked these lands. A walk along the eaves and caves will allow you to observe cave paintings (originals and reproductions) as well as a exceptional view of Lake Argentino and the Andes mountains. The circuit also goes through the main streets of the old town, showing the typical first constructions of the pioneers, as well as the downtown buildings current civic. 17 There will be a visit to the Coastal Walk and the Bahía Redonda, a few meters from the shore of the Argentino Lake, where you can see the abundant local birdlife. As a last stop, at the Center of Historical Interpretation will be observed, through of a self-guided tour, the most important facts historical relevance from the ice ages to the present.

This unique experience offers an anthropological approach that will immerse you in the history and culture of this region. Aboard our all-terrain vehicles, you will depart from El Calafate towards the East, enjoying a panoramic tour that borders the crystalline waters of Lake Argentino until you reach the Mirador del Acantilado. From there, you will witness spectacular views of the lake and the majestic Andes Mountains. Descending towards the coast, you will have the opportunity to enter the fascinating world of the Natives through an archaeological site that protects ancient cave paintings. These ancient cultures left their mark on the rock, inviting us today to interpret their legacy and better understand their history. To culminate this unforgettable adventure, we invite you to explore another cave where you will enjoy a delicious lunch or dinner, transporting you back in time and providing you with a unique gastronomic experience that evokes times gone by.