For millennia indigenous peoples have lived and traveled in the area, wending trails between the altiplano and the coast. Wherever they went, they left behind artwork. These pinturas rupestres (rock paintings) served to help guide journeyers or were created for religious reasons. West of Putre are the Pictografías de Vilacaurani. Beneath a rock overhang is a large panel decorated with humans, animals, geometric shapes and other designs. The age and significance of these pictographs are unknown.

Location:
Putre, Chile

Ruin Types:
Rock paintings

Getting There
From the plaza, walk west towards Chakana. Two-hundred meters (650 ft) before the inn, take the road to the right. Keep to the right at each crossroads. It is about a 2-3 hour walk. Maps are available at Tour Andino. This trip can also be done on horsebac

Price Description: Free.

Relative price: Budget

Open Hours from:Dawn

Open Hours to:Dusk

Travel Skills: None

You Need to Bring: Take along water and a snack. Use sunscreen, as the sun is strong at this altitude. Also bring warm clothes.

Check out the views from the mirador, soak in the Termas de Jurasi hot springs. Adventure into Parque Nacional Lauca, Reserva Nacional Las Vicuñas and Monumento Natural Salar de Surire for stunning landscapes, abundant wildlife and archaeological ruins.

Currencies accepted
Chilean Peso

By Lorraine Caputo

Upon re-declaring her independence at age 29, Lorraine Caputo packed her trusty Rocinante (so her knapsack's called) and began traipsing throughout...

Created: 20 Jun 2009

Updated: 20 Jun 2009

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