Travel from Perito Moreno into the Patagonian steppe to reach Alero Charcamata, an immense rock shelter with thousands of ancient paintings. This private, full‑day tour blends easy hiking, estanciascapes and guided interpretation of 5,000+ year‑old art.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
Dawn lifts over the Patagonian steppe and the road out of Perito Moreno becomes a long ribbon through wind-sculpted grass. The vehicle crosses shallow fords of the Pinturas River, and the landscape opens into cañadones where guanacos move like living punctuation marks. At the mouth of Charcamata, a cavernous roof—an 80‑meter aperture with walls 40 meters high—hollows the rock, revealing panels of pigments left by people more than five millennia ago.
Difficulty
easy
Duration
9 hours (approx.)
Fitness Level
Suitable for people in basic good health who can handle a 1‑hour easy walk on uneven ground and enter/exist a shallow cave approach.
Wildlife
History
Declared a National Historic Monument, Charcamata contains rock art panels created by pre‑ceramic hunter‑gatherers roughly 5,000–7,000 years ago that document hunting and animal life.
Conservation
Conservation depends on limiting physical contact and controlling visitor numbers; guides enforce viewing distances and local operators favor low‑impact transit to protect pigments and fragile surfaces.
Reserve your spot on the Full Day Private Historical Experience at Alero Charcamata today and enjoy a trusted, highly rated experience designed to help you make the most of your adventure.
Bring ample water
Carry at least 2–3 liters per person; there's no reliable water source on the trail and the steppe is dry and windy.
Sun and wind protection
Wide‑brim hat, sunscreen and windproof layers are crucial—shade inside the cave is limited and UV is strong at altitude.
Ready for uneven ground
Wear sturdy hiking shoes with grip for short, rocky walking and a small amount of scree near the cave entrance.
Respect and distance at the panels
Do not touch or lean on painted surfaces; guides enforce viewing distances to protect pigments from oils and moisture.
Sturdy hiking shoes
Provides traction on loose rock and comfort for the one‑hour walk to the shelter.
Water reservoir or bottles (2–3 L)
Hydration is essential across the dry steppe; bring more in summer heat.
summer
Sun protection (hat, sunglasses, SPF)
Strong UV exposure makes sun protection necessary year‑round, particularly in open terrain.
spring
Windproof insulating layer
Patagonia winds can be sharp; a light insulated jacket adds comfort during stops.
fall