“ROCK PAINTINGS + BOX LUNCH” Tour

“ROCK PAINTINGS + BOX LUNCH” Tour

ARCHAEOLOGICAL PARK AT ESTANCIA ERNESTO HELMER – PUERTO NATALES, CHILE. The Archaeological Park at Estancia Ernesto Helmer, located near Puerto Natales in Chilean Patagonia, offers a unique and immersive journey into the ancient history of southern South America. Set within a traditional Patagonian estancia and surrounded by vast steppe landscapes, this remarkable site combines archaeology, culture, and nature, providing visitors with an enriching and unforgettable experience. The park is renowned for its prehistoric rock paintings, created thousands of years ago by early hunter-gatherer groups who inhabited the region. These cave and rock shelter artworks depict animals, hunting scenes, and symbolic figures, offering valuable insight into the beliefs, daily life, and artistic expressions of Patagonia’s earliest inhabitants. Walking through the site allows visitors to connect directly with a distant past that has been carefully preserved and interpreted.

In addition to the rock art, the Archaeological Park features well-marked trails and guided visits that explain the historical and cultural significance of the area. Knowledgeable guides provide context about the archaeological findings, the evolution of human settlement in Patagonia, and the relationship between ancient communities and their environment. The surrounding landscapes—wide open plains, rugged terrain, and native vegetation—enhance the sense of stepping back in time. A visit to Estancia Ernesto Helmer also offers an authentic glimpse into traditional Patagonian rural life. The estancia setting reflects the region’s ranching heritage, adding another layer of cultural value to the experience. Many excursions include a box lunch or outdoor break, allowing visitors to enjoy the scenery in a peaceful and natural setting.

Ideal for history enthusiasts, cultural travelers, and nature lovers, the Archaeological Park at Estancia Ernesto Helmer is a hidden gem near Puerto Natales. It provides a meaningful opportunity to explore Patagonia beyond its famous landscapes, revealing the human stories that shaped the region thousands of years ago. This unique destination perfectly complements any Patagonian itinerary, combining ancient history, cultural heritage, and the timeless beauty of southern Chile.

Itinéraire

• We will journey north from Puerto Natales, uncovering fascinating traces of ancient history along the way. Approximately 25 kilometers from the city, we will begin a guided exploratory hike within the Archaeological Park at Estancia Ernesto Helmer, a site rich in cultural and natural heritage.
• As we walk through the park, we will be surrounded by impressive landscapes featuring mountains, valleys, and open skies where condors can often be seen gliding overhead. Upon reaching the higher viewpoints, we will be rewarded with breathtaking panoramic vistas of Eberhard Fjord, Señoret Channel, and Laguna Sofía, offering an unforgettable perspective of the Patagonian landscape.
• Our exploration includes visits to significant archaeological sites such as Cerro Benítez, famous for its rock art dating back approximately 3,500 years. We will also explore two remarkable caves—Cueva de la Ventana and Cueva Escondida. Equipped with headlamps, we will enter Cueva Escondida to observe ancient stalactite formations that have developed over thousands of years.
• During the excursion, we will take time to enjoy a tasty box lunch while immersed in this extraordinary natural setting. To conclude the experience, we will continue through dense native forests to the Dos Herraduras rock shelters, where additional rock paintings can be seen on stone walls that were once part of the ocean floor.
• At the end of this enriching adventure, we will return to Puerto Natales, carrying with us a deeper appreciation of Patagonia’s prehistoric past and its stunning natural beauty.

Includes

• Guide service in Spanish and English.
• Private transportation.
• Entrance to the Private Rock Park.
• Box lunch.

Does not include

• Tips and gratuities.
• Professional guide in French, German, Italian, and Portuguese. If you would like a guide in these languages, please request one in advance and pay an extra fee, subject to availability.
• Other services not described in the program.

Notes:

• Level of difficulty: Low difficulty.
• Minimum age required for the tour: 7 years old.
• Excursion days and schedules may vary depending on the season, weather conditions, and the groups forming.