Rock painting in the Sierra of San Francisco

There are 300 natural galleries with paintings, made with natural pigments in prehistoric times, in a zone of deep canyons and rock elevations on which a soft rug of vegetation grows in the desert.

The main subject on the representations is hunting, and one can appreciate figures of humans and animals of the region, such as the wild goat, besides birds, fishes and whales on the scenes.

The paintings are approximately 10000 years old, and they were outlined by a race of giant men according to the natives when asked by the first Spaniards who came to this area.

The Sierra of San Francisco is ideal for camping for it offers beautiful views to the visitors' eyes. However, take into account that it is necessary to have the proper permit issued by the Information Unit of San Ignacio, the town closest to the galleries.

Although most of the caves are open to the public the entire year, the best season to visit them is from October to May, when the zone presents a nice temperate weather. In order to visit the place you need to take Highway One from San Ignacio, and then the detour towards the Bay of Asuncion at the kilometre 75, until reaching the Town of El Vizcaíno, where the road bound for the Ranch of San Francisco de la Sierra, inhabited by descendants of the Cochimíes natives, begins. The rock paintings are on the surroundings of the community. It is advisable to purchase all the necessary supplies, such as food, water and fuel, before visiting the zone of the rock paintings. You can also hire a specialised guide and rent beasts of burden.