Cueva of Guitarrero | Ancash
Location
The Cueva of Guitarrero | Ancash, in Peru. This region is located on the western slope of the Cordillera Blanca, in the Peruvian Andes.
As for the exact location of the cave, it is in a mountainous area and may require a moderate hike to reach it from the town of Huaylas.
How to get there?
- Transport to Huaylas: First, you will need to get to the city of Huaylas, which is located in the Ancash region. You can get to Huaylas by bus from nearby cities such as Huaraz, the capital of the Ancash region. From Huaraz, there are regular bus services to Huaylas.
- From Huaylas to the Cueva de Guitarreros: Once in Huaylas, you can take a taxi or a collective van to the Cueva de Guitarreros. You may need to ask the locals about the availability of transport to the cave and exactly how to get there.
- Walk to the cave: Depending on the exact location of the cave and where your transport drops you off, you may need to hike to the cave entrance.
- Local guide: If possible, consider hiring the services of a local guide in Huaylas. Guides can provide you with additional information about the cave, as well as help you navigate to the cave safely and efficiently.
History
Guitarreros Cave is one of the oldest archaeological sites in Peru and the Americas. Its history goes back thousands of years, when it was inhabited by some of the first human populations in the Andean region.
- Early habitation: it is estimated that Guitarreros Cave was first inhabited more than 10,000 years ago, during the period known as the Upper Palaeolithic. At that time, groups of hunter-gatherers used the cave as a shelter and left evidence of their presence in the form of stone tools and other artefacts.
- Cave art: One of the most outstanding features of the cave is its cave art, which dates from different time periods. The cave paintings found on the cave walls depict animals, human figures and abstract symbols. These paintings provide a valuable window into the life and beliefs of the ancient cultures that inhabited the region.
- Archaeological discovery: Guitarreros Cave was discovered in the 1960s by Peruvian archaeologist Julio C. Tello, who carried out excavations and studies at the site. The archaeological finds in the cave have provided valuable information about the first human populations in the Peruvian Andes and have contributed to the knowledge of the prehistory of the Americas.
- Cultural and scientific importance: Guitarreros Cave is a site of great cultural and scientific importance, as it offers a unique insight into the early history of Peru and the Americas.
Features
- Historical significance: Guitarreros Cave is known to be one of the oldest archaeological sites in Peru and the Americas, with evidence of human occupation dating back more than 10,000 years.
- Archaeological discovery: The cave was discovered in the 1960s by Peruvian archaeologist Julio C. Tello. During excavations, stone tools, animal remains and evidence of human activities were found, providing important clues about the life of the early inhabitants of the region.
- Rock Art: One of the highlights of Guitarreros Cave is its rock art. Cave paintings depicting animals, human figures and abstract symbols can be found on the walls of the cave. These paintings provide a unique window into the culture and art of the first populations of the region.
- Accessibility: The cave is accessible to visitors and can be reached on foot from the town of Huaylas, following a path through stunning mountain scenery.
- Cultural importance: The Guitarreros Cave is important not only for its archaeological value, but also for its cultural significance for the local communities and for the understanding of early American history.
