Northern Mexico
Central Mexico
Southern Mexico
Varios Estados
Northern Mexico
Central Mexico
Southern Mexico
Varios Estados
Cultural Heritage registered in 1993 on the World Heritage List by UNESCO
The rock paintings are located in the municipality of Mulege within the El Vizcaino Biosphere Reserve in Baja California Sur, 80 km from the town of San Ignacio. The Great Murals are the oldest cave paintings in the Americas, between 7,000 and 12,000 years old, according to carbon dating. There are few historical records of the Cochimí: semi-nomadic hunter-gatherers living in the central region of the peninsula at the time of European contact. It is noteworthy that thought the years the mural paintings have not undergone major changes.
These paintings on the roofs of rock shelters and on the walls of Sierra de San Francisco have maintained admirably well thanks to the region's desert climate and their difficult access.
According to old beliefs, the paintings were drawn by a race of giants, this is supported by its impressive larger-than-life figures of people and animals. They are full of a magic-religious content. Other motifs include weapons and animal species, both terrestrial and marine, such as rabbit, puma, lynx, deer, wild goat/sheep, whale, turtle, tuna, sardine, octopus, eagle and pelican; there are also abstract elements of various forms. These rock paintigs are considered unique because the refined lines and coloring.
This heritage includes several sets of murals: La Pintada, Las Flechas, Los Músicos, La Soledad, Boca San Julio, Cuesta Palmarito and El Ratón.
Spearheads used by the ancient inhabitants have also been found.
If you want to visit this unique place, camping in the place known as El Cacarizo is a good option. There are some tourist services available in this archaeological site such as guides and information modules. Additionally, a Museum in San Ignacio displays photographs of the rock paintings, and the museum staff can give you information about tours to this amazing place.
The Rock Paintings of the Sierra de San Francisco
NATURAL BEAUTY, HISTORY AND CAVE PAINTINGS