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In Jeinimeni you can walk in the footsteps of ancient nomads

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Photo ofIn Jeinimeni you can walk in the footsteps of ancient nomads Photo ofIn Jeinimeni you can walk in the footsteps of ancient nomads Photo ofIn Jeinimeni you can walk in the footsteps of ancient nomads

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Trail stats

Distance
65.32 mi
Elevation gain
3,596 ft
Technical difficulty
Easy
Elevation loss
1,578 ft
Max elevation
2,820 ft
TrailRank 
28
Min elevation
778 ft
Trail type
One Way
Coordinates
808
Uploaded
July 2, 2014
Recorded
July 2014
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near Chile Chico, Aisén (Chile)

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Trail photos

Photo ofIn Jeinimeni you can walk in the footsteps of ancient nomads Photo ofIn Jeinimeni you can walk in the footsteps of ancient nomads Photo ofIn Jeinimeni you can walk in the footsteps of ancient nomads

Itinerary description

In addition to inspiring geography, one of the best kept secrets of Lago Jeinimeni National Reserve is its important archaeological registry. Evidence has shown that the Jeinimeni plains were frequented ancient groups of hunter - gatherers who moved through the sectors near Chile Chico, Chile, and Los Antiguos, Argentina. Without the modern-day concepts of “borders”; for these ancient groups, Patagonia was a single area and very different from today.

Waypoints

PictographWaypoint Altitude 1,167 ft
Photo ofLas Horquetas River

Las Horquetas River

Las Horquetas River

PictographRiver Altitude 1,760 ft
Photo ofJeinimeni River

Jeinimeni River

Jeinimeni River

PictographTree Altitude 2,800 ft
Photo ofReserva Nacional lago Jeinimeni

Reserva Nacional lago Jeinimeni

Reserva Nacional lago Jeinimeni

Photo ofCave of the Hands

Cave of the Hands

Your first major indication of nomadic presence along the trail is the Cave of the Hands (Cueva de Las Manos), along the left side in the Pedregoso Stream sector. The cave consists of a rock wall positioned under an overhang with rock art paintings. Unfortunately, the paintings are not in good condition, as a result of vandalism that has occurred in recent decades. The manifestations are characteristic of the style of rock art called Patagonica, and is the most ancient of all South America’s identified styles. The most well-known representations of the Patagonica style are hands, guanacos and abstract geometric symbols, called grecas. The basic features and style of these paintings has remained unchanged for millennia. Dr. Mena has shared that some of the paintings on the walls of the Cave of the Hands indicate a human presence in the area, approximately eight thousand years ago, although there have been no carbon-dating studies to date. He adds that based on research conducted in nearby sectors, it is not unlikely that men and women first hiked among these landscapes, ten thousand or more years ago.

Photo ofPiedra Enclavada

Piedra Enclavada

The trail continues toward the west for approximately one km, where you see a huge stone totem sticking out of the ground, as if a giant had come along and driven it into the ground. This mysterious Rock Tower is called the "Piedra Enclavada", an enormous and solitary volcanic rock, well-polished by the strong winds that blow through this area of the pampa, giving it a curious form that is a monumental 40 meters high and three meters in diameter.

PictographPhoto Altitude 0 ft
Photo ofValley of the Moon Sector

Valley of the Moon Sector

As you make your descent, you'll encounter the strange Valley of the Moon Sector, which is named for the white color of the rocks that appear similar to the surface of the moon. From here, strong winds will accompany you on the rest of the loop, a fitting backdrop for one of the loneliest and most secluded panoramas in the region of Aysén.

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