History provides evidence of human life in Baja California as early as 8,000 B.C. No wonder the area is rich with archeological treasures left by ancient Mayans. Luckily, the cave paintings in “El Vallecito” – or “little valley” – are a popular and easy-to-reach destination for curious travelers.
Located just five kilometers from “La Rumerosa,” “El Vallecito” consists of vast rock formations amongst lush groves of pine and agave. These rocks contain primordial pictures of humans and stars, both geometric and abstract. Historians believe these pieces of art were painted by several different groups of people, within the last 1,000 years. Here is painted a figure referred to as “El Diablito,” or “little devil.” This form was used as a calendar marker – each year on the winter solstice, the sun reaches inside the cave to illuminate “El Diablito’s” red eyes. And you can explore this celebrated Baja landmark!
Schedule a tour of the caves in Baja. Tours range from one- to three-day trips – some are family-friendly camping trips – emphasizing eco-friendly tourism!
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Things to know:
Region: Baja Mexico
Related activities: Take federal highway #2 (Tijuana –Mexicali) to the town of La Rumorosa near the 73 Km marker. Take the dirt road on the north side of the highway west of town for 3 Km. You’ll pass by the “El Chipo” restaurant and cross through the “Santa María del Oro” Ranch.
Dates and Times: El Vallecito is open for entry Wednesday to Sunday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. The site closes at 5 p.m.
Extra Stops: Nearby is the painted cave of “Cataviña," with some truly magnificent murals. It's a three-meter long tunnel with a semi-circular roof, and it stands at the gateway to the Great Murals Zone (“grandes murales”).
Photos courtesy of Baja California State Tourism Secretariat.
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