This 2,000-Year-Old Cultural Attraction Is Worth The Effort Of Leaving Los Cabos For A Day

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Last Updated 1 year ago

The biggest draws for tourists visiting Los Cabos are no doubt the beaches, the wide array of activities to enjoy and experiences to be had, and the huge selection of luxury all-inclusive resorts to choose from.   

But many of those who travel to the vacation destination arrive to find that it has even more to offer.   

The area also has fascinating history and culture to explore as well, and there is one cultural attraction near Los Cabos that is over 2,000 years old that you can’t miss on your next vacation to the region.   

Baja California Cave Paintings 

Cave paintings can be found in a number of places throughout the Baja California Peninsula, as many as 750 of them, in fact.   

Of course, not all of the paintings can be accessed, which is one of the reasons that they have stayed so well-preserved, but you can still get to a number of them.   

Some of these cave paintings are as much as 2,000 years old and possibly even older, but that is a subject still under debate. 

@g.e.r.m.s The Great Murals of Baja California Sur, a series of life-sized or larger-than-life human figures standing with arms outstretched, feet wide apart. Some of the cave paintings have been carbon dated to 7,500 years old, believed to be the oldest in the continent. #bajacaliforniasur #canonr6 #cochimi #cavepaintings #pictograph #sierradesanfransiscobcs #rockart ♬ Electric Pow Wow Drum – The Halluci Nation

The Baja California Peninsula  

The Baja California Peninsula is a unique part of Mexico because it is detached from the rest of the country, which is one reason for its relative safety compared to other areas.   

It is connected to the U.S. state of California, and the peninsula separates the Pacific Ocean from the Sea of Cortez.   

Known better as simply Baja, the peninsula consists of two states, Baja California and Baja California Sur, the latter of which is home to popular vacation destinations like Los Cabos.   

Los Cabos is the collective name used to refer to Cabo San Lucas and San Jose del Cabo. 

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@g.e.r.m.s The Great Murals of Baja California Sur, larger than life size paintings. #pictograph #cavepaintings #muralsoftiktok #bajacaliforniasur #muleje #sierradesanfransiscobcs #bajacalifornia #cochimi #indegenoustiktok #indegenousart ♬ I Got 5 On It – Tethered Mix from US – Michael Abels & Luniz

Locations Of The Cave Paintings 

Los Cabos is located at the southern tip of the Baja Peninsula, whereas the closest cave paintings to the popular vacation destination are much further north.   

Some of the best preserved and oldest cave paintings on the peninsula are located in the towns of Mulege, in the  Sierra de San Francisco mountain range, and Loreto.   

Both of these cities are in Baja California Sur, though, admittedly, quite a few hours away from Los Cabos.   

@g.e.r.m.s Replying to @.vakerrolero #bajacaliforniasur #bajacalifornia #pinturarupestre #pictographs #cavepaintings #nativetiktok #indegenous #indegenoustiktok #cochimi #muleje🌵🏖️ #guerreronegro #guerreronegrobcs🇲🇽 ♬ Y Volvere – Los Angeles Negros

How To See The Cave Paintings 

Although Mulege and Loreto are about 8 and 6 hours away from Los Cabos, respectively, both are worth visiting to see the cave paintings.   

There are many tours available, both day trips and overnight camping trips that can get to these amazing historically significant sites.   

Some cave paintings will require a little hiking to get to, though, so it’s important to prepare properly. 

@jacoblumm Explored ancient cave paintings in Central Baja California. It was an incredible experience to find these caves up in the mountains. The road to get there was an adventure in itself. We drove through ghost towns and forests of cacti to find it. This was one of the most beautiful places I have ever seen. It is incredible to see something so ancient and preserved. #adv #adventuretravel #motorcycle #pinturas #pinturarupestre #sierradesanfrancisco #cavepainting #baja #bajacalifornia #bajacaliforniasur #guerreronegrobcs #crf300rally #dr650 #panamericanhighway ♬ Ты и Я – TikTok Remix – Mooney Tunes & yeanix

Where To Stay For Your Cave Paintings Tour 

There are some fantastic hotels and resorts in both Loreto and Mulege.   

So if you wanted to spend an evening away during your Los Cabos vacation, you could easily do that so that you have more time to explore the cave paintings.   

You can also stay right in Los Cabos and hire a private car to get to either place, though it would be best to spend an evening or two in the area since the effort of getting there is considerable.

@the_jenc UNESCO site #54 Rock Paintings of the Sierra de San Francisco #rockpaintings #cavepaintings #archaeologist #archaeology #history #facts #fyp #mexico ♬ original sound – Jen

Historical Significance Of Baja Cave Paintings 

The cave paintings in Baja California Sur depict the stories of some of the earliest habitants of the peninsula.   

The Cochimies, a pre-Hispanic group that dates back as far as 100 BC, painted the images.   

Other than the date range that group existed, there is little known about them, despite many cave paintings detailing their history.   

@undiariosalvaje Pinturas rupestres en la cueva “El Ratón”, en la Sierra de San Francisco o de lo magnífico que es admirar el paso de una civilización que se explicaba de otra forma el mundo. 💕✨ #pinturasrupestres #arterupestre #mexicomagico #mexicodesconocido #bajacaliforniasurmexico ♬ New Abundance – Omar Enfedaque

See More On Your Los Cabos Vacation 

There is plenty to see in Los Cabos.   

But taking the time to explore more of the area will help you get to know the history behind this much-loved vacation destination.