Rock Paintings of the Sierra de San Francisco
Location: Baja California Sur Mexico
Year of Inscription: 1993
Criteria: (i)to represent a masterpiece of human creative genius;
(iii)to bear a unique or at least exceptional testimony to a cultural tradition or to a civilization which is living or which has disappeared;
Overview: The Rock Paintings of the Sierra de San Francisco are a collection of prehistoric rock art located in the mountains of Baja California Sur, Mexico. Created by the Cochimí people over a period of several thousand years, the paintings depict a variety of subjects, including humans, animals, and geometric designs.
Prominent Features: Some of the most notable features of the Rock Paintings of the Sierra de San Francisco include:
History: The rock paintings were created by the Cochimí people, who lived in the region from approximately 1,000 BCE to 1300 CE. The paintings were created using natural pigments and a variety of techniques, including finger painting and the use of brushes made from animal hair. The paintings were likely used for a variety of purposes, including religious ceremonies and storytelling.
Family-Friendly Activities: The Rock Paintings of the Sierra de San Francisco offer a range of family-friendly activities, including:
Fun Fact: Some of the rock paintings at the site are believed to be over 7,500 years old, making them some of the oldest examples of prehistoric rock art in the world.
Entry Fees: Visitors must pay an entrance fee of approximately 173 Mexican pesos (about $9 USD) per person. However, this fee may vary depending on the time of year and the type of access you require. For example, if you are traveling with a guide, the fee may be higher.
How to Reach it: The Rock Paintings of the Sierra de San Francisco are located in the remote mountains of Baja California Sur, approximately 100 miles south of the town of Guerrero Negro. The site is accessible only by foot or on horseback, and visitors are advised to hire a local guide to lead them to the rock art sites. The nearest airport is located in Loreto, approximately 200 miles to the south.
To reach the Rock Paintings of the Sierra de San Francisco site by public transport, visitors first need to make their way to the nearby town of San Francisco de la Sierra. From here, it is possible to arrange guided tours to the site itself. However, it's important to note that public transport to San Francisco de la Sierra can be limited, so it's best to plan your journey in advance.
One option is to take a bus from the city of Guerrero Negro, which is located approximately 130 km (80 miles) northwest of the site. Buses run regularly from Guerrero Negro to San Francisco de la Sierra, but the journey can take several hours and may involve multiple transfers. Alternatively, visitors can hire a private car or taxi to take them to the site.
Once in San Francisco de la Sierra, visitors can arrange a guided tour to the Rock Paintings of the Sierra de San Francisco site. It's not recommended to attempt to visit the site without a guide, as the area is remote and difficult to navigate. Tour guides can be arranged through the local tourism office or through private tour companies.
Where to Stay: There are a limited number of accommodations available near the Rock Paintings of the Sierra de San Francisco, including:
Next Stop: Islands and Protected Areas of the Gulf of California
Year of Inscription: 1993
Criteria: (i)to represent a masterpiece of human creative genius;
(iii)to bear a unique or at least exceptional testimony to a cultural tradition or to a civilization which is living or which has disappeared;
Overview: The Rock Paintings of the Sierra de San Francisco are a collection of prehistoric rock art located in the mountains of Baja California Sur, Mexico. Created by the Cochimí people over a period of several thousand years, the paintings depict a variety of subjects, including humans, animals, and geometric designs.
Prominent Features: Some of the most notable features of the Rock Paintings of the Sierra de San Francisco include:
- The impressive scale of the rock art, which covers over 250 sites in a 1,000 square mile area
- The wide variety of subjects depicted in the paintings, including humans, animals, and geometric designs
- The high quality of the paintings, which have been remarkably well-preserved despite their age
History: The rock paintings were created by the Cochimí people, who lived in the region from approximately 1,000 BCE to 1300 CE. The paintings were created using natural pigments and a variety of techniques, including finger painting and the use of brushes made from animal hair. The paintings were likely used for a variety of purposes, including religious ceremonies and storytelling.
Family-Friendly Activities: The Rock Paintings of the Sierra de San Francisco offer a range of family-friendly activities, including:
- Guided tours of the rock art sites, which offer insights into the history and culture of the Cochimí people
- The opportunity to see the impressive scale and high quality of the rock art up close
- Hiking and exploring the surrounding mountains and desert landscapes
Fun Fact: Some of the rock paintings at the site are believed to be over 7,500 years old, making them some of the oldest examples of prehistoric rock art in the world.
Entry Fees: Visitors must pay an entrance fee of approximately 173 Mexican pesos (about $9 USD) per person. However, this fee may vary depending on the time of year and the type of access you require. For example, if you are traveling with a guide, the fee may be higher.
How to Reach it: The Rock Paintings of the Sierra de San Francisco are located in the remote mountains of Baja California Sur, approximately 100 miles south of the town of Guerrero Negro. The site is accessible only by foot or on horseback, and visitors are advised to hire a local guide to lead them to the rock art sites. The nearest airport is located in Loreto, approximately 200 miles to the south.
To reach the Rock Paintings of the Sierra de San Francisco site by public transport, visitors first need to make their way to the nearby town of San Francisco de la Sierra. From here, it is possible to arrange guided tours to the site itself. However, it's important to note that public transport to San Francisco de la Sierra can be limited, so it's best to plan your journey in advance.
One option is to take a bus from the city of Guerrero Negro, which is located approximately 130 km (80 miles) northwest of the site. Buses run regularly from Guerrero Negro to San Francisco de la Sierra, but the journey can take several hours and may involve multiple transfers. Alternatively, visitors can hire a private car or taxi to take them to the site.
Once in San Francisco de la Sierra, visitors can arrange a guided tour to the Rock Paintings of the Sierra de San Francisco site. It's not recommended to attempt to visit the site without a guide, as the area is remote and difficult to navigate. Tour guides can be arranged through the local tourism office or through private tour companies.
Where to Stay: There are a limited number of accommodations available near the Rock Paintings of the Sierra de San Francisco, including:
- Campo Archelon - This rustic eco-camp offers comfortable tents and a range of outdoor activities, including hiking and kayaking
- La Pinta Desert Camp - This camp offers comfortable tents and a range of guided tours and activities in the surrounding desert landscapes.
Next Stop: Islands and Protected Areas of the Gulf of California