Cueva de Guitarreros

Guitarrero Cave

Useful Information

Location:	3N 279, Distrito de Mancos 02140. From Mancos 3n south to Tingua, turn right, cross Rio Santa, turn righ and follow road to the end. Signposted. 500 m hike, 50 m elevation gain. (-9.200554, -77.709821)
Open:	no restrictions. [2025]
Fee:	free. [2025]
Classification:	Karst Cave
Light:	n/a
Dimension:	L=18 m, Ar=100 m², A=2,580 m asl.
Guided tours:	self guided
Photography:	allowed
Accessibility:	no
Bibliography:	Lynch, Thomas F.; Gillespie, R.; Gowlett, John A. J.; Hedges, R. E. M. (1985): Chronology of Guitarrero Cave, Peru Science. 229 (4716): 864–7. PMID 17777927. DOI pdf Samorini, Giorgio (2019-06-01). "The oldest archeological data evidencing the relationship of Homo sapiens with psychoactive plants: A worldwide overview Journal of Psychedelic Studies. 3 (2): 63–80. doi:. DOI pdf
Address:	Cueva de Guitarreros, Tel: +51-.
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History

1960s

archaeological excavations.

Description

The Cueva de Guitarreros (Guitarrero Cave) or Cueva de Guitarrero is a shelter which was frequented by man about 12,000 BP. As a cave it is not impressive at all, but its archaeological value is extraordinary. We listed it for its scientific importance, but actually it’s not worth a detour.

The cave revealed evidence of human use around 8,000 BCE. A human mandible and teeth were carbon dated to 10,610 BCE, which is the oldest finding. The oldest traces of habitation are from 10,560 BCE. More findings are from the Archaic period between 8,500 and 7,000 BCE, a series of campfires with remains of wood, bone, antler and fiber cordage. Another period of human use was between 1000 BCE to 1000 CE, the Early Horizon and Middle Horizon, with cist tombs and wall paintings.

As an archaeological site it was fenced in and an educational sign was erected. Unfortunately the door is always open, and the cave is used for graffiti and waste is dumped. While we find it annoying if sites are gated and inaccessible, this sort of vandalism is much worse. The cave is located near Mancos, a little south and on the other side of the Rio Santa. Unfortunately there is no bridge, so you have to cross 4.6 km south in Tigua and drive back on the other side. It’s a short hike of 500 m from the car park at the end of the road.