Altavista Petroglyphs
Petroglifos de Altavista
Ancient rock carvings with spiral motifs in a tropical forest gorge, still regarded as a sacred site by the Huichol people.
The Altavista Petroglyphs are located in a valley near Las Varas, about 20 km from Rincón de Guayabitos. A roughly 20-minute walk along a forest trail, following a stream upstream, brings you to dozens of spirals, concentric circles and human figures carved into boulders, believed to be one to two thousand years old. At the end of the gorge are a waterfall and a clear pool. The site is still regarded as sacred by the Huichol people, and colourful offerings are often seen. Do not touch or climb on the carvings during your visit. The entrance is managed by the local community and charges a small fee, and you can ask a guide for explanations. A dirt road branches off Highway 200, and ordinary cars can reach the site.
Opening hours
About 09:00–17:00
Nearby sights
- Chacala
- Rincón de Guayabitos
- Lo de Marcos
- San Pancho (San Francisco)
- Sayulita
- Bucerías
- La Cruz de Huanacaxtle
- Nuevo Vallarta