In the middle of Baja’s central desert along Highway Mexico 1, the small dusty town of Cataviña is a popular overnight stay for travelers road tripping down the peninsula. The terrain around Cataviña is memorable because of the large mountains of rocks creating a unique landscape. Tucked into one of these rock outcroppings are some pinturas rupestres or cave paintings, providing travelers with an easy opportunity to see rock art. The rock art at Cataviña is a popular spot for many travelers because of the fast and easy access. The peninsula is not lacking for cave paintings or pictographs, but many require taking remote dirt roads, and hiking for hours or days to gain access.
To visit the Cataviña cave paintings, watch for the INAH sign on the east side of Highway Mexico 1 at Km. 176. You can park your car here in the small lot to begin the easy 10-minute hike up the hill to the paintings. The trail is well marked with stones and yellow arrows pointing the way to the cave paintings. Along the way there are informational signs about the history of the region and the indigenous people.
Inside the small cave where the cave paintings are, you’ll find colorful images that depict geometric designs, a sun, and other abstract graphic shapes. The yellow, red, and black colors were made from local minerals. The paintings are believed to have been created by the Cochimí people about 1,000 years ago.
In addition to the cave paintings, this is a beautiful area for a little hike with the desert flora and rocks providing an interesting landscape. Keep your eyes open as you explore because this is one of the few places on the peninsula where you can spy a few of the rare Mexican Blue Palms, which have a dusty gray/blue hint to their fronds.