Petroglyphs of Panguana | San Martin

petroglifos panguana

Location

The Petroglyphs of Panguana | San Martin are located in the region of San Martin, in the north of Peru, specifically in the community of Panguana, which belongs to the district of Jepelacio, in the province of Moyobamba. To get to the petroglyphs, one usually leaves from the city of Moyobamba, which is the capital of the province and an important reference point in the region. From there, it is possible to take local transportation to the community of Panguana and then hike to the site where the petroglyphs are located.

How to get there?

Getting to Moyobamba:
From Lima: You can take a direct flight to Tarapoto airport. in Tarapoto, take a bus or cab to Moyobamba, which is approximately 2 hours away.

Other cities: You can also reach Moyobamba by bus from nearby cities.

From Moyobamba to Panguana:
Ground transportation: In Moyobamba, you can take a colectivo or cab to the district of Jepelacio. The trip can take about 30 minutes to 1 hour, depending on road conditions. Panguana community: Once in Jepelacio, you should head to the Panguana community. Here, it is advisable to have a local guide who knows the route to the petroglyphs, as access may not be clearly marked and may involve walking through jungle trails.

Hike to the petroglyphs: From Panguana: From the community, there is a hike that can take about 1 to 2 hours to reach the petroglyphs.The terrain can be uneven, so it is recommended to wear appropriate footwear and be prepared for weather conditions.

History

represent a fascinating window into the past of the pre-Columbian cultures that inhabited this area. Although the exact history and interpretation of these petroglyphs are still under study, these rock inscriptions are believed to be over a thousand years old.

Origins and Culture
It is estimated that the petroglyphs were created by indigenous peoples who lived in the region long before the arrival of the Spanish. The San Martin region has been inhabited by diverse cultures over time, and these petroglyphs are evidence of their presence and ritual, artistic, and possibly daily activities.

Description and Style
The Panguana petroglyphs include a variety of figures and symbols:

Anthropomorphs: stylized human figures that could represent deities, important community figures, or everyday scenes.
Zoomorphs: Animals, possibly related to the local fauna, which could have ritual or symbolic meanings.
Geometry: Geometric shapes and patterns that may have astronomical, calendrical or ritual meanings.

Interpretation

Interpretation of petroglyphs remains a challenge for archaeologists. The inscriptions may have been used in religious ceremonies, as a means of symbolic communication, or as a way of recording important events. It is also possible that petroglyphs served an educational purpose, teaching younger generations about myths, history, and cultural values.

Discovery and Studies

The Panguana petroglyphs have long been known to local people, but their recognition by the archaeological community is relatively recent. Researchers and archaeologists have conducted studies to document and analyze the petroglyphs, using modern techniques to try to determine their age and better understand their meaning.

Conservation

Conservation of petroglyphs is a challenge due to natural factors such as erosion and vegetation growth, as well as human activity. It is crucial that these sites are protected to preserve this valuable cultural heritage. Local authorities and conservation organizations are working to ensure that the petroglyphs are protected and can be appreciated by future generations.

The petroglyphs of Panguana are an important piece of Peru’s cultural heritage, offering a rich source of information about the ancient cultures that inhabited the San Martin region. Their study and conservation are essential to understand and preserve the pre-Columbian history of the area.