Cueva del Milodón
Magallanes
Cueva del Milodón Natural Monument is a significant natural and archaeological site located in Chilean Patagonia, approximately 24 km northwest of Puerto Natales. The monument includes several caves along the flanks of Cerro Benítez, with the largest being the Milodón Cave, a 200-meter long cavern where remains of the extinct giant ground sloth, Mylodon darwini, were discovered in 1895 by Hermann Eberhard. Besides the milodón, the caves have yielded fossils of other extinct animals such as the saber-toothed cat Smilodon and the large camel-like Macrauchenia, as well as evidence of early human habitation dating back to around 6000 BC. The site features a striking rock formation called Silla del Diablo (Devil's Chair) and is part of the scenic End of the World Route. At the entrance, visitors can see a life-size replica of the prehistoric Mylodon, highlighting the site's paleontological importance. The monument combines natural beauty with rich scientific and cultural heritage, making it a compelling destination for tourists exploring Patagonia.
Planifiez votre voyage en Chili avec l'IA
Créez un itinéraire détaillé en quelques minutes. L'IA suggère les meilleurs endroits, restaurants et un itinéraire optimisé.
Astuce: The best time to visit Cueva del Milodón is during the Southern Hemisphere's summer months (December to February) for milder weather and easier access. It is advisable to purchase tickets or book guided tours in advance, especially during peak tourist season, to avoid waiting times. Visitors should wear sturdy footwear suitable for cave exploration and bring warm clothing as the cave interiors can be cool. Discounts may be available for students, seniors, and groups. The monument is accessible by road from Puerto Natales, and combining the visit with a trip to nearby Torres del Paine National Park is recommended for a fuller Patagonia experience.
Faits intéressants
- •The cave yielded skin, bones, and other parts of the extinct giant ground sloth Mylodon darwini, which lived until roughly 10,200–13,560 years ago.
- •Besides Mylodon, fossils of other extinct animals such as the saber-toothed cat Smilodon and the large camel-like Macrauchenia were found in the caves.
- •Human artifacts including fire-fractured rocks and lithic tools have been discovered, indicating habitation as early as 6000 BC.
- •The life-size replica of the Mylodon at the monument's entrance was constructed in 1978 by Harold Krusell.
- •The caves were formed by erosion from a large proglacial paleolake about 20,000 years ago during the retreat of the Patagonian ice sheet.
Histoire
The Cueva del Milodón was discovered in 1895 by German explorer Hermann Eberhard, who found remarkably well-preserved remains of the giant ground sloth inside the cave.
In 1896, Swedish explorer Otto Nordenskjöld studied the findings and helped publicize their significance.
The site has since been the focus of numerous paleontological excavations, revealing not only extinct megafauna but also artifacts and remains evidencing human habitation dating back thousands of years.
Over time, the monument has become an important scientific and tourist site in southern Chile, contributing valuable insights into Pleistocene fauna and early human activity in Patagonia.
Guide du lieu
Milodón Cave
The largest cave in the monument, measuring 200 meters in length, notable for the discovery of the giant ground sloth remains. It features impressive geological formations and is the focal point of the monument.
Silla del Diablo (Devil's Chair)
A distinctive rock formation near the caves resembling a chair, adding dramatic natural scenery to the monument area.
Mylodon Replica1978
A life-size sculpture of the prehistoric giant ground sloth located at the monument entrance, built to illustrate the animal that gave the cave its name.