Las Cuevas is a small area within Lauca National Park, some 20 kms east of Putre. Here a rock formation protrudes from the fertile wetlands. 

Located at altitudes of 4400 meters, Las Cuevas features a prehistoric rock shelter, a thermal hot spring and fantastic views.

Prehistoric hunter-gatherers frequented this location as early as 9500 years BP, as indicated by a smoke charred cave and  finds like arrowheads and fire pits. 
Archeologists even found a shark tooth, suggesting a link with the Chinchorro culture that evolved from early fishing communities near Arica, a full 150 km to the west.

Las Cuevas is home to the rabbit-like Viscacha that feeds on peat in the nearby wetlands and shelters in and on the rocks.

The hot spring spouts water of 31 C that fills a small outdoor pool where you can take a dip. But as the water has a high arsenic and boron content, bathing here may actually have an age reducing effect.

On a cold morning in July 2011 we visited Las Cuevas, inspected the cave and hot spring, enjoyed the fantastic panoramas and watched several Viscachas dozing in the morning sun.