Valle del
Encanto (Enchanted Valley)
The Enchanted valley in La Serena, Chile
contains magnificent petroglyphs, which are ancient religious
rock carvings and engravings that were left by the Molle people
about 4000 years ago. This park has many such unique rocks,
along with some unique rock formations, places where the Molle
dwelt and indigenous flora. The valley is a marvelous place to
visit and enjoy the natural surroundings and quiet steam, with
picnic areas and a visitor center with brochures about the
people and history of the region. The valley's stream comes from
underground and rises to the surface here, which had been a
significant oasis in the past since it sits in the midst of a
sub desert area. The Molle culture would leave three great
pieces of evidence of their existence here that includes the
petroglyphs, some pictograms and Tacit rocks. There seem to be
three kinds of petroglyphs located here; square headed figures,
round headed figures and numerous morphs. The tacit rocks are
stone slabs with holes bored into them that archaeologists
believed were used to grind corn and other grains for cooking
uses; and the pictograms that are merely rock paintings done in
orange or red colors that depict the different themes of people,
water and serpents. The area has always been a sanctuary for
travelers since it had water all year round, and where many
would celebrate their sacred rituals before continuing on with
their journey. Many believe that is why all these petroglyphs
and pictograms are located here and pertain to religious
activities. These early visitors are believed to have been
Molle, Diaguitas and later, Incas.
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