Cueva de los Pincheira facts for kids
The Cueva de los Pincheira is a famous rock shelter, which is like a big cave opening or overhang in a cliff. It is located about 65 kilometers southeast of Chillán in Ñuble Region, Central Chile. This special place is well-known because it was once a secret hideout for a group called the Pincheira brothers. They were a group of people who lived outside the law after a big war. Today, during certain times of the year, people sometimes act out scenes from their history at the cave.
Contents
Cueva de los Pincheira
What is the Cueva de los Pincheira?
The Cueva de los Pincheira is a natural rock shelter. It's found in the foothills of the Andes mountains, close to a lake called Laguna Huemul. A rock shelter is different from a deep cave. It's more like a large overhang or a shallow cave entrance. This makes it a good place for people to find shelter from the weather.
Who were the Pincheira Brothers?
The Pincheira brothers were a group of people who became famous in the 1820s. They were called "royalists" because they supported the King of Spain during the time Chile was fighting for its independence. After the war, they continued to live outside the new government's rules. They became known as an "outlaw gang" because they operated independently and sometimes raided towns.
A Secret Hideout
In the 1820s, the Cueva de los Pincheira was one of the main places where the Pincheira brothers and their followers lived. They had other hideouts near Chillán too. It is said that at their busiest times, as many as a thousand people gathered at this rock shelter. It was a safe place for them to stay hidden and plan their activities.
Mysterious Stories of the Cave
Many local stories are told about the Cueva de los Pincheira. One popular legend says that a white mule appears at night near the small waterfall inside the rock shelter. This magical mule is believed to show the way to the hidden treasures of the Pincheira brothers.
Another story tells of strange sounds heard near the rock shelter just before morning. People say they can hear a cart moving and sometimes even cries. These sounds are part of the mysterious tales that make the Cueva de los Pincheira even more interesting to visit.
See also
In Spanish: Cueva de los Pincheira para niños
