La Piedra Pintada
Piedra Pintada, or Painted Stone, is a sandstone formation with a circumference of 76 meters (249 feet) and a height of 19 meters (62 feet). It is distinctive in the region and is regarded as a geological curiosity. It's at a park called "Parque Congreso de Abril" in the Artigas Department in northern Uruguay.
La Piedra Pintada dates back to pre-Columbian times, possibly around 8,000 years ago. It is the largest of the petroglyphs and sculptures. The red-green color of the "Piedra Pintada is owing to the presence of several mosses that have stuck to the massive sandstone. The sandstone has been worn by water, although the basaltic rocks are more resistant to erosion in its higher areas. It's a mix of basalt, which makes up the bulk of the soil, and sandstone, which makes up the subsoil around Artigas. It has pre-Columbian carvings on it.
Locals occasionally use chalk to fill in the grooves of the petroglyphs, making them easier to see. The petroglyphs' meaning is unknown; some believe that they are an ancient map of the region. The stone can be found up a trail about 300 meters off the main road.
Its picturesque appearance attracts a large number of visitors to the park. The nearby "Parque Congreso de Abril," which opened in 1982, features a public camping area with toilets, running water, electricity, swimming pools, and traditional BBQ pits, as well as a cantine and firewood for sale.
Location: JV73+F33, Anton Valley, Panama
