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Credit: Photography by Larry Baron.
Exploring the Mystical Valley of the Throat Cutters: A Journey to Alta Vista, Nayarit
The Altavista petroglyph complex is a hidden gem near the village and beach-town of Chacala, south of the Compostela Municipality in Nayarit, Mexico. Known by many names such as “La Pila del Rey,” “Chacalán,” “El Santuario,” “The Petroglyphs,” and “the Altavista petroglyphs,” this site is nestled close to Jaltemba Bay in the Pacific Ocean. It boasts 56 petroglyphs, their antiquity shrouded in mystery, and serves as a sacred place where the Huicholes still leave offerings and perform ceremonies.
A Journey Through Time:
This site holds a special place in my heart, as it is close to where Dorothy and I lived for many years in La Penita de Jaltemba. Our visit to this “holy site” was filled with awe and reverence, especially when we saw the offerings left by the indigenous people, a testament to the site’s enduring spiritual significance.
Getting There:
- The Valley of the Throat Cutters is an intriguing name that hints at the mystique of the region. To reach the Altavista petroglyph complex, we followed the rugged road to Alta Vista.
- Ensuring our vehicle was in good condition and packing ample water and supplies were essential for this remote adventure.
- We made sure to travel during daylight hours and informed a friend of our plans for added safety.
A Family Adventure:
- Our exploration included Bill, Dylan, and Dot Bell, all captured in the evocative photograph by Larry Baron. The journey was not just about the destination but also the shared moments and discoveries along the way.
Cultural and Historical Significance:
- This region, originally home to the largely unstudied Tecoxquin (Tequectequi) native culture dating from approximately 2000 BCE to 2300 BCE, is rich in history. In pre-Hispanic times, the Compostela municipality area was inhabited by the Mazatán peoples, tributary to the Xalisco-Zacualpan Kingdom.
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“One of the ancient petroglyphs found at the Altavista petroglyph complex, near Chacala, Nayarit.”
Credit: Photography by Bill Bell.
Personal Reflections:
- As we walked among the ancient stones, I felt a profound connection to the past. The petroglyphs, carved millennia ago, seemed to whisper stories of the Tecoxquin and Mazatán peoples. The site’s enduring importance to the Huicholes, who still perform ceremonies and leave offerings, added a layer of spiritual depth to our visit.
Photography by Bill Bell and Larry Baron captures the essence of our journey, allowing us to share this mystical experience with others. Click on any small photograph to see it in a larger format and immerse yourself in the beauty and history of the Valley of the Throat Cutters.
