Pozo de las Animas (Well of Souls) in Argentina 2024-2025
Stop by to pray for the lost souls
Best time: all year round
Pozo de las Animas are the two eye-catching cesspools situated near the village of Los Molles in Mendoza.
The name of sinkholes derives from an ancient Aboriginal legend. It is about a group of Aboriginal people being chased by a rival group. As the night fell, the pursuers could not find their enemies anymore and returned home. The next day they went back to get their enemies again and suddenly heard calls of distress. Advancing cautiously, they found two huge wells and their pursued ones dying in the rising waters. Since then these cesspools have been a place of worship called "the place where souls cry".
Both dump wells were created because of the deformation of underground voids. The voids emerged from the dissipation of gypsum deposits by groundwaters. The holes are separated by a thin friable wall, and it is assumed that the wall will erode away over the years to unite the two wells.
The Northern sinkhole has crumbling sides, and as the sinkhole is still eroding, it is dangerous to approach its rims. The sinkhole is around 101 m deep and 300 m across. Over 21 m of the depth is filled with water. The Southern sinkhole is approximately 300 m in diameter, however less impressive visually.
The site may be visited year round. In winter, the slopes are covered in snow, and the roads are generally passable. In summer, days are hot, but the sun reflecting in the wells at noon is really what makes it attractive.
Practical info
What is the origin of the name Pozo de las Animas?
The name 'Pozo de las Animas' means 'Well of Souls' and comes from an ancient Aboriginal legend. It represents the place where Aboriginal people died while being chased by a rival group. The site was turned into a place of worship and is known today as 'the place where souls cry.'
How were the Pozo de las Animas formed?
Pozo de las Animas formed due to underground voids created by the dissolution of gypsum deposits by groundwaters. The two sinkholes are separated by a fragile wall, which may erode over time, uniting the two wells. Pozo de las Animas is a stunning natural site with complex geological formations worth exploring.
What is the depth and diameter of the Northern sinkhole?
The Northern sinkhole has a diameter of about 300 meters and is approximately 101 meters deep, with more than 21 meters of its depth filled with water. It has fragile sides and is still eroding, so visitors should be cautious when approaching its rims. Exploring Pozo de las Animas is a thrilling experience, but safety is a top priority.
What are the safety precautions to consider when visiting Pozo de las Animas?
To ensure visitors' safety at Pozo de las Animas, precautionary measures must be taken, such as avoiding touching the water in the sinkholes, keeping a safe distance from one another, and not approaching the edges of the sinkholes. Although it is a unique natural site, Pozo de las Animas carries potential hazards, and visitors must be responsible for their safety by heeding guidelines provided by tour operators and authorities.
What is the best time to visit Pozo de las Animas?
Pozo de las Animas is open year-round for visitors, and each season offers diverse activities. In winter, the area enjoys snow coverage, and the passable roads offer excellent hiking routes. During summer, visitors can bask in the sun reflecting in the wells at noon and take advantage of the pleasant weather. Visitors should make reservations in advance and adhere to the regulations provided by tour operators to make the most of their Pozo de las Animas experience.
