[2] It was created through the erosion caused by the Pinturas River, which cut into the Chon Aike Formation to form the canyon.

[4] During the time of the Paleo-Indians, around the late Pleistocene to early Holocene geological periods, the areas between 400 and 500 meters above sea level formed a microclimate in which the canyon was home to grasslands hospitable to the animals that lived in it.

[4] This microclimate included the schinus molle plant, which was useful to native inhabitants for its ability to form resins and adhesives, as well as its use as a source of firewood.

[8] The Pinturas River running through the canyon provided water for herds of guanacos, making the area attractive to Paleoindians.

[9] In ancient times, people accessed the canyon through ravines and gorges in the East and West, typically from higher elevations around 600 to 700 meters above sea level.