Pozo de las Ánimas

Information Pozo de las Ánimas

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This corresponds to the geological formation known as karst "Dolina" caused by the transformation of underground deposits of gypsum, the effect of groundwater seepage and produce a solution of mineral and form huge caverns beneath the surface, the land will slowly sinking, resulting in a steady growth of the characteristic cones.

The Well of Souls is located along Provincial Highway No. 222 near the Arroyo Las Amarillas, is actually two depressions, divided from each other by a weak separation. The first, which faces the access is a huge cavity that is stopped in the process of erosion, the walls have been posting some vegetables, its bottom is covered with water, where you can see the constant changes Liquid level judging by the marks that are printed. The second well is impressive features, its size and the constant landslides that occur with walls cut to the bottom, which shows large stones hung almost to fall into the icy waters covering his bed, where it is possible see some ducks, which appear only because of the depth points. The progress we have experienced in recent times the sinkhole can be distinguished through the containment fence was placed to prevent accidents and that today is almost the very edge of the sinkhole.

According to accounts from local people would have made several attempts to descend to the water's edge, some with success, but apparently have not been recorded.

On 19 December 1981 a team led by Rodolfo Rogelio Rocha, composed of divers, scientists, policemen, sportsmen, journalists were able to successfully carry out the descent of 12 people at the lake, moved a rubber boat and diving equipment with to conduct scientific studies on the place.

The results of these studies were unable to determine the diameter of the jackpot, approximately 200 meters depth to water is about 80 meters water depth around 21 meters from the water level and the bottom of the cone.

Myth and Legend of Pozo de las Animas

The Well of Souls is surrounded by mountains where the hit, the wind produces a whistling sound that gives rise to various legends handed down by the old people, with all its mystery and superstition.

The well was called by the Indians Trolope-Co, (water of the dead or water gritadero of souls), and the tradition that is the place to go to pray and mourn the souls who walk in sorrow for the mountains.

As was common among the peoples living on either side of the Andes, there was a difference in the relations and a group of Chilean side, warlike customs people were chasing a small number of inhabitants of the area of Los Molles.

The night was already spreading his cloak in the dark and the persecuted warned not to be heard over the screams of his enemies, then to take those precautions, in case it was a ploy by his rivals, returned to their homes, taking a few detours.

The next day, at first light, returned to the place where he finished up the chase and took up his steps the day before, he soon began to hear some sounds of wailing their attention.

Continued to advance cautiously and with great surprise they found two large wells that had sunk beneath the feet of his pursuers in the background was the bodies began to hear some sounds of wailing their attention.

Continued to advance cautiously and with great surprise they found two large wells that had sunk beneath the feet of his pursuers in the background was dying bodies of their enemies and groans that rose from the depths frightened observers who since then venerated the training had saved by giving the name of place where the souls cry.

This geologic formation, technically called Dolina, is caused by the transformation of underground deposits of gypsum, the effect of seepage and groundwater are huge caverns beneath the surface. Over time the land are slowly sinking, resulting in a steady growth of the characteristic cones.