Centro de Informes OVNI
The epicenter of UFO tourism in Capilla.
The Centro de Informes OVNI (CIO) is a space for UFO information and outreach located in the very center of Capilla del Monte, at the foot of Cerro Uritorco. Open since 1998, it was created to respond to the interest of visitors drawn by the mysteries of the area, especially the famous Huella del Pajarillo case. Inside you will find a video library, a newspaper archive, documentary files, photographs of sightings provided by witnesses, and documentaries about enigmas such as the Nazca lines or Stonehenge. It is an independent project, with no institutional funding, that over the years has received more than 200,000 registered visitors and has been declared of Municipal Interest. It also has a reading area, a viewpoint, and a shop selling handicrafts and themed gifts.
What makes this place unique
- Documentation and archives of the Huella del Pajarillo case (1986)
- Video library and newspaper archive with UFO material and press clippings
- Sighting photographs provided by witnesses and amateurs
- Documentaries on world enigmas such as the Nazca lines and Stonehenge
- Viewpoint and shop of handicrafts and themed gifts
A bit of history
The UFO fame of Capilla del Monte skyrocketed with the Huella del Pajarillo in January 1986. On the night of January 9, several people on the outskirts of town said they saw a luminous object moving over the mountains, on the slopes of Cerro Pajarillo. The next day, a huge scorched grass mark appeared, approximately 122 meters long and 64 meters wide. What drew the most attention was that later, when a fire devastated kilometers of grassland around, that area remained intact, fueling the idea of alleged intentionality. The case became one of the milestones of Argentine ufology and turned Capilla del Monte into a UFO tourism destination. Added to this were other sightings reported at the summit of Uritorco during that same year. The CIO emerged in 1998 to document and disseminate these episodes from a broad perspective.
URI's tips
It's advisable to confirm the schedule by phone or on social media before going, since it's an independent project and may vary. Take advantage of the proximity to the Tourist Office to get more information about excursions to Uritorco and other tours in the area.
What to bring
ID, water, and if you plan to combine the visit with the ascent to Uritorco, comfortable footwear, sunscreen, and a light jacket for the temperature changes in the mountains.
This is what Centro de Informes OVNI looks like
How to get to Centro de Informes OVNI
0.2 km from downtown Capilla del Monte. 2 to 3 minutes walking.
It is in the very center of Capilla del Monte, on Juan Cabus 397, a few meters from the Tourism Office and a few blocks from the main square and the pedestrian street. It is easily reached on foot from the center.
What everyone asks
How much does admission to the Centro de Informes OVNI cost?
Admission is free and open to the public.
What is the Huella del Pajarillo?
It is the most famous UFO case in Capilla del Monte: in January 1986, a large scorched grass mark of about 122 by 64 meters appeared in the mountains, associated with a sighting. It is the episode that brought worldwide fame to Uritorco.
Where is it and how do I get there?
It is at Juan Cabus 397, in the center of Capilla del Monte, a few meters from the Tourism Office. You can walk from the square in a few minutes.
