Argentina · Hiking

La Leona Petrified Forest Hiking Tour from El Calafate

8 Hours Round trip from El Calafate Moderate pace

The journey

Trip highlights
  • 01 Scenic drive from El Calafate along National Route 40
  • 02 Views of Argentino Lake, the Santa Cruz River and the Andes
  • 03 Stop at historic Hotel La Leona and its small museum
  • 04 Easy guided hike through La Leona Petrified Forest
  • 05 See petrified logs on the surface, some up to 1.20 meters in diameter
  • 06 Look out for fossil remains of dinosaurs
  • 07 Box lunch and bottled water included
  • 08 Round-trip hotel pickup and drop-off in an air-conditioned vehicle

Discover the wild landscapes outside El Calafate on a guided journey to La Leona Petrified Forest. Travel along National Route 40 past Argentino Lake, the Santa Cruz River and the Andes, with views that may include Fitz Roy Mountain, before stopping at historic Hotel La Leona.

Then set out on an easy hike through this striking, moon-like terrain, where petrified logs lie scattered across the surface and fossil remains can still be seen. With round-trip transport, a professional guide, bottled water and a box lunch included, this is a rewarding day out for travellers interested in Patagonia’s geology, scenery and ancient past.

Discover the wild landscapes outside El Calafate on a guided journey to La Leona Petrified Forest.

From the itinerary

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 8 Hours
Tour type Shared
Activity level Moderate
Accommodation Included
Transport Included
Wheelchair access Not applicable
Cities Viedma, El Calafate
Languages English, Spanish

Day by day

The itinerary

1
Day 01

El Calafate

A transfer will pick you up at your hotel to begin the journey with a guide for approximately 33 kilometers along National Route 40, which offers spectacular scenery.

El Calafate - Argentino Lake

During this trip you can see the Argentino Lake, the Santa Cruz River, the La Leona River and we can also enjoy an incredible panoramic view of the Andes Mountains, including the Fitz Roy Mountain.

El Calafate - La Leona

We will make a stop of approximately 15 minutes in the Hotel La Leona, important historical site, where we can stock up and explore its small museum. We will continue our way along the south of Lake Viedma to the edge of Cerro Los Hornos to reach the Estancia Santa Teresita.

La Leona - Petrified Logs

Here we will get of the vehicle to start our walk. We will trek through the depression of the land where we will find petrified logs that lie on the surface, some of up to 1.20 meters in diameter! We can also see fossil remains of different types of dinosaurs that inhabited the place. 

Return to El Calafate

We will walk back to the starting point and we will return to El Calafate by bus.

The route

Where you'll travel

Tour route map
Round trip from El Calafate 2 cities · 8 Hours

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

  • Professional guide
  • Bottled water and box lunch
  • Hotel pickup and drop-off
  • Air-conditioned vehicle

What's Not Included

  • Gratuities

Know before you go

  • We suggest you to confirm the booking details with us prior to travel, or upon arrival at your destination. Please note that departure times and locations may vary slightly. Office number: (Mon to Fri from 9 to 18 Hs) Emergency mobile: (After office hours)
  • The pick up transfer is only from selected centrally located hotels. If your hotel is outside the geographic area, we will confirm you the closest meeting point. Indicate the name and address of your hotel.
  • IMPORTANT: If you wish to cancel your tour, please note that no refund will be granted from the 24th of December to the 02nd of January. All sales are final between those dates.
  • Vegetarian option is available, please advise at time of booking if required
  • Not recommended for participants with back problems, heart complaints or other serious medical conditions

Logistics

Meeting & route

Meeting point
El Calafate, AR
Tour start
El Calafate, AR
Tour ends at the same location as the start point.
End of the journey

Your 8 hours finish where they began, in El Calafate.

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