Paleontology

Patagonia: land of dinosaurs

Home to the largest dinosaur ever discovered, the deep Argentine Patagonia is an ideal place to learn about the secrets of the origins of life on the planet. Fossil remains and internationally renowned thematic museums provide insight into the fascinating history of the Earth’s different eras. Expert guides enrich your visit to the various paleontological sites. The haunting and enigmatic Patagonian steppe holds remains dating back millions of years. Discovering them is a fascinating experience.

Neuquén

At the forefront of fossil extraction and study—especially terrestrial vertebrates and marine invertebrates—Neuquén invites you to delve into the world of these Patagonian giants. The Lake Barreales Paleontological Center, the museums of Villa El Chocón, Plaza Huincul, and Rincón de los Sauces exhibit incredible finds that amaze every visitor. The world’s largest carnivorous dinosaur ever found, along with an herbivore of gigantic size, petrified footprints, and dinosaur eggs in their nests are unique phenomena that characterize the Dinosaur Steppe in Neuquén.

Río Negro

From Cipoletti, you can access the Cretaceous Park, where fossil remains and petrified footprints of prehistoric animals are shown. “El Anfiteatro” displays the different geological layers, from 100 to 60 million years old, and dinosaur fossils dating back 100 million years. Marine species dating back 75 million years, such as the remains of plesiosaurs and mosasaurs, were found in “Bajo de Santa Rosa,” 150 km from the locality of Lamarque. The province also invites visitors to visit several interesting museums: the “Carlos Ameghino” Provincial Museum in Cipolletti, the Lamarque Municipal Museum, and the Luis Beltrán Municipal Museum.

Chubut

The Gondwana Valley Tourist Corridor is an interactive tour from Rawson to Esquel, integrating the Lower Chubut River Valley, the Plateau and the Mountain Range, and following the course of the Chubut River. It features incredible geological scenarios where many of the province’s important fossil remains were found, such as the Patagotitan Mayorum, the largest herbivorous dinosaur in the world.

In Trelew, you will find the Egidio Feruglio Paleontological Museum (MEF)—one of the most important museums of its kind in South America. Following its recent renovation, it offers visitors complete immersion in the natural history of Patagonia. It features a significant display and educational programs for paleontology and natural science enthusiasts from all the world. Programs dedicated to children allow them to play and learn in the museum’s rooms and laboratories. The new display is three times the original size and includes a life-sized replica of the Patagotitan Mayorum, which revolutionized the paleontological world. At the Northern entrance to Trelew on National Route (RN – “Ruta Nacional”) 3, you will find a life-sized replica of the Titanosaurus, the largest dinosaur ever found in the world, the fossils of which were discovered in Chubut in 2013. It is 40 meters long and 12 meters high.

The Bryn Gwyn Paleontological Park, located at Gaiman, offers a unique experience for nature and prehistoric history lovers. This park is one of the few in South America that allows visitors to walk on original fossils in their natural habitat. Meanwhile, the Sarmiento Petrified Forest, with ancient tree trunks that have witnessed prehistory, and the Valley of the Giants, with lifelike representations of important dinosaurs, make up a landscape not to be missed.