La Leona Petrified Forest Hiking Tour
About this activity
Highlights
- Explore ancient petrified trees
- Learn about geological history
- Enjoy panoramic desert views
- Discover unique fossilized flora
- Experience Patagonia's natural beauty
Full description
Included / Excluded
- Guided hike through La Leona Petrified Forest
- Transportation from El Calafate to the forest
- Expert local guide with in-depth knowledge
- Meals and beverages during the tour
Itinerary
Pass by: After hotel pickup in El Calafate, travel with your guide by air-conditioned coach for an approx. 21-mile (33-km) drive along Route 40, immersing yourself in the stunning scenery that unfolds before you.
Admire Argentino Lake, Santa Cruz and La Leona rivers, and sweeping views of the impressive Andes mountains, including the snow-blown jagged peaks of Fitz Roy, the highest mountain in Los Glaciares National Park.
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.
Here we will get off 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. The duration of the trekking is 3 hours (time for trekking depends on weather conditions).
Walk back to the starting point and return to El Calafate by bus, making a stop in La Leona before being dropped off at your hotel.
Important information
Know before you book
- The tour is conducted in Spanish; consider language proficiency when booking.
- Check the availability of the tour on your preferred dates before booking.
- Confirm the pickup location and time from El Calafate to ensure timely arrival.
Know before you go
- Wear comfortable hiking boots and appropriate clothing for desert conditions.
- Bring a hat, sunscreen, and plenty of water to stay hydrated.
- Ensure your camera is ready to capture the stunning landscapes and fossils.
Cancellation policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Good to know
- Minimum age is 6 years
- Not recommended for participants with back problems, heart complaints or other serious medical conditions
- It is recommended that you bring sunblock and wear comfortable clothes and shoes
- Seasonal tour operating October to April
- A minimum of 2 people per booking is required
- 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.
Traveler reviews
Moderate hike in a scenic area
This hike is rated as a moderate hike and it is challenging for someone who doesn’t do a lot of hiking but wants to challenge themselves. The hike is over 3 hours and 3 km long, we stopped for lunch along the trail. There are spots where there are steps dug into the trail and ropes to hold onto. I would recommend using hiking poles if you’re not a hiker. The scenery was amazing and I couldn’t believe the amount of petrified trees and bones we saw. The last part of the hike is the most difficult because you go down into the canyon then pretty much straight up to get out. The guide did not push us to go too fast and was careful to not get ahead of any of us, she did a great job.
Wonderful experience
What a interesting and entertaining trip, we learned a lot and had fun. The included lunch was perfect and our guide gave us a lot of information and he really loves nature.
Amazing remote experience
This place was a unique hiking experience. There is only one company who goes there and it was 6 of us and a guide. Quiet peaceful hike. The fossils and petrified wood are awesome and you can get up close and even touch them. The guide Pol was wonderful, knowledgeable, & friendly. The hike was about 2-2.5 hrs with lots of stops. Very windy like the rest of Patagonia but well worth a visit. Take water and a hiking pole to stabilize yourself from the wind. Beautiful.
La Leona Petrified Forest. Excellent day out.
The guide, Paull our driver were fabulous. We loved the fascinating terrain, the geology, and fossilised trees. The trek was well thought out, and care and safety from the guide was outstanding. The driver returned the items I accidentally left on the bus to our hotel afterwards. The tour was great. I highly recommend it.
Cancelled
The excursion, scheduled for 30 April 2024, didn't take place due to lack of numbers. I'm disappointed, but at least I was advised timeously and refunded promptly. From a traveller's point of view though, it begs the question: given how overcrowded some tours are (e.g Todos Los Glaciares, with a different tour operator), can't operators sometimes take a loss when their overheads aren't covered?