A full-day journey across Patagonian steppe to an open field of 70-million-year-old petrified logs. Expect wide skies, stiff winds, and a demanding walk among exposed fossil trunks with interpretive stops en route.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
You step out of the van into wind-swept Patagonian steppe; the grass presses flat and the horizon is a low line of Andes. Scattered across the scrub are stony cylinders—petrified trunks laid like fallen columns across an ancient plain. The air here is sharp, the wind a constant companion that seems to test every boot and jacket.
Difficulty
challenging
Duration
9–17 hours
Fitness Level
Requires a high level of fitness; long periods of walking over uneven terrain and exposure to wind.
Wildlife
History
The site preserves Cretaceous-period fossil wood and occasional vertebrate remains, reflecting a much warmer, wetter prehistoric Patagonia.
Conservation
The fossil beds are fragile—visitors should stay on routes, follow guide rules, and never remove or disturb specimens to protect scientific value.
Reserve your spot on the La Lioness Petrified Forest today and enjoy a trusted, highly rated experience designed to help you make the most of your adventure.
Layer for wind and sun
Patagonian wind can be cold even in summer; pack a windproof outer layer and UV protection for open stretches.
Hydrate early and often
There is little to no potable water on site—carry 2–3 liters per person and electrolyte snacks for a long day.
Sturdy, treaded footwear
Uneven, eroded ground and loose gravel demand boots with good ankle support and aggressive tread.
Start at first light
Morning light reduces wind and brings out detail in the petrified wood—also gives more buffer for a long walking duration.
Hiking boots with ankle support
Protects feet on loose, eroded surfaces and provides stability on uneven trunks.
Windproof shell and insulating mid-layer
Wind and rapid temperature shifts are common; layers keep you comfortable during stops.
3L hydration system or water bottles
No reliable water on the route—carry ample fluids and replace electrolytes after long effort.
summer
Sun hat and SPF 50 sunscreen
Wide-open steppe offers little shade; sun exposure can be intense even when cool.
summer