Walk among stone trunks and exposed dinosaur remains on a guided day trip from El Calafate to the La Leona Petrified Forest. This accessible hike combines easy trekking with clear geological interpretation and regional history.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
A low, wind-swept plain opens as the coach eases off Route 40: stone-studded scrub, the long silver thread of the La Leona River, and scattered trunks of ancient trees fossilized into stone. Your guide leads a quiet walk into a flattened basin where petrified logs lie like ships abandoned by time and the Andes watch from a distance, white peaks daring the sky.
Difficulty
moderate
Duration
8 hours
Fitness Level
Suitable for moderately fit travelers comfortable with 2–3 hours of walking on uneven ground and short elevation changes.
Wildlife
History
The La Leona corridor was a frontier route for gauchos and early explorers; fossils here date largely to the Late Cretaceous and inform regional paleontology.
Conservation
The site is ecologically and scientifically sensitive—stay on guided routes, pack out waste, and avoid sampling fossils to protect research value.
Reserve your spot on the Discover La Leona Petrified Forest: Guided Hiking Tour today and enjoy a trusted, highly rated experience designed to help you make the most of your adventure.
Protect against strong sun
Patagonia’s sun is intense even on cool days—wear SPF 50, sunglasses, and a brimmed hat.
Sturdy footwear matters
Trails are gravelly and uneven; low-ankle hiking shoes with good tread reduce the risk of twists.
Hydrate and carry snacks
Although bottled water and lunch are provided, bring an extra 1 L of water and energy snacks for the trek.
Respect fossils and features
Do not remove or chip petrified wood—fossils are protected and fragile; photograph, don’t collect.
Hiking shoes
Sturdy, grippy shoes protect ankles on gravel and uneven sections.
Windproof jacket
A lightweight shell blocks Patagonian gusts that can arrive suddenly.
spring
Sun protection (hat & sunscreen)
High SPF sunscreen and a wide-brim hat reduce UV exposure in exposed terrain.
summer
Reusable water bottle (1 L+)
Carry extra water even if bottled water is provided—dehydration is easy in dry wind.