Discover La Leona Petrified Forest: Guided Hiking Tour

Behold the geological marvels of the La Leona Petrified Forest, where fossilized dinosaur bones and ancient petrified trees stand as a testament to Patagonia's captivating past.

Discover the wonders of the La Leona Petrified Forest on an unforgettable guided hiking tour in El Calafate, Argentina. This day trip invites you to explore a stunning geological marvel, where fossilized dinosaur bones and ancient petrified trees stand against the backdrop of Patagonia’s breathtaking landscapes. With expert guides sharing insights on the unique history and formations, you’ll enjoy a memorable adventure filled with scenic vistas and delicious meals – a chance to truly connect with nature.

Key Points

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  • Explore a rare geological wonder with ancient fossilized remains and petrified trees on a guided hiking tour through the La Leona Petrified Forest in El Calafate, Argentina.
  • Discover fossilized dinosaur bones, touch petrified remains, and learn about the unique geology and fossils from knowledgeable guides during the day trip.
  • Visit the historic Hotel La Leona, a former roadhouse frequented by notorious outlaws like Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid, for a glimpse into Patagonia’s history.
  • Enjoy stunning vistas of Patagonia’s majestic landscapes, including the towering Andes mountains, expansive Argentino Lake, and serene rivers throughout the hike.
  • Experience a comprehensive day trip with professional guides, round-trip transportation, meals, and recommendations for a comfortable and memorable adventure.

Overview of the La Leona Petrified Forest Tour

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The La Leona Petrified Forest Guided Hiking Tour offers visitors a unique opportunity to explore the ancient and otherworldly landscape of the Patagonian region.

The La Leona Petrified Forest Guided Hiking Tour offers a unique opportunity to explore the ancient Patagonian landscape.

Located in El Calafate, Argentina, the tour takes guests on a day trip through the petrified forest, a rare geological wonder.

With a maximum group size of 30 and a moderate fitness level required, the tour is suitable for adventurous travelers aged 6 and up.

Highlights include guided hikes, visits to historic sites, and the chance to view fossilized dinosaur bones and petrified trees.

Included in the $239.77 per person price are professional guides, meals, and transportation.

Exploring the Petrified Forest on Foot

As visitors embark on the guided hike through the La Leona Petrified Forest, they’ll be captivated by the otherworldly landscape.

Trekking along the trails, they’ll discover fossilized dinosaur bones and petrified trees that have been frozen in time for millions of years. The knowledgeable guides share insights about the area’s unique geology and the remarkable fossils found here.

Hikers can even touch and hold some of the petrified remains, marveling at the incredible preservation. The scenic views of the surrounding mountains, rivers, and Argentino Lake add to the unforgettable experience of exploring this remarkable natural wonder on foot.

Discovering the Historic Hotel La Leona

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Along the guided hike, visitors arrive at the historic Hotel La Leona, a former roadhouse once frequented by the infamous Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid.

This rustic hotel provides a glimpse into the area’s storied past. Travelers can explore the hotel’s unique architecture and learn about its role in Patagonia’s history.

The guide shares captivating tales of the notorious outlaws who sought refuge here over a century ago.

Exploring the well-preserved hotel enriches the overall petrified forest experience, offering a multifaceted adventure into Argentina’s intriguing past.

Breathtaking Scenic Vistas of Patagonia

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Stunning vistas of Patagonia’s majestic landscapes unfold before visitors as they continue their guided hike through the La Leona Petrified Forest.

The breathtaking scenery includes:

  • Towering peaks of the Andes mountains, including the iconic Mount Fitz Roy, rising dramatically in the distance.

  • The vast expanse of Argentino Lake, its blue-green waters reflecting the surrounding mountains and forests.

  • The winding Santa Cruz and La Leona rivers, carving their way through the rugged terrain and providing a serene backdrop to the hike.

Photographers and nature enthusiasts alike are captivated by the stunning panoramas on display throughout the tour.

Fossilized Remains and Petrified Trees

The guided hike through the La Leona Petrified Forest offers visitors a unique opportunity to discover ancient fossilized remains and petrified trees.

Scattered across the vast landscape, these relics from a bygone era captivate hikers with their intricate details and mystery. Guests can even touch and hold some of the preserved dinosaur bones, marveling at the sheer age and resilience of these prehistoric wonders.

The towering petrified tree trunks, frozen in time, stand as testament to the dramatic geological changes that have shaped this remarkable region.

The towering petrified tree trunks, frozen in time, stand as testament to the dramatic geological changes that have shaped this remarkable region.

This one-of-a-kind experience allows travelers to truly connect with Patagonia’s awe-inspiring past.

What’s Included in the Tour Experience

Though the tour operates as a day trip, it provides a comprehensive experience for visitors exploring the La Leona Petrified Forest.

The package includes:

  • A professional guide who shares their expertise on the area’s unique geology and history

  • Bottled water and a boxed lunch to fuel the moderate hike through the petrified landscape

  • Round-trip air-conditioned transportation from select centrally located hotels, ensuring a stress-free start and end to the adventure

With these amenities, travelers can fully enjoy the wonders of the La Leona Petrified Forest without worrying about logistics.

Preparing for the La Leona Petrified Forest Adventure

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To make the most of the La Leona Petrified Forest adventure, it’s important to prepare adequately.

Wear comfortable, weather-appropriate clothing and sturdy hiking shoes. Bring sun protection like hats, sunglasses, and sunscreen.

Pack a small backpack with snacks, water, and any necessary medications. Though the tour provides lunch, having extra sustenance can be helpful.

Review the tour’s fitness level and ensure you’re physically capable of the moderate hike.

Lastly, bring a camera to capture the stunning landscapes and petrified wonders.

With the right preparation, you’ll be set to fully learn about this unique geological experience.

The Sum Up

Discover the ancient wonders of the La Leona Petrified Forest on a guided hiking tour that takes you through Patagonia’s stunning landscapes. Explore fossilized dinosaur bones, petrified trees, and the historic Hotel La Leona, while enjoying scenic vistas and delicious meals. This unforgettable adventure offers a chance to connect with nature and uncover the geological history of this remarkable destination.