Valley of the Dinosaurs, Argentina

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A family vacation in this part of Patagonia is clearly off the beaten path. Yet parents of dinosaur fans will not be surprised to find out that their kids know much about this remote area of western central Argentina. Giganotosaurus Carolinii, the largest carnivore, was found here in 1993. Argentinosaurus, the largest herbivore and largest known dinosaur, was found here in 1987. And it is home to the only dinosaur dig site in Argentina that is open to the public.

Dinosaur skeletons and fossils can be seen in Villa el Chocón and Plaza Huincul. Dinosaur tracks near the El Chocón dam. A sauropod hatchery in the Sierra Auca Mahuida. And spectacular scenery at Canyon Escondido. Learn how to clean fossils or simply observe others while they work at the Centro Paleontológico Lago Barreales. The area is also rich in pre-Columbian finds. Aboriginal cemeteries are located in Añelo and Chos Malal.

As you drive through the valley with its red sierras and cinnamon-colored petrified forests take care to imagine this semi-arid region as a subtropical plain covered with lush forests, wide rivers and shallow lagoons. That’s how the dinosaurs knew it!

Need a break from all that history? Fishing, water sports, and horseback riding are also to be had. Or something to please the palate? Several up and coming vineyards are located nearby.

Valley of Dinosaurs tours & outfitters

Centro Paleontológico Lago Barreales, Lago Barreales

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Type of Organization: non-profit organization

Av Megaraptor 1450

Ruta Provincial 51, km 65

Lago Barreales, Neuquén, Argentina

tel: +54 (0299) 154048614

Centro Paleontológico Lago Barreales, run by Proyecto Dino, is the only dinosaur dig site in Argentina that is open to the public. At this paleontology center, located in the heart of Patagonia's Valley of the Dinosaurs, children aged 8 and up learn by doing. Dig for dinosaurs and learn to clean fossils. But make no mistake, digging for dinosaurs is both work and fun.