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.

Getting there

The Valley of the Dinosaurs is located 1150 km (715 miles) from Buenos Aires, over 400 km (250 miles) from San Martín de los Andes and 350 km (217 miles) from San Carlos de Bariloche. But less than 90 km (55 miles) from the city of Neuquén. Aerolíneas Argentinas flies to Neuquén from Buenos Aires, San Martín de los Andes and Comodoro Rivadavia. Southern Winds flies to Neuquén from Buenos Aires and Bariloche. A bus trip to Neuquén is 16 hours from Buenos Aires and 5 hours from San Carlos de Bariloche.

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Getting around

Given the distances involved it is advisable to rent a car, hire a guide or sign up for an organized tour. Car rental agencies are located in Neuquén. From Neuquén, take route 22 then route 237 to Villa El Chocón. Stay on route 22 for Plaza Huincul. To reach the Centro Paleontológico Lago Barreales, the dinosaur dig site, travel north from Neuquén on route 7 to route 51, direction Añelo. Follow the signs to Lago Barreales. To Auca Mahuida, take route 7 to route 8.

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When to travel

Day and nighttime temperatures vary greatly. While summer (December-February) days are hot and dry with an average daytime temperature of 30°C (89° F), nights are a cool 15°C (59°F). In winter (June-August) the average temperature ranges from a night time low of 0°C (32° F) to a daytime high of 15°C (59°F).

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