
Discover La Leona Petrified Forest: Guided Hiking Tour
Traveler rating
4.7/5
Based on 22 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Discover La Leona Petrified Forest: Guided Hiking Tour worth booking?
Discover La Leona Petrified Forest: Guided Hiking Tour is a 8-hour experience in El Calafate, Argentina, from $260 per person. It scores 66 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Solid Choice”, based on a 4.7/5 rating across 22 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 66 / 100
- Rating
- 4.7/5 (22)
- Duration
- 8 hours
- From
- $260 per person
Set out on an unforgettable El Calafate day trip to the captivating La Leona Petrified Forest, where you'll wander through a surreal lunar-like landscape adorned with ancient petrified logs and dinosaur fossils. Led by an expert guide, delve into the area's fascinating geological wonders during a leisurely hike. Before your adventure, explore the historic Hotel La Leona, steeped in intriguing tales. Relax in air-conditioned coach comfort as you travel between destinations, marveling at panoramic vistas of Argentino Lake, the Santa Cruz and La Leona rivers, and the majestic Mt. Fitz Roy.
What you get
About this experience
Set out on an unforgettable El Calafate day trip to the captivating La Leona Petrified Forest, where you'll wander through a surreal lunar-like landscape adorned with ancient petrified logs and dinosaur fossils. Led by an expert guide, delve into the area's fascinating geological wonders during a leisurely hike. Before your adventure, explore the historic Hotel La Leona, steeped in intriguing tales. Relax in air-conditioned coach comfort as you travel between destinations, marveling at panoramic vistas of Argentino Lake, the Santa Cruz and La Leona rivers, and the majestic Mt. Fitz Roy.
What's included
Included
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
- Professional guide
- In-vehicle air conditioning
- Bottled water and lunch
Not included
- Gratuities
What you'll see and do
El Calafate
After hotel pickup in El Calafate, travel with your guide by air-conditioned coach for an approx. 21-mile (33-km) drive along Route 40, immersing yourself in the stunning scenery that unfolds before you.
Pass by without stopping
Lago Argentino
Admire Argentino Lake, Santa Cruz and La Leona rivers, and sweeping views of the impressive Andes mountains, including the snow-blown jagged peaks of Fitz Roy, the highest mountain in Los Glaciares National Park.
60 minutes here
We will make a stop of approximately 15 minutes in the Hotel La Leona, important historical site, where we can stock up and explore its small museum. We will continue our way along the south of Lake Viedma to the edge of Cerro Los Hornos to reach the Estancia Santa Teresita.
15 minutes here
La Leona Petrified Forest
Here we will get off the vehicle to start our walk. We will trek through the depression of the land where we will find petrified logs that lie on the surface, some of up to 1.20 meters in diameter! We can also see fossil remains of different types of dinosaurs that inhabited the place. The duration of the trekking is 3 hours (time for trekking depends on weather conditions).
180 minutes here · Admission not included
El Calafate
Walk back to the starting point and return to El Calafate by bus, making a stop in La Leona before being dropped off at your hotel.
60 minutes here
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
El Calafate
El Calafate, Argentina
The pick up transfer is only from selected centrally located hotels. If your hotel is outside the geographic area, we will confirm you the closest meeting point. Indicate the name and address of your hotel.
Hotel pickup
Pickup is available for selected locations. Pickup begins about 60 minutes before departure.
Ends at
El Calafate · El Calafate, Argentina
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Languages
- en, es
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Every day
- Group size
- Up to 9 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Tangol
Know before you go
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
- Minimum age is 6 years
- Not recommended for participants with back problems, heart complaints or other serious medical conditions
- It is recommended that you bring sunblock and wear comfortable clothes and shoes
- Seasonal tour operating October to April
- A minimum of 2 people per booking is required
- IMPORTANT: If you wish to cancel your tour, please note that no refund will be granted from the 24th of December to the 02nd of January. All sales are final between those dates.
Photos






What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 22 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
The guide
8 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Photo opportunities
4 mentionsThe views and photo stops come up again and again.
Knowledge and storytelling
3 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Physical effort
3 mentionsExpect real walking or climbing: reviewers mention the effort involved.
Food and drink
2 mentionsThe tastings and food stops are a highlight for most reviewers.
Traveler reviews
22 verified traveler reviews for Discover La Leona Petrified Forest: Guided Hiking Tour. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Moderate hike in a scenic area
This hike is rated as a moderate hike and it is challenging for someone who doesn’t do a lot of hiking but wants to challenge themselves. The hike is over 3 hours and 3 km long, we stopped for lunch along the trail. There are spots where there are steps dug into the trail and ropes to hold onto. I would recommend using hiking poles if you’re not a hiker. The scenery was amazing and I couldn’t believe the amount of petrified trees and bones we saw. The last part of the hike is the most difficult because you go down into the canyon then pretty much straight up to get out. The guide did not push us to go too fast and was careful to not get ahead of any of us, she did a great job.
Response from the operator: Thank you for your wonderful review! We're so glad you enjoyed the unique landscapes and appreciated your guide's support throughout the hike. We hope to welcome you back for another Patagonian adventure! Tangol Tours
via Viator
Wonderful experience
What a interesting and entertaining trip, we learned a lot and had fun. The included lunch was perfect and our guide gave us a lot of information and he really loves nature.
Response from the operator: Thank you for your kind words! We're delighted you enjoyed the experience, the lunch, and your guide's passion for nature. We hope to see you again soon! Tangol Tours
via Tripadvisor
Amazing remote experience
This place was a unique hiking experience. There is only one company who goes there and it was 6 of us and a guide. Quiet peaceful hike. The fossils and petrified wood are awesome and you can get up close and even touch them. The guide Pol was wonderful, knowledgeable, & friendly. The hike was about 2-2.5 hrs with lots of stops. Very windy like the rest of Patagonia but well worth a visit. Take water and a hiking pole to stabilize yourself from the wind. Beautiful.
Response from the operator: Elizabeth, Thank you for your lovely review! We're happy you enjoyed this unique experience and that Pol helped make it so memorable. We hope to welcome you back to Patagonia in the future! Tangol Tours
via Viator
La Leona Petrified Forest. Excellent day out.
The guide, Paull our driver were fabulous. We loved the fascinating terrain, the geology, and fossilised trees. The trek was well thought out, and care and safety from the guide was outstanding. The driver returned the items I accidentally left on the bus to our hotel afterwards. The tour was great. I highly recommend it.
via Tripadvisor
Cancelled
The excursion, scheduled for 30 April 2024, didn't take place due to lack of numbers. I'm disappointed, but at least I was advised timeously and refunded promptly. From a traveller's point of view though, it begs the question: given how overcrowded some tours are (e.g Todos Los Glaciares, with a different tour operator), can't operators sometimes take a loss when their overheads aren't covered?
Response from the operator: Hello, Thank you for sharing your experience. We are sorry you were not able to take this tour. It is unfortunate that such a beautiful place to visit at La Leona isn't more visited, which makes it difficult to find a minimum amount of people to go ahead with the tour, especially in the low season. We are currently working to promote it more and improve our service for this tour in particular. Best regards, Martin
via Tripadvisor
Good to know
- Duration
- 8 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Price range
- $260 to $625
- Hotel pickup
- Available for selected locations
- Booked in 30 days
- 8
- Verdict
- Solid Choice
Who runs this experience
Operated by Tangol, who run 256 experiences we rank across 22 cities, with an average Outty Ranking of 48.8.
See everything Tangol runsWhy this scores 66
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Discover La Leona Petrified Forest: Guided Hiking Tour: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for El Calafate.
How much does Discover La Leona Petrified Forest: Guided Hiking Tour cost?
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Prices start at $260 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in El Calafate usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.
How long does Discover La Leona Petrified Forest: Guided Hiking Tour take?
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Plan for about 8 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in El Calafate is not rushed.
Is Discover La Leona Petrified Forest: Guided Hiking Tour worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 66 out of 100, which we label "Solid Choice". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.7/5 across 22 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable most popular in El Calafate, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule Discover La Leona Petrified Forest: Guided Hiking Tour?
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Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.
Is Discover La Leona Petrified Forest: Guided Hiking Tour suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 8-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Discover La Leona Petrified Forest: Guided Hiking Tour?
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Around 8 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in El Calafate can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.
What should I bring or wear?
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Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in El Calafate and add a light layer if any part of the 8-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Discover La Leona Petrified Forest: Guided Hiking Tour start and how do I get there?
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The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central El Calafate within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.
What are the best things to do in El Calafate?
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On Outty we rank every El Calafate experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Kayak Full-Day Activity in La Leona River from El Calafate, Perito Moreno Glacier with Navigation from El Calafate, Perito Moreno Glacier Full Day Tour with Optional Boat Safari. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.
When is the best time to visit El Calafate?
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Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.
How many days do you need in El Calafate?
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Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.
Do I book through Outty or through the operator?
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Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.
What is included in Discover La Leona Petrified Forest: Guided Hiking Tour?
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Included: Hotel pickup and drop-off; Professional guide; In-vehicle air conditioning; and Bottled water and lunch. Not included: Gratuities. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Does Discover La Leona Petrified Forest: Guided Hiking Tour include hotel pickup?
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Yes, pickup is offered, or you can meet at the start point instead from 47 listed pickup locations in and around El Calafate. Be ready about 60 minutes before the start time. You can also enter a custom pickup address when booking.
What languages is Discover La Leona Petrified Forest: Guided Hiking Tour offered in?
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It is offered in English and Spanish. Pick your language when choosing a date and time, as not every departure runs in every language.
Will I get instant confirmation and a mobile ticket for Discover La Leona Petrified Forest: Guided Hiking Tour?
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Confirmation is sent by the operator after booking, usually within 48 hours; if it is not confirmed you are not charged. Mobile tickets are accepted, so you can show the voucher on your phone.
What happens to Discover La Leona Petrified Forest: Guided Hiking Tour if the weather is bad?
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It generally runs rain or shine, so dress for the forecast in El Calafate. Standard cancellation terms apply: free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start.
What do travelers say about Discover La Leona Petrified Forest: Guided Hiking Tour?
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Across 22 reviews averaging 4.7 out of 5, recurring themes include the guide, photo opportunities, knowledge and storytelling. Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works. One thing to know: Expect real walking or climbing: reviewers mention the effort involved.
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