El Calafate: Day Trip to the spectacular Petrified Forest La Leona
El Calafate, Argentina

El Calafate: Day Trip to the spectacular Petrified Forest La Leona

Outty Ranking 53 4.3 · 4 traveler reviews8 hoursFrom $290
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Outty Ranking

53/100

Worth a Look. Our proprietary evaluation. How we score

Traveler rating

4.3/5

Based on 4 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

Quick answer

Is El Calafate: Day Trip to the spectacular Petrified Forest La Leona worth booking?

El Calafate: Day Trip to the spectacular Petrified Forest La Leona is a 8-hour experience in El Calafate, Argentina, from $290 per person. It scores 53 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Worth a Look”, based on a 4.3/5 rating across 4 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.

Outty Ranking
53 / 100
Rating
4.3/5 (4)
Duration
8 hours
From
$290 per person

Early in the morning we depart from Calafate. After traveling about 30 km to the east, we will take the Mythical Route 40 bordering, for a large part of our route, the eastern margin of Lake Argentino and the shores of the Santa Cruz River. Then, we will meet the La Leona River, which gives its name to the inn and hotel of the La Estela ranch. There we will make a stop to learn a little more about the history of the La Leona parador and hotel where, whoever wishes, can enjoy a hot infusion with homemade cakes. We will leave for El Chaltén and, after touring the Chorrillo del Salto about 4 km from the town and having lunch in La Tapera, after 45 minutes of moderate walking, we arrive at the Mirador de los Cóndores, a panoramic point from where you can see the main surrounding mountains, the Las Vueltas river valley and the town of El Chaltén.

What you get

    About this experience

    Early in the morning we depart from Calafate. After traveling about 30 km to the east, we will take the Mythical Route 40 bordering, for a large part of our route, the eastern margin of Lake Argentino and the shores of the Santa Cruz River. Then, we will meet the La Leona River, which gives its name to the inn and hotel of the La Estela ranch. There we will make a stop to learn a little more about the history of the La Leona parador and hotel where, whoever wishes, can enjoy a hot infusion with homemade cakes. We will leave for El Chaltén and, after touring the Chorrillo del Salto about 4 km from the town and having lunch in La Tapera, after 45 minutes of moderate walking, we arrive at the Mirador de los Cóndores, a panoramic point from where you can see the main surrounding mountains, the Las Vueltas river valley and the town of El Chaltén.

    What's included

    Included

    • Lunch
    • English and spanish speaking guide
    • Roundtrip transportation from downtown Calafate hotels

    Not included

    • Gratuities
    • other services not especified in the program

    What you'll see and do

    1. El Calafate

      We will pick up all the passengers in centrally located hotels in Calafate

      30 minutes here

    2. La Leona Petrified Forest

      An ideal tour for people who enjoy the outdoor and Adventure, ready to discover new places. Average fitness is required because the tour includes a hike of 3 hours. Traveling from El Calafate through Provincial Route N°5 and then the National Route 40. You arrive to The Argentino Lake, the Santa Cruz river and the beautiful valley of La Leona River with the most impressive view of the Andes including the Cerro Fitz Roy. Then you visit the historical site of Hotel La Leona, and continue 10 km along the southern shore of Lake Viedma until Cerro Los Hornos (Estancia Santa Teresita). You start to explore the Petrified Forest, along the Great Depression and began your exploration walk among fossils. Halfway you stop for lunch. Throughout the walk you will see a lots of petrified logs lying on the surface, some with a diameter of 1.20 meters. Testimony to ancient times where the climate was very different from today and allowed the support of abundant flora and large dimensions.

      300 minutes here

    Where it starts and ends

    Hotel pickup

    Pickup is included for all travelers. Pickup begins about 30 minutes before departure.

    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 10 travelers per booking
    Operated by
    Gray Line Argentina

    Know before you go

    • Suitable for all physical fitness levels

    Photos

    El Calafate: Day Trip to the spectacular Petrified Forest La Leona, photo 2El Calafate: Day Trip to the spectacular Petrified Forest La Leona, photo 3El Calafate: Day Trip to the spectacular Petrified Forest La Leona, photo 4El Calafate: Day Trip to the spectacular Petrified Forest La Leona, photo 5El Calafate: Day Trip to the spectacular Petrified Forest La Leona, photo 6

    What travelers are saying

    Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 4 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.

    The guide

    3 mentions

    Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.

    Knowledge and storytelling

    2 mentions

    Reviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.

    Food and drink

    2 mentions

    The tastings and food stops are a highlight for most reviewers.

    Photo opportunities

    1 mention

    The views and photo stops come up again and again.

    Physical effort

    1 mention

    Expect real walking or climbing: reviewers mention the effort involved.

    Small groups

    1 mention

    The group size is repeatedly described as intimate rather than packed.

    Traveler reviews

    4 verified traveler reviews for El Calafate: Day Trip to the spectacular Petrified Forest La Leona. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

    5 star
    2
    4 star
    1
    3 star
    1
    2 star
    0
    1 star
    0
    Sort
    valeriamP277FH · June 2026

    I loved it.

    It is very good, highly recommendable.

    via Tripadvisor (translated)

    Gal_C · March 2025

    A nice and overpriced activity

    This is a nice day trip in a unique El Calafate landscape including clay hills and amazing fossils. The guide was really great, very knowledgeable and attentive. The lunch is the standard bag without a choice to select from. The reason I only give it 3 stars is because of the inflated price. The operators are shooting their own foot and indeed the groups are small and the future of this industry is not bright.

    via Viator

    Janwillem_B · January 2024

    Beautiful learning experience

    The drive to the park alongside the lakes and the hike thru the park with a very knowledgeable guide

    via Viator

    Chrys111_3 · December 2022

    Unique experience

    It is small group tour. We were offered nice lunch not just pastries apple and water was included. Tour guide has fluent english he has kkoledge about the place. The place is between el calafate and el chalten. Very good place for photos loads of interesting formations and fossils. He even mastered insta pic in one spot. All questions were answered and some knoledge about place ghathered.

    via Viator

    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
    Hotel pickup
    Included for all travelers
    Booked in 30 days
    1
    Verdict
    Worth a Look

    Who runs this experience

    Operated by Gray Line Argentina, who run 100 experiences we rank across 8 cities, with an average Outty Ranking of 46.8.

    See everything Gray Line Argentina runs

    Why this scores 53

    The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.

    Traveler sentiment (30% weight)64
    Review evidence (18% weight)28
    Booking momentum (14% weight)15
    Value for money (12% weight)52
    Listing quality (10% weight)85
    Local standing (8% weight)45
    Booking flexibility (8% weight)100

    El Calafate: Day Trip to the spectacular Petrified Forest La Leona: questions travelers ask

    Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for El Calafate.

    How much does El Calafate: Day Trip to the spectacular Petrified Forest La Leona cost?

    +

    Prices start at $290 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 El Calafate: Day Trip to the spectacular Petrified Forest La Leona 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 El Calafate: Day Trip to the spectacular Petrified Forest La Leona worth it?

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    It holds an Outty Ranking of 53 out of 100, which we label "Worth a Look". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.3/5 across 4 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in El Calafate, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.

    Can I cancel or reschedule El Calafate: Day Trip to the spectacular Petrified Forest La Leona?

    +

    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 El Calafate: Day Trip to the spectacular Petrified Forest La Leona 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 El Calafate: Day Trip to the spectacular Petrified Forest La Leona?

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    Around 1 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?

    +

    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 El Calafate: Day Trip to the spectacular Petrified Forest La Leona 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?

    +

    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?

    +

    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?

    +

    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?

    +

    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 El Calafate: Day Trip to the spectacular Petrified Forest La Leona?

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    Included: Lunch; English and spanish speaking guide; and Roundtrip transportation from downtown Calafate hotels. Not included: Gratuities; and other services not especified in the program. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.

    Does El Calafate: Day Trip to the spectacular Petrified Forest La Leona include hotel pickup?

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    Yes, pickup is offered for every traveler from 64 listed pickup locations in and around El Calafate. Be ready about 30 minutes before the start time.

    What languages is El Calafate: Day Trip to the spectacular Petrified Forest La Leona offered in?

    +

    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 El Calafate: Day Trip to the spectacular Petrified Forest La Leona?

    +

    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 El Calafate: Day Trip to the spectacular Petrified Forest La Leona if the weather is bad?

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    This experience depends on good weather. If it is canceled because of poor weather, you are offered a different date or a full refund.

    What do travelers say about El Calafate: Day Trip to the spectacular Petrified Forest La Leona?

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    Across 4 reviews averaging 4.3 out of 5, recurring themes include the guide, knowledge and storytelling, food and drink. 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.

    Ready to lock in your spot?

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