La Lioness Petrified Forest in El Calafate, Argentina
El Calafate, Argentina

La Lioness Petrified Forest

Outty Ranking 61 5.0 · 6 traveler reviews9 hoursFrom $250
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Outty Ranking

61/100

Solid Choice. Our proprietary evaluation. How we score

Traveler rating

5.0/5

Based on 6 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

Quick answer

Is La Lioness Petrified Forest worth booking?

La Lioness Petrified Forest is a 9-hour experience in El Calafate, Argentina, from $250 per person. It scores 61 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Solid Choice”, based on a 5/5 rating across 6 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.

Outty Ranking
61 / 100
Rating
5/5 (6)
Duration
9 hours
From
$250 per person

This is a whole day excursion very different from the rest in the area. The site is located in the middle steppe just halfway between El Calafate and El Chaltén. Throughout the walk you can see a large number of petrified logs that lie on the surface, some 70 million years old, some with a diameter of 1.20 m. These remains are testimony to ancient times where the weather was very different from today and allowed the support of a large and abundant flora. Occasionally fossil remains of different types of dinosaurs are discovered.

What you get

    About this experience

    This is a whole day excursion very different from the rest in the area. The site is located in the middle steppe just halfway between El Calafate and El Chaltén. Throughout the walk you can see a large number of petrified logs that lie on the surface, some 70 million years old, some with a diameter of 1.20 m. These remains are testimony to ancient times where the weather was very different from today and allowed the support of a large and abundant flora. Occasionally fossil remains of different types of dinosaurs are discovered.

    What's included

    Included

    • entry to paleontological site
    • In-vehicle air conditioning
    • Lunch

    What you'll see and do

    1. La Leona Petrified Forest

      Explore a site of petrified logs and fossil bones in an impressive eroded landscape.

      420 minutes here · Admission included

    Where it starts and ends

    Hotel pickup

    Pickup is included for all travelers. Pickup begins about 20 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 8 travelers per booking
    Operated by
    SALUM TOUR & TRAVEL

    Know before you go

    • Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
    • Not recommended for pregnant travelers
    • Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
    • Travelers should have a high level of physical fitness
    • not available for children under 6 years
    • only available for people with good physical condition
    • The difficulty of the walk is Demanding.

    Photos

    La Leona Petrified Forest Trail, La Lioness Petrified Forest in El CalafatePetrified Forest Trunk La Leona, La Lioness Petrified Forest in El CalafateRio La Leona Valley, La Lioness Petrified Forest in El CalafatePetrified Forest Trunk La Leona, La Lioness Petrified Forest in El CalafateLa Lioness Petrified Forest in El Calafate, photo 6La Lioness Petrified Forest in El Calafate, photo 7

    What travelers are saying

    Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 6 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.

    The guide

    4 mentions

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

    Knowledge and storytelling

    3 mentions

    Reviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.

    Traveler reviews

    6 verified traveler reviews for La Lioness Petrified Forest. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

    5 star
    6
    4 star
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    3 star
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    Oana_D · January 2026

    Absolutely amazing experience!

    Our visit to La Leona Petrified Forest with our guide Paul was unforgettable. Paul was fantastic—knowledgeable, friendly, and passionate about the area. We truly couldn't have asked for a better guide. The landscape itself is surreal. I felt like we were walking on the moon… only with oxygen, gravity, and a bright blue Patagonian sky above us. 😄 The petrified trees, the dinosaur fossils, and the silence of the desert made the whole experience feel otherworldly. Seeing the ancient wood and real dinosaur bones up close was something we’ll never forget. Highly recommended—this was one of the highlights of our trip!

    Response from the operator: Thank you so much for your wonderful review! We’re truly happy to hear that your visit to La Leona Petrified Forest was such a memorable experience. Paul will be delighted to know that his passion and knowledge made a difference. The landscape is indeed unique and otherworldly. We appreciate your recommendation and hope to welcome you again in Patagonia!

    via Viator

    Chelsea_Z · December 2023

    Must do experience while in Calafate or during transfer from Chalten to Calafate

    What a fantastic tour!!! Our guide, Leo was so friendly and knowledgeable. He really made the trekk through the forest interesting! All of that is to say that he was a great accompaniment to one of the most unique landscapes you'll ever experience! This forest has existed for well over 60 million years and is complete with dinosaur bonus, petrified tree logs, natural rock formations and things you just don't see everyday and can't see everywhere. We also arranged to have this tour as a transfer between El Chalten to El Calafate and it was seamless. We booked the tour and then reached out to add on the transfer from El Chalten to La Leona where we met up with the rest of the group. It was simple and very cost effective. Perfect way to spend a transfer day between Chalten and Calafate!! Highly recommend taking this one!!

    via Viator

    Verônica C · February 2023

    Another imperative

    I loved the experience. It's different from everything you'll see in the region of Patagonia. This tour is held in the middle of the Patagonian steppe and you enjoy magnificent and different landscapes. On the day we did, I was very, very well ventilated, yet, the guide Léo gave us great safety in making the tour and had a differentiated attention with me, who despite loving to do trails, I am quite afraid to fall on them. He was very patient and professional with me and my husband. I closed this tour with the agency Patagonia Dreams, which I also recommend for professionalism and attention to the customer.

    Response from the operator: muchas gracias por tus comentarios y calificacion

    via Tripadvisor (translated)

    Dana S · December 2022

    Great excursion between El Chalten/El Calafate

    Kind of an obscure excursion but on a nice day this is a great way to make the most of your time in El Calafate or El Chalten. I booked it so I did this excursion to transfer from El Chalten to El Calafate and it was a great decision. Leo was a great guide and extremely knowledgeable about the area and geology. I really enjoyed it!

    Response from the operator: thank you very much Dana for your comments, they help us to keep improving. have a great trip back home.

    via Tripadvisor

    soniadS814OL · February 2022

    Excursion to the petrified forest la Leona

    A very interesting and different walk to the usual excursions in Calafate, highlights a lunar landscape located in a canyon with rare rock formations product of erosion. Walking between trails that rise and fall where petrified logs are observed. Very nice excursion

    Response from the operator: Muchas gracias Sonia por tu opinion y calificaciones !!!

    via Tripadvisor (translated)

    Good to know

    Duration
    9 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
    2
    Verdict
    Solid Choice

    Who runs this experience

    Operated by SALUM TOUR & TRAVEL, who run 17 experiences we rank across 2 cities, with an average Outty Ranking of 51.4.

    See everything SALUM TOUR & TRAVEL runs

    Why this scores 61

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

    Traveler sentiment (30% weight)74
    Review evidence (18% weight)34
    Booking momentum (14% weight)23
    Value for money (12% weight)67
    Listing quality (10% weight)77
    Local standing (8% weight)63
    Booking flexibility (8% weight)100

    La Lioness Petrified Forest: questions travelers ask

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

    How much does La Lioness Petrified Forest cost?

    +

    Prices start at $250 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 La Lioness Petrified Forest take?

    +

    Plan for about 9 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 La Lioness Petrified Forest worth it?

    +

    It holds an Outty Ranking of 61 out of 100, which we label "Solid Choice". That score blends traveler sentiment (5/5 across 6 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 La Lioness Petrified Forest?

    +

    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 La Lioness Petrified Forest suitable for kids and families?

    +

    Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 9-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.

    How far in advance should I book La Lioness Petrified Forest?

    +

    Around 2 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 9-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.

    Where does La Lioness Petrified Forest 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 La Lioness Petrified Forest?

    +

    Included: entry to paleontological site; In-vehicle air conditioning; and Lunch. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.

    Does La Lioness Petrified Forest include hotel pickup?

    +

    Yes, pickup is offered for every traveler from 68 listed pickup locations in and around El Calafate. Be ready about 20 minutes before the start time. You can also enter a custom pickup address when booking.

    What languages is La Lioness Petrified Forest 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 La Lioness Petrified Forest?

    +

    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.

    Is La Lioness Petrified Forest wheelchair or stroller accessible?

    +

    The operator notes: Not recommended for pregnant travelers. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.

    What happens to La Lioness Petrified Forest if the weather is bad?

    +

    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 La Lioness Petrified Forest?

    +

    Across 6 reviews averaging 5.0 out of 5, recurring themes include the guide, knowledge and storytelling. Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.

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