Cerro Ballena, Paleontological site in Caldera, Chile.
Cerro Ballena is a paleontological site along the Pan-American Highway near Caldera containing over 40 complete cetacean skeletons and other marine mammal remains from prehistoric times. The fossils lie exposed in the rocks, displaying how these animals were preserved across millions of years.
Military operations in 1965 led to the discovery of the fossil deposits at this location. Between 2011 and 2012, scientists conducted extensive excavations and systematically studied the prehistoric layers.
The site holds scientific importance for Chile, revealing how whales and marine creatures lived in ancient times. Visitors can observe how fossils are embedded in rock layers and gain a sense of what prehistoric oceans looked like.
This is a protected area and visitors should check conditions before arriving, as access may require special permissions. The best time to visit is during the dry season when paths are more accessible.
Scientific evidence suggests that massive algal blooms millions of years ago caused the death of large whale populations. This created the exceptional concentration of skeletons visible at the site today.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
