Área protegida Valle Cretácico, Protected area in Río Negro Province, Argentina
The Área Protegida Valle Cretácico is a protected area in Río Negro Province, Argentina, near the El Chocón reservoir. It covers a wide expanse of plateaus, canyons and rock formations where dinosaur fossils and petrified tree trunks from the Cretaceous period are found.
The protected area was created in 1996 to preserve the fossil sites and geological formations of the region. Decades of excavations have uncovered remains of major dinosaurs such as Giganotosaurus and Antarctosaurus.
The Cañadón de las Águilas is a narrow section of the area with colorful rock walls that visitors can walk through. Geologists and fossil enthusiasts from Argentina and abroad come regularly to study the exposed sediment layers up close.
The area is accessible via Provincial Route 74 and tracks connecting Cerro Policía and Loma Atravesada. Since the terrain is open and exposed, sturdy footwear and enough water are recommended, especially given the wind and dry conditions.
The La Buitrera area within the site yielded fossils of abelisaurid dinosaurs that helped scientists understand the connection between South American species and those from other continents. The remains found there are among the most complete of their kind in Patagonia.
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