Dinosaur Paleontology Center

Centro Paleontológico de Dinosaurios

Located in Neuquén city, this museum showcases Argentina's rich paleontological heritage with fossils and skeletons from the region's dinosaur excavations. It's particularly notable for specimens from the Cretaceous period found in Neuquén Province.

Things to do

• Explore the Cretaceous Fossil Gallery — Walk through the museum's main exhibition halls displaying original fossils and skeletal reconstructions of theropods, sauropods, and ornithischians from the Late Cretaceous period found in Neuquén Province.
• View the Argentinosaurus Skeleton — Stand before one of the world's largest known dinosaurs, the titanosaur Argentinosaurus, with a nearly complete skeleton displayed to show its massive scale and anatomical structure.
• Attend a Paleontological Talk — Join guided talks by museum paleontologists who explain the excavation techniques, geological history, and evolutionary significance of Neuquén's dinosaur discoveries.
• Interactive Fossil Preparation Room — Observe or participate in hands-on fossil cleaning and preparation activities where visitors can learn the careful techniques used to extract fossils from rock matrices.
• Examine the Embryonic Fossil Collection — Study rare dinosaur eggs and embryonic remains discovered in Neuquén, including nesting sites that provide insight into reproductive behavior and parental care.
• Browse the Museum Shop — Purchase replicas of local fossils, scientific literature about Neuquén's paleontological significance, and educational materials about Argentine dinosaurs.

Food to try

• Choripán — A classic Argentine sandwich of grilled chorizo served on crusty bread with chimichurri sauce, widely available at cafes near the museum.
• Asado — Traditional Argentine barbecued meat, particularly beef and lamb, prepared with regional Neuquén herbs and often found at local restaurants throughout the city.
• Empanadas Neuquinas — Savory pastries filled with ground beef, onions, and spices, representing Neuquén's regional variation of this Argentine staple.
• Truchas a la Patagonia — Fresh trout prepared with local Patagonian ingredients and herbs, reflecting the region's proximity to pristine mountain rivers and lakes.
• Pastel de Choclo — A savory pie made with fresh corn topping over a meat filling, a beloved comfort food throughout Argentina and readily available in Neuquén's dining establishments.

Local customs & good to know

• Spanish Language Assistance — While museum signage includes English translations, speaking basic Spanish will enhance your experience with staff and enriches interaction with the local Neuquén community.
• Regional Pride in Paleontology — Neuquén residents take great pride in their province's world-class dinosaur fossils, so engaging respectfully with locals about these discoveries demonstrates cultural appreciation.
• Afternoon Siesta Hours — Many businesses and some museum hours may shift during early afternoon, so plan visits for late morning or late afternoon to avoid reduced service periods common in Argentine culture.
• Respect Archaeological Significance — Neuquén's fossil sites are protected heritage, and locals appreciate visitors who understand that these remains represent irreplaceable windows into Earth's natural history.