The exploration of the National Route 23 "Southern Line" to Valcheta starts at 09:00 hs departing from Las Grutas by 4x4 or vans. We will visit the Petrified Forest that preserves fossilized palms and araucarias from the Jurassic period. The Petrified Forest can be visited in just one hour and then we will visit the Museum that, located in the old power plant of the town, preserves dinosaur eggs, fossilized dates and remains of the Santa Rosa depression. Valcheta is a cozy and welcoming small town of only 5,000 people who live from agriculture on the banks of a creek that originates in the largest plateau in Argentina: Somuncurá.

 

The best preserved train station in the country was inaugurated by President Figueroa Alcorta in 1910. The Matras Craft Market offers handmade crafts dyed with Patagonian bushes at very good prices. Valcheta is "The National Capital of the Matras"; woven on a Mapuche´s loom that still serve as tools for the gauchos and their horses.

 

On a gravel road and bordering the course of the Valcheta creek in the middle of the desert, we find a flowery and wooded oasis whose shade serves as a shelter for a memorable lunch with Nadine: a French lady who turned an old house into an attractive "Bed & Breackfast" that delights with its gourmet meals, rich in flavors and colors, famous for its generous portions.

 

What started at 09:00 in the morning, ends at 17:00 with little desire to return to Las Grutas...

 

The excursion includes the entrance to the Petrified Forest and lunch. Beverages are not included.

 

During the low season (April-November) a picnic lunch is served, with beverages included. Nadine's lunch, Estancia Sensoriel, is not available during the winter time, since its farm remains closed until the summer.

 

ASK FOR THE EXCURSION IN A PRIVATE 4X4 TRUCK UP TO 4 PAX

 

Quadruple base price

 

Duration: full day

Apt minors