Information
Landmark: Valle de los DinosauriosCity: Villa de Leyva
Country: Colombia
Continent: South America
Valle de los Dinosaurios, Villa de Leyva, Colombia, South America
Overview
Valle de los Dinosaurios, or the Valley of the Dinosaurs, sits just outside Villa de Leyva in Colombia’s Boyacá Department, where ancient fossils lie scattered under the sun-baked earth.This valley is known for its remarkable dinosaur fossil finds, offering a rare peek into prehistory with massive footprints pressed deep into stone and bones turned to rock.This spot draws scientists hunting for ancient fossils and travelers eager to see Colombia’s deep history up close.The Valle de los Dinosaurios sits about 2 km, or just over a mile, south of Villa de Leyva, an easy stroll past dusty roads and low stone walls from the edge of town.The site sits in a harsh, sunbaked expanse, ringed by mountains and jagged rock towers that have stood for millions of years.Landscape: The valley stretches across dry, rocky ground, its surface broken by narrow ravines and gentle, rolling hills.The area’s unique landscape is perfect for preserving fossils and footprints, since it was once a thriving prehistoric ecosystem where dinosaurs and other ancient creatures roamed through mud and ferns.In the Valle de los Dinosaurios, ancient dinosaur footprints still press into the soft, weathered sedimentary rocks-marks left millions of years ago that make the site world‑famous.The footprints-left by several kinds of dinosaurs-reveal how these giants once moved and behaved, from the heavy press of a sauropod’s step to the sharp claw marks of a predator.Footprints Found: In the valley, paleontologists uncovered tracks-some broad and flat, others sharp-toed-left by plant-eating and meat-eating dinosaurs about 120 million years ago, during the Cretaceous period.Among the most striking prints are those of Theropods, fierce meat-eaters with sharp claws, and Sauropods, the towering plant-eaters that moved in slow, sweeping strides.Fossil discoveries: Beyond the footprints, the valley has turned up remarkable finds-bones, teeth, and even shells from animals that roamed here long before us.These fossils have been key to uncovering what kinds of creatures once roamed here, and what their world was like-humid swamps, scorching plains-during the Mesozoic era.Paleontological research thrives here, with scientists making regular trips to examine fossilized bones and piece together vivid snapshots of the region’s ancient ecosystems.Finding dinosaur bones has deepened our understanding of South America’s rich prehistoric life, from towering plant-eaters to swift, sharp-toothed hunters.In the Valle de los Dinosaurios, most visitors come for the dinosaur footprint route, where you can follow clear trails and see ancient tracks pressed deep into the sun-warmed stone.Informative signs often mark these footprints, explaining which dinosaur species likely made them and how time, rock, and pressure worked together to preserve them.Visitors can wander the valley’s winding paths, breathe in the scent of pine, and take in sweeping views while uncovering the area’s geological past.Most of the paths are easy to follow, but now and then you’ll hit a stretch of uneven rock that makes you watch your step.Guided tours are popular here, and you can book one right on site-often you’ll spot small groups clustered around a guide’s bright umbrella.Guides share vivid explanations of the fossil finds, the meaning behind the footprints, and the story of the dinosaurs that wandered this land millions of years ago.These tours add rich context and are a real treat for anyone drawn to the site’s paleontological side-like spotting the fine ridges of a fossil shell up close.Family-Friendly: The site welcomes visitors of every age, from toddlers chasing bubbles to grandparents enjoying the view, and it’s a favorite spot for families.Kids will love wandering through the area, spotting where prehistoric creatures once roamed, and soaking up bits of ancient history that make the trip as fun as it is educational.At the Valle de los Dinosaurios, visitors can trace ancient footprints in sun-warmed rock while exploring paleontology, geology, and the region’s rich natural history.The site guides visitors through the deep history of Colombia and all of South America, revealing the ancient landscapes and creatures-giant ferns, towering reptiles-that once ruled the continent.Along with the footprints and fossils, the site now offers an interactive learning center where kids and adults can explore dinosaur history through hands-on exhibits, life-sized models, and displays that make you feel the ground tremble under a T. rex’s step.You can reach the Valle de los Dinosaurios easily from Villa de Leyva, a lively town where cobblestone streets echo under your shoes and tourists wander all year.It’s just a quick drive to the site, and the smooth road makes the trip easy whether you’re in your own car or riding a bus into the valley.The ideal time to explore the Valle de los Dinosaurios is in the dry season, from December to March, when clear skies and firm trails make each step easier.You can visit the valley any time of year, but from April to November the rains turn the paths slick and muddy, making the hike tougher.In the Valle de los Dinosaurios, you can trace ancient dinosaur footprints in the warm dust while taking in sweeping views of Colombia’s wild, beautiful landscape-a place that’s both exciting and deeply educational.Visitors can step back in time and see the legacy of dinosaurs that roamed this land millions of years ago, their massive footprints still pressed into the ancient stone.Whether you’re a fossil buff, a family with curious kids, or just in the mood for a beautiful place that teaches you something new, the Valle de los Dinosaurios-just outside Villa de Leyva-belongs on your list.
