Bariloche Paleontological Museum

When strolling along the waterfront of San Carlos de Bariloche, one of the cultural landmarks is the Paleontological Museum. This museum was created in 1977 by the Asociación Paleontológica Bariloche with the aim of preserving and disseminating the fossil record of the region and actively collaborating with Argentine science. For those curious about the prehistoric past, the museum is an experience that awakens wonder and admiration for our planet.

Fossil heritage of the Patagonian region

After a stage of structural and design renovation, the museum offers spaces, showcases and exhibition halls that have gained dynamism thanks to the incorporation of QR technology, augmented reality and explanatory videos in sign language. In addition, the multipurpose room has been enlarged to accommodate outreach talks. The living presence of the past is felt at every step, while the latest technological innovations facilitate contact with the public.

Among the most striking pieces that can be admired in the museum is a replica of the ichthyosaur Caypullisaurus bonapartei, a species of fish-shaped saurian that inhabited the Jurassic seas of Neuquén approximately 150 million years ago. This reptile adapted to aquatic life was a success in evolutionary history, reaching a length of between 6 and 7 meters.

Another outstanding piece in this tour is the skull and leg fragments of Kelenken guillermoi, a running bird of the Phorusrhacidae family that lived in the Miocene. It was discovered by a local boy from the Comallo area, now an outstanding paleontologist and Conicet researcher. This predatory bird, which lived about 15 million years ago, reached a height of 3 meters and had a long, powerful beak for tearing meat. Its discovery dazzled the world scientific community and was the inspiration for a NatGeo documentary.

For prehistoric shark lovers, another impressive attraction is the reconstruction of the jaw of a megalodon, an extinct species of shark that populated our oceans some 22 million years ago during the Tertiary era.

The Paleontological Museum is a real gem in Bariloche, ideal for exploring during a visit to this charming city on the shores of Lake Nahuel Huapi. However, its appeal is not limited to tourists, as it also represents a place of interest for local residents who wish to delve into the fascinating fossil heritage of the Patagonian region. It is a walk that transcends time and connects with the mysteries of life on Earth.