Turtle Cemetery
Cementerio de Tortugas
Fossilized shells of Cretaceous turtles are scattered across a barren hillside, and mollusc and fish fossils can also be found in the rock layers.
The Turtle Cemetery lies about 4 km southeast of town. On the dry, reddish-brown slopes, large numbers of fossilized freshwater turtle shells from the late Cretaceous are exposed. Some are more than half a meter across. The surrounding rock layers also hold gastropod and fish fossils, giving a picture of an ancient lake environment. You can reach it on foot or by vehicle with a guide. The round trip takes about 3 hours, with open views along the way, and it can be paired with the Siete Vueltas fossil site. There is no shade on site, so bring plenty of water and sun protection.
Opening hours
Guided only
Nearby sights
- Siete Vueltas
- Torotoro Dinosaur Tracks
- Torotoro Town
- Llama Chaqui Ruins
- El Vergel Waterfall
- Torotoro Canyon
- Umajalanta Cave
- Ciudad de Itas