Parador La Leona
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Parador La Leona

4.3
·4k reviews·La Leóna, Argentina

Historic parador on Ruta 40, offering charming stays, delicious cakes, and unique souvenirs by the La Leona River.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Daytime stops

Enjoy scenic views & snacks

CrowdMedium
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Parador La Leona

Parador La Leona

Best Time

Daytime stops

Enjoy scenic views & snacks

CrowdMedium
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Historic parador on Ruta 40, offering charming stays, delicious cakes, and unique souvenirs by the La Leona River.

4.3
(4k reviews)

"A must-stop for a break, with delicious cakes and a charming historic atmosphere."

Vertical photo
TIP

🚗 Essential Ruta 40 Stop

A must-stop between El Calafate and El Chaltén for a break and to soak in history.

🍰 Amazing Cakes & Treats

Don't miss the delicious cakes and pastries, perfect for a road trip snack.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Historic Parador Building

Historic Parador Building

Ruta Nacional N° 40

Step back in time at this charming, historic parador, a landmark on the legendary Ruta 40.

Instagram
Riverside Setting

Riverside Setting

Aorillas del Río La Leona

Enjoy the picturesque views of the La Leona River from this tranquil, scenic stop.

Instagram
Delicious Cakes & Souvenirs

Delicious Cakes & Souvenirs

Parador dining area

Indulge in amazing cakes and find unique souvenirs to remember your Patagonian adventure.

Instagram
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Planning Your Visit

Ruta 40 Essential Stop

Parador La Leona is a historic gem on the iconic Ruta 40, a must-stop between El Calafate and El Chaltén. Plan for a charming break with delicious food and unique souvenirs. Instagram

Historic Charm & Natural Beauty

Experience over 110 years of Patagonian history at this riverside parador. It's a perfect spot to relax and soak in the stunning natural surroundings. Instagram

Best Times

When
Daytime stops
Why
Enjoy scenic views & snacks
Crowd
Medium
When
Late evening
Why
Charming atmosphere
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

📍El parador histórico "La Leona" está ubicado en la Ruta Nacional N° 40, en Santa Cruz. Es una parada obligada entre El Calafate y El Chaltén 👉¿Conocen este lugar? Los leemos en comentarios 👇 #ruta40 #viajeros #rutasargentinas #historiaargentina #elcalafate #elchalten #glaciarperitomoreno #trekkingelchalten #laleona
viajando.conelviento
11.2K likes • 323K views

🚗 Essential Ruta 40 Stop

A must-stop between El Calafate and El Chaltén for a break and to soak in history. Instagram+1

🍰 Amazing Cakes & Treats

Don't miss the delicious cakes and pastries, perfect for a road trip snack. Reddit

Parador y Hotel de campo "La Leona" A orillas del río LA Leona y a metros del Lago Viedma, exactamente a mitad de camino entre El Calafate y El Chalten y en un magnífico entorno natural se encuentra el Parador La Leona. Sus 110 años de historia han sido cuna de historias viajeras de la ruta 40 en plena Patagonia, Declarado patrimonio histórico y cultural de Santa Cruz debe su nombre a que el mis...
_credulidad_
54 likes • 760 views
O Parador La Leona é uma estância histórica na Patagônia Argentina. Sua localização não poderia ser mais fantástica. Fica na RUTA 40 as margens do espetacular RIO LEONA, desde 1894. 🇦🇷🔆🌳🚴🌷💎🚁🎥 . . . . #paradorlaleona #ruta40 #patagonia #patagoniargentina #elcalafate
drdaxbittencourt
0 likes • 545 views

🎁 Unique Souvenir Finds

Browse a great selection of souvenirs to take a piece of Patagonia home. Instagram

💰 Prices Reflect Location

Expect higher prices for drinks and snacks due to its remote location. Reddit

Parador La Leona Ruta 40 Santa Cruz Un lugar en el que tenes que parar si vas de El Calafate al Chalten. Riquisimo todo y podes llevarte hermosos recuerdos. Conoces? Apoyanos para seguir generando contenidos 👉Si te gustó compartilo 📲 👉Doble click para ♥️ 👉Guardalo 📼 👉Cuidemos el 🌏 Seguinos en 👇 @cazadordemomentosok 🌵Recomendanos a un amigo aventurero!!! _______________________________________...
cazadordemomentosok
234 likes • 7.7K views

Tips

from all over the internet

🚗 Essential Ruta 40 Stop

A must-stop between El Calafate and El Chaltén for a break and to soak in history. Instagram+1

🍰 Amazing Cakes & Treats

Don't miss the delicious cakes and pastries, perfect for a road trip snack. Reddit

🎁 Unique Souvenir Finds

Browse a great selection of souvenirs to take a piece of Patagonia home. Instagram

💰 Prices Reflect Location

Expect higher prices for drinks and snacks due to its remote location. Reddit

🎬 Movie History

This spot was a filming location for 'Blow for Tomorrow', adding a unique historical layer. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.3
(4k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Parador La Leona is a charming and historic stop on Ruta 40, praised for its delicious cakes, unique souvenirs, and picturesque riverside setting. While some find prices high, its historical significance and convenient location between El Calafate and El Chaltén make it a highly recommended break for travelers.

"Beautiful place willing to help us, we came as @turismocalypso.travel spreading yoga to El Chalten and aonikenk ceremony.
The room wasn’t that warmy for yoga, but we got nice breakfast and we could do yoga before, for $50 USD.
There’s wasn’t a disposition for tell more people to join to this experience from their side, thye didn’t tell people that we had this experience so they could also join, I wish in the future they could tell more people and be contribution too so we could all win , but it’s ok. Thank you the service was polite"

IGNACIA TURISMO CALYPSO TRAVEL

"I didn't stay at the hotel. I stopped by on my way to Fitz Roy and found out that it was where the real characters from the movie "Blow for Tomorrow" stayed. That's the fun of traveling. Learning unexpected facts and meeting people..."

Hyekyung Kim

"We stopped by on the way to El Chalten in late evening. The building and all surrounding were charming. This is a must stop for relax in the middle between El Chalten and El Calafete"

Sunyawit S

What People Like

Historic charm
Delicious cakes
Scenic river views

What People Dislike

High prices

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Parador La Leona is conveniently located directly on Ruta Nacional N° 40 in Santa Cruz, Argentina. It's situated exactly halfway between El Calafate and El Chaltén, making it an ideal stop for travelers driving between these popular destinations. Instagram+1

While primarily accessed by private vehicle or tour, some bus services between El Calafate and El Chaltén may stop nearby. It's best to confirm with your bus operator if they include a stop at Parador La Leona. Instagram

Most visitors reach Parador La Leona by car, as it's a scenic drive along Ruta 40. Many tours from El Calafate to El Chaltén also include a stop here. Instagram

Parador La Leona is approximately 100-120 km from El Calafate, making it about a 1.5 to 2-hour drive depending on road conditions. Instagram

Parador La Leona is about 100-120 km from El Chaltén, also roughly a 1.5 to 2-hour drive. Instagram

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

No, there are no admission tickets required to visit the Parador La Leona itself. It's a public stop along Ruta 40. Instagram

The parador is generally open during daylight hours to accommodate travelers on Ruta 40. Specific hours can vary, so it's advisable to check locally if you plan a very early or late visit. Instagram

While it's primarily a stop for food and rest, there are rooms available for overnight stays, offering a unique experience. Reddit

Parking is typically free for visitors stopping at the parador. Instagram

The parador itself does not have an entrance fee. If you are visiting nearby natural attractions like the Petrified Forests, separate fees may apply. Instagram

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

Parador La Leona offers informal dining with a focus on delicious cakes, pastries, and other snacks. They also serve meals for those looking for a more substantial stop. InstagramReddit

Options may be limited, but the cakes and some snacks could be suitable. It's best to inquire directly at the parador about specific dietary needs. Reddit

Prices can be on the higher side, which is common for remote locations like this on Ruta 40. However, many find it worth it for the convenience and experience. Reddit

Yes, Parador La Leona is a great place to both enjoy a snack or meal and purchase souvenirs. Instagram

Yes, breakfast is typically included if you book an overnight stay at the hotel. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

Capture the historic architecture of the parador, the scenic views of the La Leona River, and the vast Patagonian landscapes along Ruta 40. Instagram+1

The riverside location offers beautiful light, especially during golden hours. The surrounding Patagonian scenery also provides dramatic backdrops for sunrise and sunset shots. Instagram

Generally, you can take photos of the common areas and exterior. For specific areas or if you're unsure, it's always polite to ask staff. Instagram

There are no widespread restrictions mentioned, but always be mindful of other guests and staff. Instagram

A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive landscapes, while a standard zoom can cover the architectural details and river views. Instagram

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Parador La Leona offers a welcome and scenic break for families traveling between El Calafate and El Chaltén. The chance to stretch their legs by the river and enjoy a delicious cake can be a highlight for children on a long road trip. Instagram The historic nature of the parador might also spark curiosity about the past. While there aren't specific playgrounds, the open space around the parador allows for some freedom. Consider packing snacks and drinks as prices can be a bit high, but the cakes are a definite treat. Reddit

🚗 Road Trippers & Motorcyclists

For those traversing the legendary Ruta 40, Parador La Leona is an iconic and essential stop. Instagram+1 It provides a perfect opportunity to refuel, rest, and enjoy the stunning Patagonian scenery. Motorcyclists, in particular, often stop here to break up their journeys and appreciate the unique atmosphere. Reddit The availability of food, drinks, and souvenirs makes it a convenient and memorable point along the route. Don't rush your stop; take time to appreciate the history and the river views. Instagram

📸 Photographers

Photographers will find Parador La Leona a charming subject, especially with its historic architecture set against the backdrop of the La Leona River and the vast Patagonian landscape. Instagram+1 The golden hours around sunrise and sunset can offer beautiful lighting for capturing the parador and its surroundings. Experiment with wide-angle lenses to encompass the expansive views, and don't forget to capture the details of the rustic building. Instagram

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Historic Significance of Parador La Leona

Parador La Leona is more than just a roadside stop; it's a piece of Patagonian history. Established in 1894, this historic parador has witnessed over a century of travelers traversing the iconic Ruta 40. Instagram+1 It served as a crucial resting point for those journeying through the vast and often challenging Patagonian landscape. Its walls have stories to tell, having hosted countless adventurers, gauchos, and pioneers. The parador has been declared a historical and cultural heritage site, preserving its unique charm and significance for future generations. Instagram

Its strategic location on the banks of the La Leona River made it a vital hub. The parador's architecture reflects the rustic style typical of early Patagonian estancias, blending seamlessly with the natural environment. Instagram Visiting La Leona offers a tangible connection to the past, allowing travelers to imagine the journeys of those who came before them. It's a place where the spirit of adventure and the rugged beauty of Patagonia converge. Instagram

Experiencing La Leona: Beyond a Quick Stop

While many travelers stop at Parador La Leona for a quick break, a coffee, or a snack, there's more to experience. The parador offers a chance to truly unwind and appreciate the serene Patagonian environment. Reddit The cakes are frequently praised, making it a delightful treat during a long drive. Reddit Beyond the refreshments, the parador also offers a selection of souvenirs, allowing visitors to find unique mementos of their journey. Instagram

For those seeking a deeper connection, the parador has also been a venue for unique experiences. One reviewer mentioned participating in a yoga session and an Aonikenk ceremony, highlighting the potential for more than just a typical tourist stop. Reddit While the rooms are described as simply furnished, staying overnight offers a chance to experience the tranquility of the location after the day-trippers have departed. Reddit The parador's historical context, combined with its natural beauty and potential for unique activities, makes it a destination worth more than just a fleeting visit. Reddit

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