How to see Bolivia's Dinosaur Footprints

Bolivia is home to one of the largest collections of fossilized dinosaur footprints in the world, a remarkable testament to the prehistoric life that once roamed this region. These fossilized footprints provide invaluable insight into the diversity of dinosaur species that inhabited the Earth during the Late Cretaceous period, approximately 65 million years ago.

Among the impressive array of footprints, the enormous Saltasaurus stands out as one of largest in the area. This massive sauropod, known for its distinctive long neck and tail, left behind large, deep impressions in the sediment that have been preserved over the ages.

In addition to the Saltasaurus, the fossilized footprints of the Carnotaurus can also be found in this extraordinary site. This carnivorous dinosaur, characterized by its distinctive crests above the eye socket, left behind smaller yet equally fascinating footprints. The presence of Carnotaurus footprints alongside those of herbivorous dinosaurs like Saltasaurus suggests a complex ecosystem where various species coexisted, each playing a unique role in the food chain.

The footprints left behind by ancient creatures serve as a significant aspect of scientific study, offering a wealth of information that can be meticulously analyzed to gain insights into the behaviors and characteristics of those species. These fossilized imprints allow researchers to calculate weight distribution, which is crucial in understanding the physical attributes of the animals that made them. By examining the depth and width of the prints, scientists can infer the size of the creature, providing valuable data on its mass and overall dimensions. Furthermore, the spacing between footprints can be indicative of the approximate speed at which the animal was traveling. This information can reveal not only how fast these creatures could move but also their agility and predatory or prey behaviors in their respective environments.

In addition to physical attributes, footprints can shed light on the social structures of different species. By viewing the patterns in which these prints are found, researchers can determine whether the animals moved in herds, suggesting a social or protective behavior, or if they traveled more independently, indicating solitary habits. For instance, a series of footprints that show a tight grouping may imply social interaction, such as herding behavior for safety or cooperative hunting strategies.

Another reason to study trace fossils, particularly dinosaur tracks, lies in their ability to reveal critical information about the ancient environments in which these creatures lived. When paleontologists discover fossilized footprints, they can infer a great deal about the ecological conditions of the area at that time. For instance, the presence of these footprints often indicates that the region was likely a large riverbed or a mud plain, where the substrate was soft enough to allow for the imprints of the dinosaurs' feet to be preserved over time.

About Cal Orck'o

The footprints in Cal Orck'o were uncovered in 1994 when local excavations at a quarry revealed a portion of the limestone cliff measuring 130 metres high and 1500 metres long that displayed the largest amount of dinosaur tracks to date. The site is still an active working quarry but there are efforts being made to make the place a UNESCO world heritage site to preserve the footprints, one such effort is to encase the front in a transparent material to help keep any more of the rock face from sliding off. However this comes with its downsides, as scientists don't know if there are more footprints underneath the ones exposed at the moment, so they could be restricting further scientific discoveries.

Whilst you're there you will be able to see an extensive tracks of Ankylosaurs, footprints that stretch along nearly the entire length of the towering cliff face. These footprints, which are believed to belong to the armored dinosaurs known for their distinctive body shapes and defensive adaptation. Ankylosaurs, with their heavy bodies and club-like tails, would have left deep impressions in the soft sediment that eventually hardened into rock, allowing us to see their presence in a landscape that existed millions of years ago.

You may also encounter the tracks of a Carnotaurus. Which is an incredible creature i mentioned earlier. We still don't know much about the habits of the Carnotaurus or even what its small arms were used for! This particular set of footprints is heading in the opposite direction, suggesting an intriguing interaction within the ecosystem of that era. The presence of a Carnotaurus alongside herbivorous dinosaurs like the Ankylosaurs in such a short space of time hints at the complex dynamics of predator and prey that would have characterized their environment.

Traveling what appears as vertically up the cliff face a herd of Sauropods, which are massive long-necked dinosaurs, most probably identified as Saltasaurus, based on the size and shape of the footprints and the era they were thought to be created. These enormous creatures, known for their impressive stature and gentle grazing habits, are believed to have traveled in herds which is something these fossils might display. The sheer size of the footprints left by these Sauropods is a testament to their colossal size.

Although current paleontological consensus attributes these tracks to specific dinosaur species, it is important to note that the field of paleontology is continually evolving. Researchers and scientists are always engaged in rigorous study and debate, seeking to uncover new evidence and insights that could alter our understanding of these ancient creatures. As new fossil discoveries are made and advanced technologies are employed, the specifics surrounding the creators of these tracks may become clearer, leading to potential reclassifications or new hypotheses about the owners of these remarkable footprints. The ongoing research highlights the dynamic nature of paleontological science, where every new finding can reshape our understanding of the distant past.

How did the footprints get there

The location now known as Cal Orok'o is likely to have been a muddy river or lakebed, somewhere where the footprints remained for long enough that the silt and sand solidified or was baked by the sun until the imprint remained even when covered by other sediment.

The footprints are on the cliff face due to tectonic activity, as South America broke up from the mainland of Pangea the land was compressed inwards causing the land above that was once a muddy plain buckle and be raised into a hill. But due to the excavation in the quarry the side of the cliff slid away revealing the footprints. Who knows how many footprints are still uncovered across the globe and what could be underneath our feet at this very moment.

How to get from Sucre to Cal Orck'o

Sucre is the constitutional capital of Bolivia, known for its well-preserved colonial architecture and being a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is located in the south-central part of the country and serves as a cultural and historical hub.

Cal Orck'o is a site located near Sucre, Bolivia, that is famous for having the world's largest collection of dinosaur tracks. These tracks are preserved on a vertical wall of sandstone and date back millions of years, offering a unique glimpse into the prehistoric past. The site is a popular destination for paleontologists and tourists interested in dinosaurs and natural history. You can stand next to the cliff face and measure your hand against the tracks, the most interesting one for me was the ankylosaurus that walked all the way across the mud plain.

It is possible to take the 'Dino Bus' to the quarry visitor center where you can then take a guided tour to the tracks. It leaves at 11am and 3pm so be sure to take the 11am bus to do the tour. We took a local taxi that came to £7.50 between us as he waited the whole time and we gave him a large tip. The cost of the taxi was a little more than the 'Dino Bus' which is priced at £1.71. Because its still an active quarry you are only able to take the tour at 12 and 1pm. While you wait for your time slot you can take a look around the center where they have life sized models of some of the dinosaurs found across Bolivia.

Cal Orck'o Advise

You should pack a few things ready for your tour as the quarry doesn't get alot of shade in the afternoon you should definitely pack sun cream and a hat to keep the Bolivian sun of your head. The walk back up from the quarry to the visitor center is also quite steep so remember to pack a water bottle and not take too much with you, as you don't want to be carrying it back up the path.

An important thing to remember for these trace fossils is that they can be heavily effected by human exposure. So when you view them its very important to not touch the sandstone as it gets worn down very easily by the oils and moisture that gets introduced when you touch it. So to leave these fascinating finds here for future visitors you its very important that you don't touch them. If you want to measure your hand with a dinosaur footprint you can hover your hand over the top when you take a picture.

If you're planning a trip to Bolivia, I cannot recommend this site highly enough. It is an incredible destination that offers a unique glimpse into the prehistoric world. Even if you don’t consider yourself a massive dinosaur enthusiast like I am, you will find this site to be a fascinating and enriching experience as Lauren was still mesmerized by the sheer amount of history embedded in the cliff face. The exhibits and the information presented are engaging enough to capture the attention of visitors from all walks of life, and you may find that your curiosity about these ancient creatures is sparked during your visit.

For those who harbor even a slight interest in pre-history, this location is an absolute must-see when in Bolivia. The rich geological history of the region, combined with the incredible discoveries that have been made here, creates a compelling narrative that is both educational and awe-inspiring. You will have the opportunity to learn about the various species that once inhabited this area, their behaviors, and how they adapted to their environment.

The site often features interactive elements and activities that can engage visitors of all ages, making it a perfect outing for families, students, and anyone with a thirst for knowledge. The enthusiasm of the staff and the wealth of information available will likely leave a lasting impression, encouraging you to explore more about the fascinating world of dinosaurs and prehistory long after your visit has concluded.

If you want to see more of our incredible trip to Bolivia view our Instagram. Our stories showcase a detailed walkthrough of our tour, highlighting our trip through the country its vibrant culture, and the unique adventures we embarked on during our stay. You can also see our Youtube where we upload vlogs of our travels