30 Dinosaurs in Argentina and Their Characteristics

Officially known as the Argentine Republic, Argentina is the eighth-largest country in the world and home to a vast array of flora and fauna. Among its nine natural regions, the Iguazú Falls have even been named one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World.

But beyond its modern-day natural beauty, Argentina—especially the southern region of Patagonia—was once home to many fascinating prehistoric creatures: dinosaurs. In this article, we’ll explore 30 dinosaurs discovered in Argentina, their scientific significance, and distinct characteristics that set them apart.

1. Patagotitan mayorum

Discovered in Chubut Province, Patagotitan mayorum is the largest dinosaur ever unearthed. A member of the titanosaurian sauropods, this dinosaur lived around 101 million years ago, during the Cretaceous Period. It’s believed they lived in herds, as over 100 fossilized eggs were found in 2021.

• Estimated length: Up to 40 meters (131 feet)

• Estimated weight: 80 tons

• Features: Small head, extremely long neck and tail

• Museum display: A full reconstruction is housed in the Field Museum in Chicago, not in Argentina

2. Saltasaurus loricatus

Known as “the lizard from Salta,” Saltasaurus is the only known species in its genus. This quadrupedal herbivore lived between 77 and 66 million years ago and weighed around 7 tons, with a length of 12 meters.

• Unique traits: Small head, spoon-shaped teeth, short neck, bony armor-like plates for protection

3. Kritosaurus navajovius

The name means “separated lizard.” A duck-billed herbivorous dinosaur, Kritosaurus lived about 73 million years ago.

• Size: Around 10 meters long, weighing up to 4 tons

• Notable features: Could walk on two or four legs, small head with a crown-like bump

4. Carnotaurus sastrei

Known as the “meat-eating bull,” Carnotaurus is famous for the horns above its eyes. It lived 72 to 70 million years ago.

• Size: 8–9 meters long, up to 2.1 tons

• Features: Short forelimbs, strong legs, agile predator

5. Herrerasaurus ischigualastensis

One of the earliest known predatory dinosaurs, Herrerasaurus lived approximately 231 million years ago.

• Appearance: Long tail, small head, walked on two legs

• Fossil display: Senckenberg Museum, Berlin

6. Piatnitzkysaurus floresi

This medium-sized theropod lived about 165 million years ago. It had strong hind legs and short forelimbs, suggesting it was a fast runner.

• Length: About 5 meters

• Skull: Roughly 50 cm

7. Patagosaurus fariasi

Nicknamed the “Patagonian lizard,” Patagosaurus lived 163 million years ago.

• Length: Up to 18 meters

• Weight: Nearly 8 tons

• Body: Long neck and small head, unbalanced proportions

8. Argentinosaurus huinculensis

Known as “Argentina’s lizard from Plaza Huincul,” this titanosaur lived 97 million years ago and is considered one of the largest land animals ever.

• Estimated size: 33 meters long, up to 67 tons

• Habitat: Temperate or subtropical forests

9. Giganotosaurus carolinii

This predator lived nearly 100 million years ago and was one of the top predators of its time.

• Length: 13 meters

• Weight: 8 tons

• Traits: Excellent sense of smell, large teeth for tearing prey

10. Eoraptor lunensis

Meaning “dawn thief of the Valley of the Moon,” Eoraptor is one of the earliest known dinosaurs, living 231 million years ago.

• Size: 1.3 meters tall, 10 kg

• Features: Lightweight skull, four-fingered limbs, stiff tail for balance

11. Amargasaurus cazaui

This small sauropod (9–10 meters long) lived 130 million years ago and is notable for the long spines running down its neck and back.

• Diet: Herbivorous

• Museum exhibit: Melbourne Museum, Australia

Other Dinosaurs Found in Argentina

In addition to the species listed above, here are more dinosaurs discovered in Argentine territory:

• Gasparinisaura cincosaltensis

• Abelisaurus comahuensis

• Kritosaurus australis

• Epachtosaurus sciuttoi

• Sarmientichnus scagliai

• Mussaurus patagonicus

• Riojasaurus incertus

• Noasaurus leali

• Patagonykus puertai

• Pisanosaurus mertii

• Zupaysaurus rougieri

• Antarctosaurus wichmannianus

• Panphagia protos

• Adeopapposaurus mognai

• Ligabueino andesi

• Cathartesaura anaerobica

• Rinconsaurus caudamirus

• Aeolosaurus rionegrinus

• Andesaurus delgadoi

• Puertasaurus reuil

• Chubutisaurus insignis

• Notohypsilophodon comodorensis

Dinosaur Museums in Argentina

If you're fascinated by Argentina’s dinosaur legacy, consider visiting these museums that showcase fossils and reconstructions:

Bernardino Rivadavia Museum of Natural Sciences (Buenos Aires)

• Exhibits: Carnotaurus sastrei fossils, full skeleton of Patagosaurus fariasi

Egidio Feruglio Museum (Trelew)

• Home to many Carnotaurus fossil remains

National University of Comahue Museum (Neuquén)

• Displays fossils of Argentinosaurus huinculensis and Giganotosaurus carolinii

Natural Sciences Museum of San Juan

• Features fossils of Eoraptor lunensis

Other Dinosaur-Related Attractions in Argentina

• Sierra de las Quijadas National Park

• Ischigualasto Provincial Park

• Talampaya National Park

• Sarmiento Petrified Forest

• Dinosaur Geopark

• Castro Barros Cultural Trail

If you enjoyed this article and want to explore more, check out our guide on How Many Dinosaur Species Existed or dive deeper into the world of Extinct Animals.

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