Ichnite Route: Dinosaur footprints in Ribagorza
In the heart of the town of Arén lies one of the most unique sites of Ribagorza's archaeological and paleontological heritage : the Ichnite Route . This route allows visitors to discover fossilized dinosaur footprints, known as ichnites, which transport us to a distant past, when these giants inhabited the region.
The route begins in the streets of Arén's town center and leads to one of the first dinosaur footprint sites discovered in Aragon, and the first documented in Spain attributed to hadrosaurid dinosaurs , better known as "duck-billed dinosaurs" due to the characteristic shape of their snouts. This same type of dinosaur is also present at the Blasi site, confirming the area's scientific importance.
The site is perfectly set up for visitors, with a wooden platform that facilitates access and allows them to view the footprints without risk of damaging them. From the viewpoint, visitors can clearly observe three complete hadrosaur tracks, of considerable size and in excellent condition. These footprints constitute a unique testament to the fauna that inhabited the area some 65 million years ago, shortly before the extinction of the dinosaurs.
Throughout the tour, information panels explain not only the process of formation and fossilization of the ichnites, but also their value for paleontological research and what they reveal about the behavior of these animals, such as how they moved or whether they lived in herds. The theory of their extinction is even addressed, offering an informative and accessible experience for all audiences.
The Ichnite Route of Arén combines science, nature and cultural tourism, making it an essential stop for lovers of archaeological and paleontological tourism in Ribagorza.