Opening Hours and Tickets for MEF Trelew: 2026 Rules

The museum usually opens daily to accommodate tourists. Typical hours are from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM. These times can vary slightly during the winter or summer seasons. It is best to arrive early to avoid late afternoon crowds. The museum is a major stop for organized tour groups from the coast.

Tickets are sold at the main entrance desk upon arrival. Prices are often tiered for international visitors, residents, and children. You can pay with credit cards or local currency. Discounts are typically available for students and seniors with valid identification. Always check for any special holiday closures before you set out.

If you are exploring the region, consider top attractions near Puerto Madryn for your itinerary. The MEF is a standout among these local highlights. It takes about an hour to reach Trelew from the beach. This makes the museum an ideal choice for a windy or rainy day. You will find the staff helpful and the facilities very clean.

9 Top Highlights at and Near the MEF

When you visit Trelew, you should see more than just the main skeleton. There are many experiences within the museum and in the surrounding Chubut valley. Here are nine must-see spots and activities for your checklist.

• Best overall: The Patagotitan Mayorum skeleton.
• Best for families: The Fossil Preparation Lab.
• Best rainy-day: The Mesozoic Era exhibits.
• Best free: The Titanosaur replica on the highway.

1. Name: Patagotitan Mayorum
   Type: sight
   Why go: It is the largest dinosaur ever found.
   Best for: Everyone.
   Where: Central exhibition hall.
   Time: 20 minutes.
   Cost: Included in entry.
   Getting there: Walk through the main gallery.
   Tip: Stand next to the femur for a great scale photo.
2. Name: Fossil Preparation Lab
   Type: experience
   Why go: Watch real scientists clean and repair bones through glass walls.
   Best for: Curious kids and students.
   Where: Ground floor.
   Time: 15 minutes.
   Cost: Included in entry.
   Getting there: Follow the signs past the first gallery.
   Tip: Visit on a weekday to see the team actively working.
3. Name: Topsy Coffee Shop
   Type: experience
   Why go: Relax in a modern cafe themed around paleontology.
   Best for: A quick lunch break.
   Where: Inside the MEF building.
   Time: 45 minutes.
   Cost: $5-$15 USD.
   Getting there: Located near the museum gift shop.
   Tip: Try the local pastries with your coffee.
4. Name: Mesozoic Era Room
   Type: museum
   Why go: Journey through the age of giants with realistic displays.
   Best for: Science enthusiasts.
   Where: Main circuit.
   Time: 30 minutes.
   Cost: Included in entry.
   Getting there: Part of the standard walking path.
   Tip: Read the English translations on the placards for deep context.
5. Name: MEF Gift Shop
   Type: experience
   Why go: Buy unique dinosaur-themed souvenirs and high-quality books.
   Best for: Shopping.
   Where: Near the exit.
   Time: 15 minutes.
   Cost: Varies.
   Getting there: End of the museum tour.
   Tip: The local mineral and crystal collection is excellent.
6. Name: Bryn Gwyn Geopark
   Type: nature
   Why go: Walk through a natural canyon filled with visible fossils.
   Best for: Hikers and nature lovers.
   Where: 15 minutes south of Gaiman.
   Time: 2 hours.
   Cost: Extra fee (check MEF desk).
   Getting there: Car or taxi from Trelew.
   Tip: Bring plenty of water and wear sunscreen.
7. Name: Gaiman Tea Houses
   Type: day trip
   Why go: Taste traditional Welsh tea and cakes in a historic village.
   Best for: Foodies.
   Where: Village of Gaiman, 15km from Trelew.
   Time: 2 hours.
   Cost: $15-$25 USD.
   Getting there: 20-minute drive from the MEF.
   Tip: Look for Ty Te Caerdydd, where Princess Diana once visited.
8. Name: Museo Regional Pueblo de Luis
   Type: museum
   Why go: Learn about the Welsh pioneers who settled the valley.
   Best for: History buffs.
   Where: 1 block from Trelew main square.
   Time: 1 hour.
   Cost: Small entry fee.
   Getting there: Short walk from MEF.
   Tip: The old railway station building is very photogenic.
9. Name: Titanosaur Highway Replica
   Type: viewpoint
   Why go: See a life-sized model of the giant dinosaur outdoors.
   Best for: Quick photos.
   Where: Access road to Trelew (Route 3).
   Time: 10 minutes.
   Cost: Free.
   Getting there: Just outside the city limits by car.
   Tip: It is illuminated at night and looks very striking.

Logistics for Your Trip from Puerto Madryn

Most tourists base themselves in Puerto Madryn for the coast and whale watching boat trips during the season. To reach the MEF, you can rent a car at the local airport. The drive takes about 60 to 70 minutes on a paved highway. Traffic is generally light, but keep an eye out for local wildlife near the road.

Public buses also run frequently between Puerto Madryn and Trelew. You can find the schedule at the main bus terminal in either city. The buses are comfortable and very affordable for budget travelers. Once you arrive at the Trelew terminal, the museum is only a short taxi ride or a 15-minute walk away.

For those without a car, booking an organized tour is a smart move. Tours often combine the museum with a visit to the penguins or Welsh tea houses. This saves you the hassle of navigating local transit. You can find more information about the region on the Chubut Patagonia Turismo website for planning.