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Parque Nacional Fray Jorge: A Desert Oasis

Discover a unique ecosystem where a lush forest thrives in the heart of Chile's arid Coquimbo Region, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve.

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Parque Nacional Fray Jorge, located in the Coquimbo Region of Chile, is a unique natural wonder where a lush Valdivian-type forest thrives amidst the arid landscape of the Atacama Desert. Established in 1941, this UNESCO Biosphere Reserve protects a relic ecosystem sustained by coastal fog, offering visitors a chance to explore a unique biodiversity.

A brief summary to Parque Nacional Fray Jorge

Local tips

  • Wear warm clothing and suitable footwear, especially when exploring the Hydric Forest Trail, as the fog can make it damp and cool.
  • Visit during spring or autumn for the best weather and vibrant flora.
  • Purchase your entry ticket in advance through pasesparques.cl.
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Getting There

  • Driving

    From La Serena or Ovalle, take Route 5 to kilometer 389. Then, take the secondary road (Ruta D-540) towards the park entrance, which is approximately 22 km along a dirt road. Follow the road to the CONAF checkpoint, which marks the official entry to the park. Note that some navigation apps may not be updated with the correct entry route. Parking is available at the trailhead. There is no fee for parking.

  • Public Transport

    From La Serena or Coquimbo, take a bus to Tongoy. From Tongoy, take a taxi to Parque Nacional Fray Jorge. The bus from La Serena to Tongoy will cost approximately $4-6 USD. The taxi from Tongoy to the park will cost approximately $25-40 USD.

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Discover more about Parque Nacional Fray Jorge

Parque Nacional Fray Jorge presents a captivating juxtaposition of ecosystems, where a verdant forest flourishes in the heart of a semi-arid desert. Established on April 14, 1941, and later designated a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve in 1977, the park's primary goal is to preserve the unique relic forest of Fray Jorge. This forest, a remnant of the Quaternary period, thrives thanks to the coastal fog, known locally as 'camanchaca,' which provides the necessary humidity for its survival. The park spans 9,959 hectares and is located in the Ovalle commune, Coquimbo Region, near the city of Ovalle and approximately 100 km south of La Serena. Its boundaries extend to the Pacific Ocean on the west and the Limarí River to the south. The park's diverse topography includes the Talinay Mountain Range, with elevations such as Mozambique Hill (560 m), Centinela Hill (556 m), and Punta del Viento Hill (667 m). The highlight of the park is the Sensory Trail in the Hydric Forest, a 1 km path that meanders through a Valdivian-type forest. This trail offers an immersive experience, with wooden walkways that guide visitors through the lush vegetation. The park is also home to a variety of fauna, including guanacos, foxes, and diverse bird species. The park's unique environmental conditions have also made it a prime location for scientific research, with ongoing projects focused on the long-term monitoring of the semi-arid ecosystem. Visitors can explore the Environmental Interpretation Center, which offers insights into the park's ecology and history. The park also holds cultural significance, with relationships to indigenous communities and influences on the local culture and economy. Fray Jorge National Park is open from Wednesday to Sunday, with entry from 9:00 to 15:00, and the last vehicle leaving the park at 17:00.

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