Its peculiar misty forest, its valuable wildlife and its varied ecosystems were the reasons why the Forest of San Jorge was made a National Park in 1941. In 1977 UNESCO would base itself on these very same reasons to grant these 9959 hectares of the Commune of Ovalle, located in the Province of Limarí, in the IV Coquimbo Region, the title of Biosphere Reserve in 1977.

This splendid natural area seeks to protect and preserve the flora and fauna, especially the dense vegetation of what geographers call the Misty Forest of Valdivia, of hydrophanous type, which contrasts with the arid and deserted landscapes proper of the coastal zone it is located on.

The unusual and surprising phenomenon locally known as comanchaca, which is explained by the condensation of the coastal fog, that allows the growing of the forest, configures a superb natural scenario very much appreciated by investigators and by all those loving eco-tourism.

The Park is found on the summits of the system of coastal hills known by the name of Altos de Talinay, with average altitudes of 600 m. It possesses an interesting variety of flora, with species such as drimys (Drimys winteri), boldos (Puemus boldus), olivillos (Kageneckia angustifolia), ferns, creepers, mosses, cacti and uvillos, amongst other species.

This natural richness is enhanced by several fauna species, with mammals such as the Andean fox (Pseudalopex culpaeus), the pampas cat, the Conepatus chinga (Molina's hog-nosed skunk, the so called quinques and small rodents. With respect to the birds we have the tinamou (Nothoprocta predicaría), the puna hawk (Buteo polyosoma), the Long-tailed Meadowlark. (Sturnella loyca), the Black-chinned Siskin. (Carduelis barbata), and the White-throated Tapaculo (Scelorchilus albicollis), amongst others.

This is a prolific world which is explored through a path of interpretation that penetrates into the hydrophanous forest, in order to show us the secrets of life; but this is not all, there is also the chance of going fishing at the mouth of the Limarí River, and at the waters of the coastline.

The Park is open all year roud, although it is advisable to visit it during the Southern Hemisphere's spring, from August to October, when the forest is at its maximum splendour. A campsite provided with grills, potable water and restrooms known as El Arrayancito offers its services within this protected area.

The Forest of Fray Jorge is asreached by land, and it is located 75 km away from the Commune of Ovalle, and at 110 km from La Serena, the regional capital. The zone is administered by the National Forest Corporation (CONAF), which has a centennial mansion as its seat, located at 5 km from the Park's entrance.

Source: www.sernatur.cl