Fray Jorge Forest

The coast of Limari Valley preserves one of the greatest and most impressive natural miracles on earth: the enigmatic Talinay Forest. This surprising place with remnant flora and fauna species from ice age, it is the northernmost austral forest in Chile that survives thanks to several geographical and atmospheric events the pressures and the advance of the driest desert of the world: the Atacama. Declared a National Park, UNESCO biosphere site and Starlight reserve, it has several species of birds, plants and trees from different latitudes, times and climates, and a surprising human past where the oldest coastal culture of Chilean prehistory (Huentelauquen culture) meets the first skilled fisherman’s farmers and shepherds in the chilean coast (Guanaqueros culture). Both groups testify the arrival of mysterious shamanic tribes from the Atlantic Amazonas side, the Molle´s and Diaguitas Cultures who came from Chaco Forest and Argentinean pampas. Thousands of years later, pirates, black slaves and a mythical English sailor that survived a shipwreck, taken in by Franciscans due to their needs to have a servant, he would explore the region finding this hidden ancient forest, being converted as a friar.

Itinerary

• Departure from La Serena to Limari province through the pirate’s coast having views of Guayacan bay with stopt in Totoralillo’s beach.
• Views of Las Tacas, lagunillas and Guanaqueros village.
• Arrival to Fray Jorge National Park to explore its trails of xerophile, sclerophyllous, hydrophylic and relict flora areas. Views of exotic raptors and birds of prey.
• Lunch Menu in Tongoy historical coastal town and return to La Serena.