Fray George National Park and Valle del Encanto

Departing from La Serena in the morning, this tour heads south, to the temperate rainforest of the Fray Jorge National Park that has been declared a UNESCO World Biosphere site. Valdivian temperate rainforest normally only thrives in the cool damp climate of southern Chile, but exists here, despite the dry climate, due to the coastal fog. An informative hike through the green forest, which provides a wonderful contrast to its dry setting, introduces various ecosystems and plant species.
Following on from this visit, the tour continues to the Valle del Encanto: a small hidden valley that was already inhabited by hunters, in 2000 BC. Over 50 petroglyphs and cult stones testify to the fact that this was once an important cultural centre for the pre-Incan Molle Culture.