Ovalle is located 88 km south of La Serena and 404 km from Santiago. It has 53,515 inhabitants and lies on the banks of the river Grande. It was founded on April 21, 1831, since when it has been dependent on La Serena. It is known as the “the Pearl of the Limarí”.

The inland valleys close to the city are used for farming, fruit and “pisco” (a strong grape liquor) production, this being the main center of supply for the north of Chile.

You should visit the Church of San Vicente Ferrer, the Museum of Limarí which houses the biggest collection of diaguita pottery, and the Design Fair of Ovalle.

You should also visit the Termas de Socos, the Fray Jorge National Park, where, in amongst the usual arid land of this zone, you will find a lovely wood characteristic of the area of Valdivia, with various native species, the Talinay National Park and the National Monument, the Valle del Encanto.