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The Pichasca Natural Monument is located in Region IV at 56 km. northeast of Ovalle, specifically northeast on a hill that rises north of the Río Hurtado. It is an important archaeological and paleontological zone, where fossils and plant remains stand out, which was the ancient seat of the Inca population.



The petrified remains found in Pichasca correspond to parts of plants and animals. These are scattered because from the time they were buried, 75 million years ago, various phenomena have occurred such as: earth movements, which generated the Andes Mountains, formation of new rock layers, volcanic eruptions and erosion. , all of which scattered these remains.



The park has 128 hectares and vegetation on the banks of the Hurtado River valley. Interesting is the rocky eaves called ´´Casa de Piedra´´ which offers a characteristic example of a prehistoric refuge; anthropological manifestations in the surroundings of Pichasca.











The Pichasca Natural Monument is located in the commune of Río Hurtado, IV Region, in the upper part of the town of San Pedro Viejo, accessed by the Ovalle - Río Hurtado road, passing through the Recoleta reservoir, after the town of Samo Alto , and 2 kilometers before the town of Pichasca, you take a path that crosses the river and you reach San Pedro Viejo. You can also get to this path by Vicuña, Río Hurtado and Andacollo - Samo Alto.



The travel time is 1 hour 15 minutes from Ovalle and 3 hours 30 minutes from La Serena (travel time data are approximate, may vary depending on road conditions)







The panoramic view that is obtained from this place is incomparable. The hills full of cardones, shrubs, olivillos and peppers form a strong contrast against the intense green of the valley.

We began to walk within the 128 hectares that make up the park. The site has an Environmental Information Center where the flora and fauna species in the area are displayed, as well as information on the paleontological and archaeological discoveries that occurred in the sector.

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