Laguna Torca National Reserve
Encyclopedia
Laguna Torca National Reserve is a national reserve of Chile
's Maule Region
.
Laguna Torca is 200 k South-West of Santiago, in the Maule Region 7. Situated a bare 3k from the Pacific Ocean and adjoins Lago Vichuquen, in the coastal mountains.The fresh water in the laguna comes from these local mountains, rather than the inland Andes.
The Reserve is divided into three very different areas. The first area is the main Lagoon area, where 120 species of birds, have been spotted,according to Head Ranger Don Luis. Black-necked Swans (1600 at the last count including some ringed birds from Valdivia), fill the Laguna . The feeding swans add to the tranquility of the scene,and the main road runs through the side of the laguna giving a wonderful close up view of the Wildlife. Coscoroba Swans, Pimpollo (White tufted Grebe), Tagua (Coots),and many more, all mix happily together,
Fish in the laguna such as the Liza, Tench, and Carp. However you won't see any as there is a no fishing, swimming, boating policy in the park!
The reserve is a true sanctuary staffed by dedicated, knowledgeable, and very friendly Rangers. Viewing stations and a small reception centre is located at the Laguna.The main road cuts through one of the side arms of the lagoon and gives a great vantage point to see the many swans feeding.
Llico Forest
The second section of the National Reserve is Llico forest,(Bosque de Llico) an area which was forested with exotic species. This area is accessed through a long wooden bridge in the middle of Llico, and is a couple of kilometers from the Laguna. The sheer size of these old trees is something that is seen very rarely in this area with the modern forestry industry geared up for quick growth and replanting .Walking through the park under the shade of these giants gives a glimpse of the older times . The trees were planted originally to stop the inland march of the sandunes from the lovely beach at Llico playa.It worked.
Cerrillos Island
The third area of the National Reserve is Cerrillos Island,and is to be found in Lago Vichuquén. Uninhabited, with a forested area of two hectares.
Chile
Chile ,officially the Republic of Chile , is a country in South America occupying a long, narrow coastal strip between the Andes mountains to the east and the Pacific Ocean to the west. It borders Peru to the north, Bolivia to the northeast, Argentina to the east, and the Drake Passage in the far...
's Maule Region
Maule Region
The VII Maule Region is one of Chile's 15 first order administrative divisions. Its capital is Talca. The region takes its name from the Maule River which, running westward from the Andes, bisects the region and spans a basin of about 20,600 km2...
.
Laguna Torca is 200 k South-West of Santiago, in the Maule Region 7. Situated a bare 3k from the Pacific Ocean and adjoins Lago Vichuquen, in the coastal mountains.The fresh water in the laguna comes from these local mountains, rather than the inland Andes.
The Reserve is divided into three very different areas. The first area is the main Lagoon area, where 120 species of birds, have been spotted,according to Head Ranger Don Luis. Black-necked Swans (1600 at the last count including some ringed birds from Valdivia), fill the Laguna . The feeding swans add to the tranquility of the scene,and the main road runs through the side of the laguna giving a wonderful close up view of the Wildlife. Coscoroba Swans, Pimpollo (White tufted Grebe), Tagua (Coots),and many more, all mix happily together,
Fish in the laguna such as the Liza, Tench, and Carp. However you won't see any as there is a no fishing, swimming, boating policy in the park!
The reserve is a true sanctuary staffed by dedicated, knowledgeable, and very friendly Rangers. Viewing stations and a small reception centre is located at the Laguna.The main road cuts through one of the side arms of the lagoon and gives a great vantage point to see the many swans feeding.
Llico Forest
The second section of the National Reserve is Llico forest,(Bosque de Llico) an area which was forested with exotic species. This area is accessed through a long wooden bridge in the middle of Llico, and is a couple of kilometers from the Laguna. The sheer size of these old trees is something that is seen very rarely in this area with the modern forestry industry geared up for quick growth and replanting .Walking through the park under the shade of these giants gives a glimpse of the older times . The trees were planted originally to stop the inland march of the sandunes from the lovely beach at Llico playa.It worked.
Cerrillos Island
The third area of the National Reserve is Cerrillos Island,and is to be found in Lago Vichuquén. Uninhabited, with a forested area of two hectares.