Reserva nacional Laguna Torca, Nature reserve in Vichuquén, Chile.

Reserva nacional Laguna Torca covers 604 hectares in the Vichuquén commune, built around the shallow Lake Torca. Reeds (totora) and cattails (espadaña) line the shore, while the Llico forest sector holds planted pino insigne, pino marítimo, aromo del país and eucalyptus. The reserve lies near the Pacific coast of the Maule Region.

The reserve was established in 1985 to protect the wetland from sand dune advancement and environmental changes. Its designation marked a turning point in safeguarding this fragile coastal landscape.

The Environmental Interpretation Center helps visitors understand how birds and other wildlife depend on this wetland habitat through its displays. You can learn how the different areas of the reserve support the animals that live there.

The reserve lies in the Vichuquén commune on the shore of Lake Torca, reached by road from Vichuquén. The Llico forest sector holds plantations of pino insigne, pino marítimo, aromo del país and eucalyptus, while the lagoon shore is lined with totora and espadaña. Bring footwear for wet ground and insect repellent; the reeds and shallow water attract mosquitoes.

The reserve's bird list reaches 106 species, including the coscoroba swan, the black-necked swan, the osprey and the cocoi heron, concentrated around the lagoon. The shoreline reeds are totora (Scirpus californicus) and espadaña (Typha angustifolia).