Los Ruiles National Reserve, National reserve in Cauquenes Province, Chile
Los Ruiles National Reserve is a protected forest area in Cauquenes Province in the Maule Region, made up of two separate sections that together preserve native woodland. The reserve contains walking trails through these natural forests and offers designated picnic areas for visitors exploring the landscape.
The reserve was established in 1982 as a protected area to preserve endangered tree species and wildlife populations in central Chile. This protection marked an important moment in conservation efforts, as the region's native forests had faced serious threats over many decades.
The Ruil tree, which grows naturally only in small coastal zones of central Chile, defines the reserve's character and represents a vital part of the region's natural heritage. Visitors walking through the forest encounter these rare trees and grasp why protecting this woodland matters to local communities.
The reserve is most easily reached from the town of Cauquenes, and the area offers two walking trails with varying difficulty levels to explore. The terrain is accessible on foot, and there are designated rest areas where visitors can sit and eat, making it a good half-day excursion destination.
The reserve is home to one of the northernmost populations of the monito del monte, a small marsupial found only in South America. This tiny forest dweller is rarely spotted by visitors, but knowing it lives here highlights the ecological importance of this protected place.
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