Raja de Manquehua - Poza Azul, Natural reserve with karst spring in Salamanca, Chile
Raja de Manquehua is a natural reserve in the Coquimbo Region, defined by a dramatic geological fissure that cuts through rocky terrain and creates a distinctive landscape. The site contains diverse plant life, bird species, and natural water bodies that form scattered pools and springs throughout the area.
The reserve received official protection in 2018 when the Chilean government designated it through a formal decree. This formal recognition marked a turning point in efforts to safeguard the geological and biological features of the area.
The name combines indigenous words reflecting the landscape and wildlife that define this place: the geological fissure and the condors that soar above it. Local communities see this site as connected to their ancestral understanding of the land and its natural forces.
Plan to visit early in the day due to the warm climate and bring enough water, as shade is limited in this semiarid landscape. Stick to marked paths and take time to look around at the various rocky formations and water features scattered throughout the reserve.
A major geological fault runs through the landscape for many kilometers, creating a deep split where the blue water pool called Poza Azul appears like an oasis. This water-filled depression draws birds and other wildlife to the otherwise dry terrain, offering a striking visual surprise.
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