Ovalle Postal Codes: 1840000 | Limarí, Coquimbo

Key Facts

Ovalle is a city and commune located in the Limarí Province of Chile's Coquimbo Region. Situated approximately 400 kilometers north of Santiago, Ovalle serves as the provincial capital and occupies a strategic position in the fertile Limarí Valley, surrounded by semi-arid hills and crossed by the Limarí River. With an area of approximately 3,835 square kilometers, Ovalle is one of the largest communes in the Coquimbo Region and serves as a major agricultural, commercial, and administrative hub for the surrounding rural areas. The city has a population of around 111,000 inhabitants, making it the most populous urban center in Limarí Province. Ovalle is administratively divided into numerous smaller districts and neighborhoods, with its urban core featuring a well-planned grid layout centered around the main plaza. The commune's economy is primarily based on agriculture, particularly the cultivation of grapes, citrus fruits, and olives, supported by irrigation from the nearby Paloma Reservoir system. As the provincial capital, Ovalle hosts important government offices, educational institutions including a university campus, and healthcare facilities that serve the broader provincial population. The city also serves as a transportation nexus, connecting coastal communities with inland mining areas and serving as a gateway to the Fray Jorge National Park, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve known for its unique fog-fed forest ecosystem. For residents and businesses seeking postal services, Ovalle's comprehensive administrative structure ensures efficient mail delivery throughout its urban and rural territories.

Neighboring Regions

• Monte Patria
• Río Hurtado
• Combarbalá
• Punitaqui