Ovalle
Ovalle | |
|---|---|
| Coordinates: 30°36′S 71°12′W / 30.600°S 71.200°W | |
| Country | Chile |
| Region | Coquimbo |
| Province | Limarí |
| Founded | 1831 |
| Government | |
| • Type | Municipality |
| • Alcalde | Hector Vega Campusano |
| Area | |
• Total | 3,834.5 km2 (1,480.5 sq mi) |
| Elevation | 215 m (705 ft) |
| Population (2012 Census) | |
• Total | 103,734 |
| • Density | 27/km2 (70/sq mi) |
| • Urban | 73,790 |
| • Rural | 24,299 |
| Sex | |
| • Men | 47,805 |
| • Women | 50,284 |
| Time zone | UTC−4 (CLT) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC−3 (CLST) |
| Postal code | 1840000 |
| Area code | 56 + 53 |
| Climate | BSh |
| Website | Official website (in Spanish) |
Ovalle is a city in the Coquimbo Region of Chile, founded in 1831 as a settlement. It has a population of more than 113,000 people. The name Ovalle was chosen to honor to Chile's vice-president, José Tomás Ovalle. Ovalle is the capital of the Limarí Province.
The city's setting is often likened to an oasis, being lush and green although surrounded by barren hills.
There is a trail leading from the city that lasts roughly 50 minutes, and features relatively safe bathing and an area where dinosaur fossils can be found. On the trail is a life-sized model of a brachiosaurus.
The town's football club is Deportes Ovalle. Famous players have played for the club, including 1982 FIFA World Cup player Rodolfo Dubó.