Natural regions of Chile for reference purposes. These natural regions are ordered from north to south and reduced to five natural regions: Each has its own characteristic vegetation, fauna, climate, and, despite the omnipresence of both the Andes and the Pacific, its own distinct topography. Most of the region is covered by the Atacama Desert and has a dry arid climate. The coast range has peaks over 2000 m and ends in cliffs in the coast. There are large salt flats in the Intermediate depression and the Andes. Norte Grande has Chile's highest mountains including Ojos del Salado (6,891 m) but host also the
Sierra del Toro Its summits are usually covered in snow in the winter and are among the highest peaks of the Land of Valencia. Therefore there are also numerous ancient ice houses. These mountains have been often devastated by forest fires in hot and dry summers and extensive planting of trees has been undertaken. This mountain range was the scenario of violent battles during the Spanish Civil War (1936–1939) when the fascist troops tried to split the Spanish Republican government territory in two and reach the Mediterranean coast and there are many remains of trenches. Sierra del Toro Sierra del Toro () is