Home
Peru
PLAN MY VISIT
Peru Destinations HotelsThings to do Transport Maps Vacations Team
  • Top Destinations
PLAN MY VISIT →
  1. Home
  2. Peru
  3. Destinations
  4. South Coast

San Fernando National Reserve, Peru

40 miles (70 km) north of Nazca, one of Peru’s last marine shelters graces the coast. The untouched, rocky beauty of the bay and the hundreds of species of animals and plants that live in peace there bring visitors to this still somewhat “secret” place between the desert and the sea.

San Fernando National Reserve Peru
San Fernando National Reserve Peru
San Fernando National Reserve Peru
San Fernando National Reserve Peru
San Fernando National Reserve Peru
San Fernando National Reserve Peru
San Fernando National Reserve Peru
San Fernando National Reserve Peru
San Fernando National Reserve Peru
San Fernando National Reserve Peru
San Fernando National Reserve Peru
San Fernando National Reserve Peru
San Fernando National Reserve Peru
San Fernando National Reserve Peru
San Fernando National Reserve Peru
San Fernando National Reserve Peru
San Fernando National Reserve Peru
San Fernando National Reserve Peru
San Fernando National Reserve Peru
San Fernando National Reserve Peru
←→

The Bay of San Fernando’s protected area, spanning 380 acres (154 ha), was only declared a national reserve in 2011, when its abundant ecosystem was threatened by the building of a nearby “megaport” for huge cargo ships en route between the Andes and Brazil. With the declaration of the bay as a reserved zone, the Environmental Minister of Peru believes some of the country’s “most important natural resources” will be better protected.

One of the most valuable of these resources, interestingly, is the algae in the bay’s waters. The health of algae in the ocean dictates the health of all life in the food chain above it, and after a frightening 2012 incident in which over 200 dolphins died in Peru’s waters from what is thought to be invasive, toxic algae blooms, the health of Peru’s algae is more important than ever. In addition to keeping the gorgeous and varied ecosystems of places like the San Fernando Bay running, Peruvian algae is also used in traditional salads and some ceviche recipes.

The animals that flourish in the bay include 252 species of birds, 90 different kinds of fish and crustaceans, and amazing reptiles and mammals like the Adean fox and the puma. Hundreds of sea lions can be seen playing and napping on the beach, and bird enthusiasts come to see the Andean Condor make its incredibly long daily food-catching journey from the mountains to the bay and back. But it is the sight of the adorable Humbolt penguins – now an endangered species – scuttling around in this safe and natural environment that is almost worth the visit alone.

To see these natural wonders, off-road vehicles leaving from Nazca (typically offering hotel pickup) blast visitors through the desert sands – some tours stopping to sandboard down the massive dunes – and to the bay. Because the tour will commence in the desert and end by the chilly Pacific waters, it’s recommended that travelers dress lightly in the morning and bring a jacket or sweater for the latter part of the day. From desert “surfing” to seeing rare marine life up close in one day, this is truly a Peruvian experience.

Excellent!
Trustpilot Rating
Based on 705 reviews
Trustpilot
One of the best I have ever used
Having traveled a lot, I have used many travel companies. The responsiveness and efforts to meet our needs were unmatche...
Dec 08, 2022
– A. Hershe.
Trustpilot Rating
Top Travel Agent for Peru
Anywhere in Peru was amazing! They did everything and more for myself, my mom, and sister while we were in Cusco and Lim...
Nov 21, 2022
– Mandy D.
Trustpilot Rating
Without a Doubt the Best Service Ever!
Peru was beyond beautiful and every journey and experience was tailored to make sure we were safe, happy, and taken care...
Sep 05, 2022
– Cindy Val.
Trustpilot Rating
A PERFECT vacation experience in Peru!
I keep raving about Anywhere.com, especially in Peru. Cesar customized our trip based on the attractions we wanted to se...
Aug 29, 2021
– Raisa S.
Trustpilot Rating
5 nights in Peru
This is the second time we have used Anywhere (Costa Rica last year). The Peru team guided by Cesar was superb. Always o...
Mar 10, 2020
– Steve & P.
Trustpilot Rating
Excellent choice for our trip through…
Excellent choice for our trip through Peru. Lima/Cusco/machu Picchu/back to Cusco then onward to Chile. Good hotels, exc...
Mar 02, 2020
– Anne
Trustpilot Rating
Highly recommend Anywhere Travel
Anywhere does a fantastic job of really building the perfect trip for you. Just tell them dates, general budget, and wha...
Feb 29, 2020
– Ben Gurtn.
Trustpilot Rating
Wouldn't travel any where without Anywhere
Thank you for making this a perfect trip for us. All arrangements worked like clockwork and we never missed a beat as we...
Jan 21, 2020
– IcameIsaw
Trustpilot Rating
I would recommend Anywhere.com Peru to…
I would recommend Anywhere.com Peru to anyone! They did an excellent job coordinating our itinerary and transportation. ...
Oct 25, 2019
– Eddie A.
Trustpilot Rating
Thank you Anywhere.com
I used Anywhere.com to plan a trip to Peru. The trip they organized for me and my mom was amazing. The agent, Sara, was ...
Aug 16, 2019
– Rori
Trustpilot Rating
Outstanding Job!
Anywhere.com did an OUTSTANDING job with helping be coordinate and facilitate the best adventure that I have ever had in...
Aug 06, 2019
– Adam
Trustpilot Rating
Our 2nd time with Anywhere and HAPPY!
We love Anywhere! We just have to pack and we are taken care of basically during our whole stay. Everything is nicely ar...
Jul 18, 2019
– Valery
Trustpilot Rating
Anywhere.com provided us excellent…
Anywhere.com provided us excellent service during our Costa Rica trip in 2016 and Peru trip in 2018.From planning,bookin...
Jun 22, 2019
– Sunil
Trustpilot Rating
Peru June 2019
Anywhere.com planned every step of our trip perfectly. We are very happy with their service.
Jun 21, 2019
– Lata
Trustpilot Rating
Our experience with Anywhere travel in…Peru
Our experience with Anywhere travel in Peru was, in a word, remarkable. The sights, experiences, and accommodations wer...
Jun 14, 2019
– Stuart
Trustpilot Rating

Let's Dream Together

Share your bucketlist to get inspiration and local connections.

We care about the protection of your data. Read our Privacy Policy.

Peru Vacations
  • Adventure
  • Family
  • Luxury
  • Romantic
  • Trekking
Highlights
  • Unique & Authentic
  • Coasts
  • Mountains
  • Beaches
  • Cloudforests
  • Lakes
  • Surfing
  • Spiritual
  • Culinary
PLACES TO GO
  • Machu Picchu
  • Nazca Lines
  • Cusco
  • Lima
  • Aguas Calientes
  • Puno
  • Arequipa
  • Iquitos
  • Sacred Valley
  • Nazca
  • Amazon
THINGS TO DO
  • Culture
  • Get a Guide
  • Ruins
  • Archeology
  • Culinary
  • Train Rides
  • Hiking
  • Museums
  • History
  • Boating
  • Birdwatching
  • Cooking Lessons
Trustpilot 5 of 5 rated service
Trustpilot "Excellent"
Plan My Visit→+1 (888) 456-3212
MessengerContact AnywhereWhatsapp ContactCall USA: +1-888-456-3212

© 2023 Anywhere Inc. All rights reserved.Privacy Policy