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San Fernando National Reserve

San Fernando National Reserve - Reserva Nacional San Fernando

San Fernando National Reserve - Reserva Nacional San FernandoIn this article I’m going to tell you about a little known and visited destination in Peru: The San Fernando National Reserve.

This place is a paradise for those who love marine life and birds and it is also a passage to the coast for high Andean species.

This reserve is located in the Changuillo district in Nazca and the San Juan de Marcona district in Ica, about 7 hours by car from Lima. It has a 154,716.3-hectare area.

Its climate varies according to the season. In summer (from December to March) the maximum temperature varies between 26oC and 34oC, while in winter (from April to November) the maximum temperature varies from 16°C and 26°C.

The San Fernando National Reserve was created to protect the areas ‘ecosystem where different bird species such as guanay cormorants (Phalacrocorax bougainvillii), Peruvian Boobies (Sula variegata) and Peruvian pelicans (Pelecanus thagus) live. We can also find endangered species such as Humboldt penguins (Spheniscus humboldti), red-legged cormorants (Phalacrocorax gaimardi), Peruvian diving petrels (Pelecanoides garnotii) and Andean condors (Vultur gryphus).

We can also find marine mammal species such as marine otters (Lontra felina), South American fur seals (Arctocephalus australis), South American sea lions (Otaria byronia) and thirteen cetacean species. Among the cetaceans we can highlight the humpback whales (Megaptera novaeangliae), blue whales (Balaenoptera musculus), sperm whales (Physeter macrocephalus), bottle-nose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) and orcas (Orcinus orca). The sightings of these animals depend on the season since some of them can only be seen during their migration time.

Land mammals such as Andean foxes (Pseudalopex culpaeus), pampas cat (Lynchailurus pajeros), cougars (Puma concolor) and guanacos (Lama guanicoe) can also be found.

The reserve can be visited throughout the year, however, the access is complicated and a 4×4 truck is needed.

Colourful Peru offers fixed departures throughout the year that include transportation, meals and accommodation. Ask for our tour packages HERE!

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