San Fernando Bay:
Marine Reserve near Nazca - Guide 2025

🌊 San Fernando Bay: Unique Natural Reserve

📍 Reserve Location

The San Fernando Bay is part of the San Fernando National Reserve, a protected natural area located in the Nazca province. This reserve of 154,716 hectares represents one of the last preserved areas where desert, sea and mountains meet in a spectacular way.

📜 Protection Status

Classified as a National Reserve, San Fernando protects an exceptional marine-coastal ecosystem where upwellings, resulting biodiversity, marine currents and remarkably beautiful landscapes converge. The reserve was created to preserve this unique biological corridor.

🏞️ Unique Ecosystems

  • Marine zone: Humboldt Current rich in nutrients
  • Coastal desert: Dunes and arid hills
  • Coastal mountains: Mount Huasipara (1,790 m - highest coastal point in Peru)
  • Relict forests of huarango and seasonal wetlands

🐾 Exceptional Fauna of San Fernando

🦅 The Last Coastal Habitat of the Condor

San Fernando is the last coastal refuge of the Andean condor. These majestic birds come to feed on sea lion placentas, creating a unique food chain in the world.

🌊 Iconic Marine Mammals

  • Sea lions (Otaria byronia) - among the largest colonies on the Peruvian coast
  • Humboldt penguins (Spheniscus humboldti) - endangered species
  • Sea otters - resident populations
  • Humpback whales - from July to October

🏔️ Unique Terrestrial Fauna

  • Guanacos - one of the few places where this Andean camelid descends to the coast
  • Andean foxes - predators adapted to this mixed environment
  • + 353 animal species recorded in the reserve

📋 Visiting San Fernando: Procedure 2025

📞 Mandatory Reservation

ATTENTION: Access to the reserve requires prior authorization

  • Email: phostia@sernanp.gob.pe
  • Phone: 968218448
  • Deadline: Contact at least 48 hours in advance
  • Registration: Mandatory at vigilance and control posts

🕒 Visiting Hours

  • 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM daily
  • Best time: Morning for wildlife observation

🎟️ 2025 Fees - San Fernando National Reserve

Category 1 day 2-3 days
General (Foreigners) 30 soles 60 soles
Nationals (Adults) 15 soles 30 soles
Nationals (Children) 8 soles 15 soles
Local residents* 8 soles 15 soles

*With ID presentation - Local children: 3 soles

🚗 Access to San Fernando Bay

📍 Two Access Sectors

North Sector

  • From Nazca: km 415 Panamericana Sur (detour to Changuillo)
  • Transport: 4x4 mandatory - 1.5 hours
  • Feature: Mouths of Ica and Grande rivers

South Sector

  • From Nazca: km 450 Panamericana → km 477 (Wayra I wind farm)
  • From Marcona: Shougang checkpoint → PVC San Fernando (1 hour)
  • Feature: San Fernando Bay and spectacular cliffs

💰 Transport Costs

  • Organized tour from Nazca: 150-250 soles/person (full day)
  • Private 4x4: 400-600 soles/day (group of 4-6 people)
  • Naturalist guide: 100-150 soles/day (recommended)

🎒 Essential Visit Tips

⚠️ Reserve Regulations

  • Domestic animals prohibited (disease risk for wildlife)
  • Respect marked trails only
  • Follow park rangers' instructions
  • No litter - take everything with you
  • No single-use plastic

🎒 Recommended Equipment

  • 🧴 Maximum sun protection (hat, glasses, cream)
  • 👕 Camouflage clothing (neutral colors)
  • 🥾 Hiking shoes for rough terrain
  • 📷 Photo equipment with zoom for observation
  • 💧 Water and food for the day
  • 🧥 Warm clothes for coastal wind

📅 Best Period

  • All year but optimal conditions:
  • 🌞 April to November: dry weather and better visibility
  • 🐋 July to October: whale season
  • 🦅 Mornings: best wildlife activity

🎁 Free Entry Days 2025

📅 Free Access

Enjoy free entry on these special days:

  • 📆 Last Sunday of each month
  • 🎉 January 12: Changuillo district anniversary
  • 🎉 January 23: Nazca province anniversary
  • 🎉 May 2: Marcona district anniversary
  • 🎉 September 27: World Tourism Day
  • 🎉 October 17: Protected Natural Areas Day

Always free access for:

  • 👵 People over 65 years
  • 👶 Children under 5 years

💡 Unique Experience: San Fernando Bay offers the rare opportunity to observe Andean condors, sea lions and guanacos in the same place - an exceptional combination of terrestrial and marine ecosystems.

🌵 Explore the Wonders of Nazca

Discover all the archaeological and natural treasures that the Nazca region has to offer

Peru Travel Guide 2025 - Tips by Peru Discovery