San Fernando National Reserve

San Fernando protects a stretch of coast south of Nazca where the western Andes come down almost to the sea, which produces something unusual: the ranges reach the shore, and Andean condors descend from them to the beaches to feed on sea lion and cetacean carcasses, so the same view can hold condor, Humboldt penguin, sea lion, fur seal and guanaco. Guanaco on a beach is the image the reserve is known for. Offshore, the cold Humboldt current supports dolphins, whales in season and large seabird colonies. It is a genuinely wild coast with no development - the access is a long rough four-wheel drive track off the Panamericana or a boat trip from Marcona, both requiring a guide, and there are no facilities of any kind. That difficulty is why it stays as it is, and it is a full day from Nazca.

Highlights

• The condors on the shore - descending from the Andes to feed on the beach.
• The guanaco - on the coastal hills and sometimes down on the sand.
• The pinnipeds - sea lion and fur seal colonies along the bays.
• The Andes meeting the sea - the reason the mix of species is possible.

When to go

Any time of year; mornings are best for condors. A full day from Nazca including the rough drive each way.

What to expect

A long rough four-wheel drive or boat trip with a guide - there is no independent access. No facilities, water or shade. Condor sightings are likely but not guaranteed. Persistent wind and cold sea fog.

Nearby

Nazca and the lines are north-east; Punta San Juan and Marcona are south.

Key facts