Playa Roja, Scenic viewpoint in Paracas National Reserve, Peru.
Playa Roja is a beach in Paracas National Reserve where iron-rich volcanic rocks create the distinctive red-colored sand along the shore. The colored coastline borders the Pacific Ocean with visible cliff faces that are continuously shaped by wave action.
The reserve was established in 1975 to protect volcanic formations and marine ecosystems that developed over millions of years through geological processes. The red rocks formed from ancient volcanic activity in this region of Peru.
The reserve integrates geological features with marine conservation efforts, supporting 200 fish species and numerous bird populations in their natural habitat.
Access is via a marked path through the reserve starting from the visitor center and leading to the viewpoint. The best time to visit is early morning when light conditions highlight the red coloring of the rocks most effectively.
The red coloring comes not from a single mineral type but from a mix of different iron-bearing minerals in the granodiorite rocks. This geological combination makes each section of the coastline slightly different in color intensity.
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