Mejía Lagoons National Sanctuary

The protected area spans 690 hectares along the Pacific coast, featuring lagoons, salt marshes, estuaries, reed beds, and sandy beaches at the Tambo River mouth.

The sanctuary gained protection status in 1984 following a public campaign that prevented the Ministry of Agriculture from converting the wetlands into rice fields.

The sanctuary maintains observation points where visitors document and photograph 190 bird species, including Chilean flamingos and Peruvian pelicans throughout the year.

Access to the sanctuary costs 10 Peruvian Soles, with daily operating hours from 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM, located 150 kilometers from central Arequipa.

The site functions as a critical stopover point for 80 migratory bird species traveling between North America and Arctic regions during November and December.

Location: Arequipa Department

Inception: 1984

Website: http://www.sernanp.gob.pe/lagunas-de-mejia

Operator: SERNANP

Website: http://sernanp.gob.pe/lagunas-de-mejia

GPS coordinates: -17.14700,-71.86300

Latest update: November 4, 2025 06:35