Laguna El Peral, Nature reserve in El Tabo, Chile

Laguna El Peral is a 16-hectare wetland between Las Cruces and Playas Blancas in El Tabo, Chile. A small stream feeds it in winter, when depth reaches 4 meters; the stream dries in summer. It is a nesting site for black-necked swans, huairavo, great egret, cattle egret, kelp gull, common gallinule, pidén and picurio.

The Ministry of Education established this nature sanctuary in 1975 to protect the coastal wetland. A 100-meter buffer zone was created around the entire area to safeguard the lagoon and its surrounding ecosystems.

The lagoon serves as a place where people come to observe and learn about water birds in their daily behavior. The reed beds and shallow edges provide natural habitat where different species find food and nesting spots.

The reserve sits along route G-98-F between San Sebastian and Las Cruces and is easily accessible by road. A 500-meter walking path with two wheelchair-accessible viewing points lets visitors watch birds comfortably without disturbing the natural space.

In October 2012 a contractor for the water utility Esval discharged sewage from nearby cabin septic tanks into the lagoon, turning the water reddish and driving out most of its birds. It was closed to the public that year, and in March 2016 it nearly dried up after seven dry years before April rains restored part of its level.