San Fernando National Reservoir, Protected coastal reserve in Ica Region, Peru
San Fernando National Reservoir is a protected area on the coast of the Ica Region in Peru, where desert terrain meets seasonal wetlands and marine ecosystems at the mouths of two rivers. It shelters sea lions, Humboldt penguins, and a wide range of seabirds.
The reserve was established in 2009 to protect coastal ecosystems from industrial overuse. It became the second largest marine protection zone in the country.
The reserve's name comes from the Ensenada de San Fernando, the bay in the Marcona district about 470 km south of Lima that is its main visitor draw. The northern sector around the mouths of the Ica and Grande rivers and Punta Caballas is the accessible part, where seasonal wetlands form on the sand beaches.
The northern part of the reserve is accessible through designated entry points where wildlife watching is possible. Staying on marked paths and following local guidelines helps avoid disturbing the animals and their habitats.
Cerro Huasipara, the reserve's highest point at 1,790 m, is the tallest peak on the Peruvian coast; it was raised by the Nazca Plate colliding with the Continental Plate. Its inaccessible cliffs are the southern sector's landmark, while the northern sector around the Ica and Grande river mouths is comparatively easy to reach.
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