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.
Local fishermen have worked these coastal waters for generations, and small fishing boats can still be spotted near the shore today. Their presence is a reminder that this stretch of coast has long been part of everyday working life, not just a natural space.
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.
A peak inside the reserve rises to over 1,790 meters, making it the highest point found directly on the coast anywhere in the country. This unusual elevation for a coastal area creates conditions found nowhere else along the Peruvian shore.
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