Pingüino de Humboldt National Reserve

This reserve, with an extension of 859.3 hectares (1,890 acres), is formed by three islands: Damas and Choros in the northern part of the region, and the Chañaral de Aceituno island, in the southern part.

There is a large variety of fauna on these islands, but perhaps their most well-known inhabitants are the Humboldt penguins, endemic to the current which gives them their name, and who nest on these islands. There is also an important colony of sea lions, chungungos, Magellanic penguins, llacas and bottle-nosed dolphins. The latter can be seen frequently around the Chañaral island. In the summer season it is possible to see some more occasional visitors around the islands: marine turtles, dolphins, whales, albatrosses and cormorants.

Damas island is the only place that has camping and picnicking facilities and to get there you have to contract the services of fishermen in the vicinity of Punta de Choros cove.

Other nearby attractions
La Serena, Elqui Valley.
Activities
Photography, wildlife observation, diving. Activities Section
Climate
The climate is temperate with abundant morning fog which disappears by midday, and in the summer gives way to an intense sun. The annual rainfall is 30mm (1.1 in) and the average annual temperature is 18°C (64°F).
Services
Rangers, environmental information, trails.

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