The 860-hectare Reserva Natural Pingüino de Humboldt, which includes several offshore islands bordering Regions III and IV, is home to Isla Choros, a nesting place for the Humboldt penguin. Bottle-nosed dolphins playfully swim in the waters here, while sea otters and sea lions also share the penguins’ habitat.

To take in a better view of the animals, find a launch or boat for hire ($75 for seven people) at Caleta de Choros to get a ride around the Isla Choros (though it is not permitted to dock here) or to the white-sand beaches at Isla Damas. Be sure to call Conaf (Tel: 09-901-6856) to get a weather update because high waves can make boat trips around the islands impossible.

The national reserve is located approximately 78km north of La Serena where a rough, gravel road passes through Choros and continues 48km to Caleta de Choros. There visitors must pay an admission fee of approximately $6 at Conaf’s Centro de Información. It is also possible to camp on Isla Damas near Playa la Poza where a six-person site runs approximately $20 (though you will need to pay for the boat trip there and back, as well). There are toilets, but no food or water available so remember to bring whatever is needed.

National Park

By Chris Hughes

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