Humboldt Penguin National Reserve: Three Islands in a Desert Eden

Three islands—Chañaral, Damas and Choros—form a special natural complex known as the Humboldt Penguin National Reserve. This location offers stunning beaches of white sand and turquoise waters, the natural habitat of the animals that attract many visitors to this place. To get here, travel 130 km north from La Serena to Punta de Choros. Make your first stop on this trip Quebrada de Los Choros. You may catcha glimpse of some guanacos, so have your camera ready.

Boats can be hired at Punta de Choros to tour the three islands, where you will see interesting rock formations, sea lions, seabird nesting sites, sea otters, known here as chungungos, bottle nosed dolphins and, of course, the famous colonies of Humboldt penguins. After sailing some 2 km, the boat will allow you to disembark on the heavenly beaches of Isla Damas, the only island that allows tourists to visit. You will have a few hours to do some sunbathing or continue observing the local fauna before your boat takes you back to Punta de Choros.

The park covers over 800 hectares and is protected by Chile's National Forest Service (CONAF), which handles park admissions, schedules and visits to Isla Damas. Tours are limited in number and only permitted at certain times of the day to protect the island's fragile ecosystem.

On Isla Damas, you can swim, walk along trails and to lookout points or go scuba diving and snorkeling. Once back on the mainland, stay the night at Punta de Choros, where cabins and campsites will allow you to enjoy warm seaside evenings.

 

Featured Destinations

Bahía Inglesa		Pan de Azúcar National Park
Humboldt Penguin National           Reserve		Ojos del Salado

 

Getting There By Air Flights depart Santiago daily to La Serena's Aeródromo La Florida (1 h). By Bus Buses depart Santiago for La Serena from these terminals: • Terminal Los Héroes: Located at Tucapel Jiménez and Alameda, close to Los Héroes Metro Station. Several companies provide service to destinations in northern Chile. Telephone: (56-2) 420 0099 • Terminal San Borja (formerly Terminal Norte): Located at the corner of San Borja and Alameda, close to Estación Central Train Station. Buses provide service to northern Chile and within the Metropolitan Region. Telephone: (56-2) 776 0645 Bus service is available from Coquimbo and La Serena to Ovalle, Monte Patria, Pisco Elqui and Vicuña. By Car From Santiago, take Route 5 north to La Serena (470 km). From La Serena, drive 87 km on Route 5 north, then turn left onto Ruta D-110-C towards the town of Los Choros. After 42 km you will reach the fishing village of Punta de Choros, where you can hire a boat to take you on a tour around the reserve and to Isla Damas.

Tips

01 Observation of Marine Animals Entry Fee Tours Depending on the time of year, you may also see whales and sea turtles. Do not forget to bring binoculars or a zoom lens for your camera. Be aware, though, that the boats will not permit you to remain in close contact with these animals for more than 15 minutes. CONAF charges an entry fee to help with conservation efforts. Visiting Hours: 9:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. and 2:15 to 4:00 p.m.   You can join a tour from Coquimbo, La Serena or Vallenar that includes a visit to Isla Damas. If you travel independently, you can hire a boat at the wharf at Punta de Choros, where there are a range of prices and watercraft. 02 Camping No camping is permitted on Isla Damas, but you can camp or rent a cabin in Punta de Choros.