South Coast - Peru - page 241

colonies several thousand strong. You'll also see cormorants, Humboldt penguins and, if
you're lucky, dolphins. Although you can get close enough to the wildlife for a good look,
some species, especially the penguins, are more visible with binoculars.
Back on shore, you can grab a bite to eat at one of the many waterfront restaurants near
the dock in El Chaco, or you can continue on a tour of the Reserva Nacional de Paracas.
RESERVA NACIONAL DE PARACAS
This vast desert reserve occupies most of the Península de Paracas. For tour operators,
Click here . Alternatively, taxi drivers who function as guides often wait beyond the dock
where passengers disembark in Paracas' beach village of El Chaco, and can take groups
into the reserve for around S50 for a three-hour tour. You can also walk from El Chaco -
just make sure to allow lots of time, and bring food and plenty of water. To get there, start
at the obelisk Offline map commemorating the landing of the liberator General José de San
Martín that lies near the entrance to El Chaco village, and continue on foot along the tar-
mac road that heads to the south.