San Fernando Marine Reserve lies to the west of Nasca and borders the sea. Situated about 75km away from Nasca, on the southwest, within Marcona district, covering a large area it is part of the desert that stretches down the cost of Peru. The bright plain of San Fernando shimmers in the midday sun and guanacos can be seen grazing on the scrub. Sand dunes and rough tracks lead to the coast where you are confronted by the stark contrast of the sea that is an inviting sight after hot sandy biking. This is a beautiful way to arrive at the coast, pelting down the last large sand dune is quite special as the yellow haze terns into clear blue lines.
All along these coasts Seals, Sea lions and the Humboldt penguin lounge on the rocks and bask in the sun before heading back out to the ocean for breakfast (on in the case of the Penguin maybe to become breakfast). Looking down from the high cliffs thousands of Sea lions writhe about jumping over each other and picking fights with their neighbors. It is a good vantage point to observe these animals. It is not uncommon here to also see the sea condor gliding low over the beaches in search of washed up animals, also are other type of birds such as Pelicans, Inca terns, boobies, cormorants and others species. Vultures are also quite common visitors to the shoreline as well as a host of sea birds who are out diving in the waves.
This is a tour for all abilities. The tough ground makes for fast speed with good jumps and the softer patches make a good landing pad. This is what you might call a soft tour as the sand breaks your falls. This reserve is not frequented by tourists making this an unforgettable desert experience.
Tour Itinerary:
6am - Pick up from hotel in Nasca and load into the 4 by 4. Three hours drive to the Pacific Ocean, we will cross the dries area, for the most exigent people we offer to do cross country biking on the large even landscape. Arrival to El Mirador, this is the highest point from which we can bike we unload the bikes and have safety talk regarding the bikes and safety equipment. This completed we begin our decent.
The first part in the biking tour is some steep downhill followed by regular sections of slight up and then down. The ground if firm and rocky. Because of the nature of the terrain it is possible to pick your our route to a degree and make it harder if you so wish. The ground in this first part is quite hard and speed can be picked up quickly on the steep downhill sections. There are some fabulous jumping opportunities along the way. After this first section which normally takes 2 hours we load our bikes back into the truck to drive us up the next bit. After driving a few more kilometers up hill we unload the bikes for our second decent though this time it is all the way down to the ocean. There are a few sections, the last of which are the steepest and also have the deepest sand. It is fast but always with a nice soft feel to the ride. As you speed towards the ocean the dramatic cliffs and sea stacks come into view.
Once at the cliffs we follow a small track down onto a large beach. In front is the stone island named “El Paneton” if the beach is low we cross hiking in the rocky beach, some days the water is high and is impossible to cross. In the other side, on the rocky island amazing view of the complete reserve, plenty of time to explore and rest in the island. Back to the bay and walk around the beach, swim on the quiet ocean. Then drive south along the cliffs to find good Sea lion colonies. At 2pm we carry on driving south until the cliff turns into beach and we meet the road at Puerto de Marcona where it is two back to Nasca where we drop you off at your hotel.
Price Includes:
- Official English speaking guide
- GT - Trek - Bianchi MT bikes in maintenance (full disc brake)
- Windproof and full-finger glove which can also be worn during the cold season or high altitudes
- Helmet; light ventilated and comfortable for your head
- Body armor (feel free to use)
- Breakfast or lunch according the departure time
- Plenty of drinking water and snack (chocolates, fresh fruits and energy bars)
- Oxygen and first aid kit for all participants and our cam staff
- Repair kit and new parts
- Tour price include government taxes
- A gift of our agency
Departures: Daily departures are available all year.
Private Service: With this service we have support vehicle from the beginning to the end of the trip and you feel much comfortable in case do you want continue anymore.
Price Excludes:
- Alcoholic drinks
- Breakfast on the first day
- Tips for guide and camp staff
What You Need to Bring/Carry:
- Small backpack
- Tennis shoes
- One complete change of clothing
- Hat or cap to protect you from the sun
- Sun block (sun protection cream)
- Insect repellent
- Toiletries, towel and toilet paper
- Camera, plenty of film and spare batteries
- Sunglasses
- Swimsuit (If you want to swim on the beach)
- Extra money (soles)
Notes:
Airfare is not included in the tour price.
Backpacker service (Join group):
1 to more participants US$125 each
Private VIP service (private van):
2 participants US$285 each
3-4 participants US$200 each
5 to more participants US$170 each
Discount 5%: South American Explorers Club Members
Discount 10%: Tour Operators or Travel Agencies Only
Students: US$5 discount only with valid green ISIC card
Also see tour packages in:
South America
Peru
Bicycle Touring
Desert Expeditions
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