Punta de Choros and Isla Damas

Punta de Choros and Isla Damas are one of the most important ecological treasures of northern Chile. They are in the Coquimbo Region, about 114 kilometers north of La Serena, and are the gateway to the world-famous Humboldt Penguin National Reserve.

It is a picturesque coastal town and fishing cove that has successfully turned to ecotourism.

• Departure pointits main pier, at Caleta San Agustín, is where you must buy tickets and where the tour boats leave for the islands of the reserve
• Desert surroundingsthe village is surrounded by a semi-arid coastal landscape where you can spot native land wildlife such as chilla foxes and guanacos
• Services and foodduring the summer season there are craft fairs and restaurants focused on fresh seafood; the rest of the year services are more limited

It is one of the three islands that make up the reserve and stands out for its stunning scenery, reminiscent of Caribbean landscapes, although its waters are cool.

• Shell-sand beachesits two main beaches, La Poza and Las Tijeras, dazzle with white sand made of crushed shells and crystal-clear turquoise water
• Strict conservationas a highly protected wilderness area managed by CONAF, swimming on its beaches is strictly forbidden so as not to disturb the fragile ecosystem
• Controlled hikinglanding is done along marked interpretive trails; one of them leads to a raised lookout next to an 18-meter-high lighthouse, ideal for panoramic photos

The highlight of the trip is the boat ride. Although you land on Isla Damas, the boats first sail around neighboring Isla Choros, where landing is not allowed to protect the wildlife. Along the way you can see up close:

• Humboldt penguinsthe area is home to one of the largest nesting colonies of this species in the world
• Marine mammalsit is common to see South American sea lions, chungungos (marine otters) and a resident colony of bottlenose dolphins that often follow the boats, leaping
• Coastal birdsthe cliffs are home to cormorants, boobies, pelicans and gulls