Punta de Choros

A small coastal village famous as the departure point for boat trips to Isla Damas and other marine reserves to see penguins, sea otters, and diverse seabirds. It's an essential destination for wildlife enthusiasts.

Things to do

• Isla Damas boat tour — Take a guided boat trip to Isla Damas to observe Humboldt penguins, sea otters, and nesting seabirds in their natural habitat.
• Punta de Choros Marine Reserve visit — Explore the protected marine reserve directly from the village dock, home to endemic wildlife and pristine coastal ecosystems.
• Penguin and sea otter watching — Join organized wildlife tours departing daily to spot Humboldt penguins and endangered sea otters in their native waters.
• Isla Choros exploration — Book excursions to nearby Isla Choros for hiking opportunities and close encounters with diverse seabird colonies.
• Coastal rock formations photography — Walk along the village shoreline to photograph dramatic granite outcrops and observe tidepools teeming with marine life.
• Sunset viewpoint at village edge — Visit the northern viewpoint overlooking the Pacific to watch the sunset over the marine reserves.

Food to try

• Ceviche de mariscos — Fresh local fish and seafood marinated in lime juice with onions and cilantro, a coastal Chilean specialty prepared daily at beachfront restaurants.
• Empanadas de mariscos — Baked pastry pockets filled with shrimp, clams, or fish caught from nearby waters, sold by local vendors throughout the village.
• Paila marina — A traditional seafood stew combining multiple local catches with potatoes, served hot in rustic bowls at waterfront dining spots.
• Locos a la parmesana — Sea urchin prepared with parmesan and baked, showcasing the region's prized shellfish delicacy.
• Pastel de jaiba — A savory crab pie made with local dungeness crab, cheese, and egg, baked until golden and served as a hearty lunch option.

Local customs & good to know

• Book tours in advance — Reserve boat trips at least one day ahead, especially in summer months (December-February), as popular excursions fill quickly with visiting wildlife enthusiasts.
• Respect wildlife distances — Follow all guide instructions and maintain required distances from animals; locals take marine conservation seriously as the region's economic and cultural foundation.
• Arrive early for best conditions — Most boat tours depart at dawn when seas are calmest and wildlife is most active; plan to arrive at the dock by 7-8 AM.
• Support local guides — Hire registered local operators who contribute directly to the community and possess intimate knowledge of seasonal animal behavior and safe navigation.

Nearby

• Isla Damas — 2 km
• Los Choros Beach — 3 km
• Elqui Valley — 53 km
• Pisco La Serena Distillery — 54 km