Pan de Azúcar National Park

The Chilean National Park Pan de Azucar (Spanish: Parque Nacional Pan de Azucar, dt: " Sugar " ) is located 30 km north of Chañaral, and 180 kilometers north of Copiapo, was established in 1985. The park covers an area of ​​43 769 hectares. Its significance from the park by its relative biodiversity. About 20 cactus species occur in the area. The absence of rainfall is compensated by the coastal fog.

Accessibility

Typical starting point for visiting the city Chañaral. From there a road along the sea on the beaches of Playa Amarilla and Playa Blanca to the park. Many make this trip by bike and spend a night in Caleta Pan de Azucar or camp further up in the mountains.

As an alternative route to or from the National Park lends itself to switch from Caleta Pan de Azucar eastwards to the Panamericana. Also this route is particularly attractive for the local interested in geology.

Isla Pan de Azucar

At km 24 you can see the Isla Pan de Azucar, allegedly the most northern occurrence of penguins ( Humboldt penguins ) on the earth. From the port of Caleta de Pan de Azucar you can go on tours around the island. However, it is not allowed to enter the island itself.

Caleta Pan de Azucar

Caleta Pan de Azucar is a small settlement of fishing people who have taken action to local tourism. Previously here copper was processed and shipped out. Divers can still see parts of the quays, the Verladekrans and other things under water. From Caleta you can go to the 8 km to the north -lying viewpoint ( Mirador ). After visiting Caleta Pan de Azucar there is the main attraction of the park east of the cove. There on the slopes one has the best access to the exceptional fauna of the area, which is preserved by the use of the coastal fog alive.