La Punta de Choros

Punta de Choros was something most people had recommended to me, so I was determined to go (even if I had to find a household to sell me gas before heading out to the coast). So after refuelling in little Trapiche, I left the highway behind and took on the dirt road past the nearby mountains and into the distance. - The ride out to the coast was astonishing and I was forced to take a short break to experience the complete silence and the immense landscape, even though the sun was setting over the red horizon.

After driving through the vast and empty expanse of dessert, with one or two encounters of wild donkeys I finally arrived at the small coastal town. I found the sandy streets deserted and had to look for someone to ask about accommodation and food. After consulting one of the local supermarkets, and negotiating with a camping site, I was able to settle for the night, with still an hour left of sunset. - With collected wood from the beach, I had a fire lit and some food cooked over the burning coal. The only companion on the campsite decided to make me company!

Punta de Choros is a small fishing village with just a few hundred people, but gets filled to the limit during the summer season. The hundred or so buildings and its surrounding environment allow you the time and space for both peace and reflection. On the second day, there was no discussion but to lie in the hammock on the beach when the sun was setting. Still, the main attraction is the three nearby islands, that exhibit an epic variety of flora and fauna, among them: Humboldt Penguins, sea-lions and dolphins.

The agenda for the next day was the tours of the famous Isla de Dama. The daily tours range between 10-15000 pesos, which is well worth the +3 hour tour of the three islands, both in English and Spanish. We were lucky to have calm waters, and were therefore able to go cruising on the West side of the islands with some dolphins! Also, for the first time in my life, I saw penguins!!! - It is fascinating the flora and fauna on the islands, with many interesting birds and beautiful flowers. Las Damas is the one island you get to disembark, and take a 45 min tour around the island. Very recommended!

Humboldt Penguin

Dolphins!!

Sea-lion

The magnificent atmosphere, giving a sense of end of the world place, made me want to stay for several more days. But "no rest for the wicked"... at least not for now. After two nights in La Punta Choro I´m hitting the road again!

The island Damas where you get to disembark

I definitely recommend visiting this area, especially if you are travelling on bikes or in a car. I am aware that the small and quite village renders a very different vibe in the summer season, though nothing can take a way the beautiful sunset and the amazing flora and fauna on the three nearby islands.  :)