Paracas National Reserve joined October Big Day on 10 October

Paracas National Reserve (Reserva Nacional de Paracas) joined the October Big Day in Peru on 10 October 2026, bringing the international birdwatching event to the protected coast near Paracas. The nationwide programme invited people to observe birds individually or in groups and submit records through eBird. The reserve's inclusion connected a global citizen-science date with one of Peru's main marine-coastal protected areas.

October Big Day brought bird recording to Paracas

The October Big Day took place on Saturday 10 October 2026. The Ministry of the Environment, through the National Service of Natural Areas Protected by the State, promoted participation across Peru's protected areas.

A report from Agencia Andina's event report named the national reserves of Paracas and Tambopata among the participating sites. It described the day as an invitation to learn about bird diversity and contribute observations, rather than as a closed professional survey.

Participants could use a field guide or the Merlin identification application before uploading their records to eBird. The same invitation covered protected landscapes from coastal wetlands to high Andean lakes and Amazonian forests. For visitors in Paracas, the event placed observation and digital recording alongside the reserve's established nature and conservation role.

Paracas National Reserve links birdlife with marine conservation

The protected area was created on 25 September 1975 by Supreme Decree 1281-AG. The national government's reserve profile places it in Peru's Ica department, within the provinces of Pisco and Ica.

Its area is 335,000 hectares, with 35 per cent on land and islands and 65 per cent in marine waters. The site protects marine-coastal ecosystems, biological diversity, archaeological heritage and the responsible use of aquatic resources. That mix explains why a bird-recording day fits the place: the event focused on observation, while the reserve protects habitats extending from shore into the sea.

The official profile identifies a bird trail and interpretation centre in the La Aguada wetland. It also lists beaches, viewpoints and archaeological sites among the reserve's visitor features. The bird trail provides a named setting for the wider activity, although the October Big Day report did not announce a separate timed route at that site.

Visiting Paracas National Reserve: what travellers from Western Europe should know

• The October Big Day took place on 10 October 2026, with the reserve named among Peru's participating national protected areas.
• The invitation was open to individual or group observation, with sightings identified and uploaded to eBird; no special entrance change was announced.
• The reserve is in Peru's Ica department, and its official contact address is Carretera Punta Pejerrey Km 27, Paracas.
• The landscape combines marine waters, islands, desert coast, beaches, wetlands and viewpoints, while the listed bird trail is at La Aguada.
• Entry requirements depend on your nationality; UK travellers can check the FCDO travel advice at gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice, Irish travellers the Department of Foreign Affairs at ireland.ie.

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Frequently asked questions about Paracas National Reserve

When did the October Big Day take place at Paracas National Reserve?

The October Big Day took place on 10 October 2026. The reserve was named among the Peruvian protected areas participating in the bird observation and recording day.

What is Paracas National Reserve?

It is a 335,000-hectare marine-coastal protected area in Peru's Ica department. It was created on 25 September 1975.

Where is Paracas National Reserve and how do you get there?

The reserve lies in the Ica department, near Paracas and Pisco. Its official contact address is Carretera Punta Pejerrey Km 27, Paracas.