The National Reserve of Paracas was created on September 25, 1975 with the Law (D.S.) N 1281-75-AG. This is the only protected natural area in Peru which has different ecosystems. In 1991 it was declared Regional Reserve for migratories birds by the hemispheric network of birds (Today the program is called: "Wetlands for the Americas"). Likewise, on April 1992 it was accepted in the Ramsar convention.

This reserve is part of the department of Ica, province of Pisco, district of Paracas and has an area of 335,000 has, of which 217,594 belong to the Pacific Ocean.

This reserve counts with a very rich diversity of birds which are divided into residents, migratory and endemics. These birds are the following: 1) the playero blanco (Calidris mauri), the playero semipalmado (Calidris pusilla), the charlo (Charadius semipalmatus) and the flamingo (Phoenicopterus chilensis). Other birds are: the Peruvian piquero (Sula vanegata) the guanay (Phala crocorax bougainvillii), the pelican (Pelecanus thagus), the Peruvian seagull (Sterna lorata) which feeds from small fishes living close to the surface of the sea.

The San Gallan and La Vieja Islands are the only places where the potoyunco (Pelecanoides garnottii) can mate and nest in Peru. The popular penguin of Humboldt (Spheniscus Humboldt) and the potoyunco are in peril of disappearing. The condor (Voltur gryphus) can nest in the high in the Andes and come ddown to the coast in search of food.

Among the most impressive mammals living in the area it is worthwhile mentioning the several species of seals, for example the mongler seal (Otarya bironia) and the fine seal (Arctoc phalus australis) as well as the seacat or chigungo (Lutra felino) which is recorded as being in danger of extinction.

We can also observe the coastal wolf (Pseudalopex sechurae), If lucky, we will see it walking through the desert next to the beach. Bats are also found in this area of the coast. With regard to reptiles we find lizards (Microlophus peruvianus). Some sea turtles live in the area, especially during El Nio episodes. Among these turtles are the green turtle (Chelonia agassizzii) and the small sea turtle (Lepidochelys Olivacea). Likewise, the area is the residence of animals that inhabit the general ecosystem, like in Cerro Lechuza, Morro Quemado and San Galln. It is to be noted that the area is very rich in seaweeds like "viva fasciata" and "viva papenfusi".