La Boca de Río
Tacna's only beach resort with tourist services is La Boca del Río. However, a drive along the coastal road from Ilo crosses over reefs which give way to quiet beaches such as Las Gaviotas, with shingle-lined sands like the rest of the beaches in the area.
When visiting any beach in Tacna and Peru remember the following:
Accessibility: Several of the beaches in Peru lack services for visitors. So when visitors travel to unfamiliar beaches, they should always bring enough food and water. Don't forget sunblock and a light windbreaker for the afternoon winds, as well as plastic bags for garbage.
Driving: Do not venture onto dirt or sand roads unless accompanied or experienced in rough terrain driving. When driving on sand, let out some air from the car tires to avoid getting stuck in a rut.
Services: For those who are fond of their creature comforts, many beaches, especially those located near the big cities, feature restaurants and lodgings that are generally open from December to March. Visitors should bear in mind that these spots are packed with visitors during national holidays, so make your bookings with anticipation.
Stingrays: On some beaches, swimmers risk being stung by stingrays, known locally as pastelillo. In these spots, the best thing to do is to enter the water dragging one's feet, which frightens them away, or to use closed rubber sneakers. If despite taking precautions you get stung, the best thing is to wash the wound with plenty of soap and water, and then bandage the spot. While the effect varies according to the person and the size of the ray, the local solution is the most effective: to bury one's foot immediately in hot sand or suck the poison from the wound.
Camping: Campers have a wide range of beaches to choose from. Excursionists are recommended to camp in groups, especially when visiting isolated beaches. Fishing villages are good spots to rent boats and buy fresh fish and supplies, as well as for repairing outboard motors.
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