Paracas Bay, Peru by Andrea Chavez

Located 152 miles south of Peru, the Bay of Paracas is part of the fishing town of Paracas and home to the pre-inca Paracas culture. The picture was taken from the memorial site of Jose de San Martin commemorating the first landing of the Argentine general in 1820 who in 1821 declared Peruvian independence from Spain. Paracas is located next the city of Pisco where the most recent earthquake measuring 8.0 hit in 2007 and where most of the damages were recorded. The only marine reserve of Peru, the National Reserve of Paracas is located here as well, which harbors a unique marine ecosystem. It is considered as one of the richest and most uncommon ecosystems in the world; declared "World Heritage Site" by UNESCO. The wind has a speed average of 14.9 km/h (8.7 miles/h) and in some opportunities winds that reach speeds of 32 km/h (20 miles/h) that lift masses of sand which are denominated paracas. The day this gigapan was taken, the wind was strong and I had to reshoot several times the pictures.
It is very common to find Andean parihuanas (flamingos), recognized by amazing red and white plumage. This bird inspired José de San Martín for the Peruvian flag which is red/white/red. Other species found here are seals and sea lions, Humboldt penguins, sea otter, marine and migratorand a variety of guano producer birds (bird dropping fertilizer).
It is important to note as well that Paracas Bay is susceptible to marine contamination like fish waste from fishmeal production and from other human and industrial activities.