Peru’s government has invested PEN18m (US$5.5m, €5.2m, £4.4m) into the northern peninsula of the Paracas desert ahead of a predicted tourism influx for the region.

Home to a unique collection of more than 1,500 species of fauna, mammals, birds, fish and reptiles, the tropical desert stretch which meets the Pacific Ocean forms one of the world’s rarest ecosystems, something the government sees as key for attracting sustainable tourism.

According to official statistics, 414,386 tourists will visit the peninsula in 2017. A key part of the area’s tourist appeal is the Paracas National Reserve, which jumped from 223,132 visitors in 2015 to 327,952 last year, making it Peru’s second-most visited protected area. Other areas of interest include the desert’s giant sand dunes and the red beaches tinted by igneous rock.

The new “North Circuit” plan, executed by the Foreign Trade and Tourism Ministry, includes investment into tourist infrastructure and services across a 15km stretch of road with 12 tourist stops. These investments will include control posts, lookout spots, infographics, restrooms and relaxation areas at a number of local beaches.

"The investment seeks to make visitors enjoy the natural goodness that the Reserve offers, such as the impressive views and its marine diversity," said minister for Foreign Trade and Tourism, Eduardo Ferreyros.