San Lorenzo Island (Peru) facts for kids
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Isla San Lorenzo (Spanish)
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San Lorenzo island as seen from the port city of El Callao
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 San Lorenzo Island
Location in Peru
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| Geography | |
| Location | Pacific Ocean |
| Coordinates | 12°5′23″S 77°13′26″W / 12.08972°S 77.22389°W |
| Area | 16.5 km2 (6.4 sq mi) |
| Administration | |
| Region | Callao |
| Additional information | |
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San Lorenzo Island is the biggest island in Peru. It is located in the Pacific Ocean, close to the port city of Callao. The island covers an area of about 16.5 square kilometers (6.4 square miles).
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About San Lorenzo Island
San Lorenzo is the largest island in Peru. It is about eight kilometers (5 miles) long and two kilometers (1.2 miles) wide. The island does not have fresh water, which is why people have never lived there permanently.
There have been many ideas to build a bridge connecting the island to La Punta in nearby Callao. This would allow for more development on the island. Close to San Lorenzo are two other islands: El Frontón, separated by a channel called El Boqueron, and Palomino Islands, famous for their sea lion colonies. The highest point on San Lorenzo Island is Cerro La Mina, which is 396 meters (1,299 feet) above sea level.
Who Controls the Island?
Since 2011, San Lorenzo Island has been a restricted area. It is controlled by the Peruvian Navy. This means that most people are not allowed to visit the island.
Sometimes, special experts like archaeologists or naturalists can get permission to go there. If you are on a civilian boat, you must stay at least 300 meters (984 feet) away from the island's shore.
In 1899, President Andrés Avelino Cáceres Dorregaray made San Lorenzo Island part of the Callao region. Later, in 1926, the government led by Augusto B. Leguía took control of the island and gave it to the navy.
A Look into History
San Lorenzo Island has a long and interesting history. It holds many ancient artifacts from Incan and pre-Incan times. People from ancient Peru often visited the island and used it as a burial ground. In their beliefs, islands in the ocean were connected to the afterlife.
Colonial Times
During the time of the Spanish colonial rule, stones were taken from the island's quarries. These stones were used to build important structures like the old prison of Callao and the Royal Fortress Felipe.
The island also became a hiding spot for famous pirates like Francis Drake and Jacques l'Hermite. They used it as a base to raid Callao. Jacques l'Hermite even died on the island from a sickness and was buried there.
After Independence
In 1866, after Peru gained independence, the Spanish navy retreated to San Lorenzo Island. This happened after they were defeated by Peruvian forces in the Battle of Callao on May 2nd. The Spanish repaired their ships and buried their dead on the island before leaving the Peruvian coast.
In 1835, the famous scientist Charles Darwin explored the island. He studied its geology and nature. Later, between 1906 and 1907, archaeologist Max Uhle found metal objects and mummies in an ancient cemetery on the island. These findings were from the pre-Hispanic period (around 900 AD to 1532 AD).
Modern History
In 1912, President Guillermo Billinghurst suggested building a large wall or dyke to connect the island to Callao. An early study for this idea was done in 1914. The idea came up again in 1958, with a plan to move the fishing port to the island and create a new commercial port. However, this project never happened because of money problems, a lack of drinking water, and worries about harming the island's wildlife.
In the early 1990s, the naval base on the island was used as a temporary prison. It held the captured leaders of two rebel groups, Abimael Guzmán and Víctor Polay. This was before special high-security prisons were built for them.
In February 2010, the National Institute of Culture officially declared twenty ancient sites on the island as "Cultural Patrimony of the Nation." This means they are important historical treasures that need to be protected.
Island Wildlife
Even though people don't live on San Lorenzo Island, it is home to many creatures. It has become a natural marine reserve, protecting various animals. You can find scallops, different types of seabirds, and many sea lions living around the island.
What's Next for the Island?
The future of San Lorenzo Island is still being discussed. Many people believe the island has great potential for development. A popular idea is to build a bridge to connect San Lorenzo to the nearby La Punta peninsula.
This bridge could help turn the island into a place for tourists to visit. It could also become a huge port and airport, similar to Valparaíso in Chile. However, others believe the Peruvian Navy should continue to control the island. Some also suggest it should become a fully protected nature reserve to keep its wildlife safe.
Famous People Held on the Island
- Abimael Guzmán
- Víctor Polay
- Cristóbal Talcapillán
See also
- San Lorenzo Megaport Project
- In Spanish: Isla San Lorenzo (Perú) para niños
