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About 3:30 hours south of Lima, the Ballestas Islands are one of the most popular tourist destinations in Peru for lovers of marine wildlife, birds, and beautiful rock formation sceneries.
These small islands, also called the “Poor Man’s Galapagos” because of how cheap it is to visit them and their wildlife experience, are an important sanctuary for marine fauna like the guanay guano bird, the blue-footed booby, and the tendril. Other species include zarcillos, Humboldt Penguins, fur seals, and sea lions, amongst other mammals – all coexisting in their natural habitat.
Another interesting sight on the Ballestas Islands tour is the mysterious Paracas Candelabra, carved hundreds of years ago in the desert sandy hills facing the sea.
Here is a photo essay of my experience on the Ballestas Islands boat tour:
These islands are accessible from the small town of Paracas (near Pisco) by tour boat, which typically lasts 2 hours.
What is impressive is not just the wide range of animals you can see, but the awe-inspiring quantity of birds: some islands have colonies of up to 600,000 birds flying in an and out at any time.
On your way to Ballestas Islands you will notice El Candelabro, a large-scale Geoglyph that may have served as a beacon to mariners. The mystery as to the origins of this particular Geoglyph is ongoing with much speculation.
Everywhere you look you will see hundreds of birds flying or resting at the rock formations.
There is no lack of beautiful and bizarre rock formations. These natural rock arches, tunnels and caves were formed naturally in the course of millions of years by the eroding effects of the sea.
Penguins waiting for the next wave to get into the cold water. They are so cute!
Flocks of birds flying in and out of the islands to find food. Thousands of birds… as far as the eye can see.
More birds! For many years, the Ballestas Islands were a major moneymaking enterprise for the Peruvian people. All the guano produced and accumulated in the island was collected and sold. Guano is one of the most potent and popular forms of fertilizer in the world.
The millions of marine birds on the islands produce a fair amount of guano every year – reaching the hundreds of tons. But this practice is considered environmentally unhealthy to the island’s fauna and flora.
The sea lions generate a unique audio spectacle with their wolf-pack cries that echoes around the Ballestas and creates an effect of a 360 degree surrounding choir.
Due to environmental laws, it is not permitted to actually step onto the islands, but the boat tours does get very close to the rock formations and animals.
A typical sight around the island. Seals and Sea lions basking in the sunlight and hunting for fish.
Up close with the seals!
More interesting rock formations.
Different marine animals coexisting in the same environment.
A seal swimming… looking for food.
More Birds! And lots of guano!
The cost of the tour is around 45 soles ($15 dollars) and starts at 7:30 am. If you want to include transportation from Huacachina, it will cost around 60 soles ($20 dollars), and departs at 6:30 am. The Paracas dock charges a tax of 1 sol per person.
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