Some 14 kilometers off the coast of Paracas in Peru you will find the Ballestas Islands. This group of islands is also called "The Poor Man's Galapagos" because of its rich flora and fauna. A boat trip along these rocky islands gives you a glimpse into the daily life of its very dominant island inhabitants. Wild sea lions are present in large numbers, but you can also regularly spot wild penguins here. Because of the many special animals found here, the Ballestas Islands are protected. And that makes it a place you must have seen when you are in Paracas. Would you like to discover this special archipelago? These are our tips!
Why a boat trip to the Ballestas Islands should not be missed during a trip to Peru
A boat trip to the Ballestas Islands is an unforgettable experience not to be missed during your trip through Peru. This group of islands is located about 14 kilometers from the coast at Paracas, in the region of Ica. Located in the Pacific Ocean, the Ballestas Islands are a protected natural area known for its impressive biodiversity. During the tour, you will sail past the rocky islands that are home to marine animals such as sea lions, humboldt penguins and the iconic humboldtgent.
The Ballestas Islands are protected, which means you cannot enter the islands. But that really doesn't make the boat ride any less special. The splashing sea water and low-flying birds put a smile on everyone's face. When rocks emerge from the fog and the cries of thousands of birds, the roar of hundreds of sea lions and the smell of their excrement intensify, you know you have arrived at your destination. And we guarantee you: it is such a special experience! Everywhere you look, the rocky islands are covered by animals and even above them huge flocks of birds are still flying.
Tip: The best place to spot sea lions is on the stall beach, this is where you will go on your boat tour anyway. Some relax in the sun on the rocks, others float around in the water and still others seek a spot among their friends on the beach. At the maternity beach, you'll see lots of little ones, too!
How do you get to the Ballestas Islands from Paracas?
From the port of Paracas, boats depart daily between 8 and 10 a.m. to the Ballestas Islands. The boat tour takes about two hours and during this trip you will sail past several highlights. Compared to the harbor and the brightly colored local fishing boats, the boats for the tour are very modern. On either side, you sit in pairs in comfortable chairs with plenty of leg room. By the way, wearing a life jacket is mandatory during the boat tour. Don't be distracted by the bird droppings you see both on the boats and on some of the life jackets. After all, you are sailing past islands with dense bird populations. All it takes is one bird to fly over and you could be in trouble...
Where is the best place to book the boat trip to the Ballestas Islands?
There are several ways to book the boat trip to the Ballestas Islands. You can arrange an excursion through one of the local tour operators in Paracas and Pisco, but there are also several boat tours to the Ballestas Islands on GetYourGuide.
We had booked the excursion at PeruHop, because we traveled with this bus company from Lima to Paracas. Do you read along how we experienced the Ballestas Islands experienced?
Marine mammals and birds in the Ballestas Islands
The Ballestas Islands are home to a huge variety of birds. But the most iconic bird is the so-called Peruvian Booby, the humboldt gent. This bird lives exclusively on these islands. Of course, many other species of birds are found on the Ballestas Islands such as frigate birds, petrels, pelicans and cormorants. But let's not forget the humboldt penguin that lives in colony here along the coast of Peru.
Before the islands were seen as a tourist spot, they were famous mainly for the quality of guano. Guano is the excrement of a bird that contains a high concentration of fertilizer. Peru exported a huge amount of guano to Europe. And still once a year guano is collected and exported from the Ballestas Islands.
El Candelabro: a mysterious petroglyph along the coast of Paracas
Along the impressive coastline of the Paracas National Reserve you will find one of Peru's most intriguing sights: El Candelabro. Standing 183 meters tall, this giant petroglyph adorns the sandy slopes of the peninsula and is clearly visible even from the sea. El Candelabro is estimated to date back to 2,500 BC, but its exact origins and significance remain a mystery to this day. Some theories suggest it was a navigation point for sailors, while others speculate on a religious or cultural function. On a boat trip to the Ballestas Islands, you will have the chance to admire this mysterious engraving up close, while also enjoying stunning views of the desert-like landscapes, red sand beaches and sand cliffs that make the Paracas National Reserve so unique.
Practical tips for a boat tour of the Ballestas Islands
Handing to take along on the boat tour of the Ballestas Islands is sunburn, sunglasses, a camera, a vest or sweater and possibly a hat or cap. On the way out we were quite chilly and it was nice to wear a sweater under the life jacket. But on the way back the sun came through and it warmed up. If you suffer from seasickness, it is advisable to book the boat trip at 8 a.m. when the sea is at its calmest. Our last but not least tip is to make sure you sit on the left side of the boat, the side from which all the highlights are best visible.
More tips for a trip to Peru
In addition to visiting the Ballestas Islands, the Paracas National Reserve also not to be missed. This rugged reserve offers a unique blend of desert landscapes, dramatic coastlines, islets and clear blue ocean. It is a nature lover's paradise and an ideal place to escape the crowds for a while.
Want to enrich your trip further? Then visit Huacachina, an oasis in the middle of the desert, where you can sandboard or take an exciting baby carriage tour through the sand dunes. Also be sure to plan a stopover in the historic city Cusco, the former capital of the Inca Empire, full of beautiful colonial architecture and Inca heritage. And, of course, a visit to the world-famous Machu Picchu not to be missed, one of the seven wonders of the world and the must-see for any traveler in Peru.
Take a tour of Peru
The Ballestas Islands are a surprising part of a tour of Peru. But besides that, there are so many more beautiful places to visit. Want to travel through Peru and get started on your itinerary? We will help you on your way. During a 1-on-1 video interview we will map out your wishes and advise you on the most beautiful places that suit you. Would you rather leave it all up to us? No problem! We organize your trip completely customized. Ask for a travel proposal for your vacation to Peru.
