The Ballestas Islands are a group of small islands near Paracas. Composed largely of rock formations, these islands are an important sanctuary for marine fauna like the guanay, the blue-footed booby and the tendril. Other species include Humboldt penguins and two varieties of seals (fur seals and sea lions), amongst other mammals.
These islands are accessible only on authorised boats, so the Explorer was not allowed to use its zodiacs, and instead we were loaded onto the local speed boats for the excursion. On the way to the islands, on the Paracas Peninsula, they always point out the El Candelabro, a large-scale geoglyph that may have served as a beacon to mariners.
Disembarkation of tourists on these islands is not allowed, in order to avoid disturbing the animals that live there, but the boats are close enough for you to enjoy the beauty of these animals. Mind you there are 1000 odd people a day in these boats so at any one time there is a throng of boats off shore of the islands.It takes 30 minutes to get there, an hour going round the island and 30 minutes back - a well drilled operation.
We were here last time we went to Peru, and the Ballestas are just as smelly, and just as full of animal life as they were then. An intriguing mix of seabirds, penguins and seals, all in super abundance. On our return the skies were dramatically black with flocks of birds - no wonder there is guano here.
Back to the Explorer for lunch, then on to Tambo Colorado in the afternoon
Click on any thumbnail photo to get a larger picture
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The voyage on Silversea Explorer in South America