Ballestas Islands Tour
Duration
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Overview
If you are an adventurer and a nature lover, we have a fantastic option for you to enjoy the wild sea life! The Ballestas Islands are located in the Pacific Ocean off the Peruvian coast and are part of the National Paracas Reserve. Also known as the small Galapagos Islands, you will discover various kinds of sea birds and sea lions, as well as the Humboldt Penguin. The Ballestas Islands, apart from the great sea life, will amaze you with their hundreds of years-old, beautifully shaped caves and arches. Also, you will enjoy a fantastic sight on one of the ancient Nazca Lines, the “Candelabro”, shaped on the slope of the peninsula’s hills.
Full Itinerary
We start our adventure by picking you up from your hotel or the bus station in Paracas around 7:30 am (in case you would like your pick-up from Huacachina or Ica, which is around 6:30 am, please let us know during your booking).
We will take you to the Chaco harbour, where you will be aboard the speedboat around 8:00 am. And off you go, on your journey to the Ballestas Islands. On the way, we will make a short stop to observe the Candelabro, one of the various Nazca lines which you can find shaped in the slope of one of the surrounding hills facing the Pacific Ocean.
There are a few stories about the making of the Candelabro and its imposing position, which has survived over time and the effects of erosion. It is proof of the excellent knowledge and high engineering of its constructors.
After a few more minutes of navigating, you will start to spot groups of sea birds flying or swimming right beside you, welcoming you to the rocky island formation. The Ballestas Islands have been shaped by the strong winds of the Humboldt Current, creating caves and arches that are now a shelter for sea lions and many seabirds, such as pelicans, boobies, red-footed Guanay cormorants, and Humboldt Penguins.
Early in the 20th century, people began collecting guano (bird droppings) from this area and selling it as fertiliser. Due to the vast quantities of this valuable substance, it became a significant source of revenue for coastal businesses.
The Ballestas Islands are part of the Paracas National Wildlife Reserve, which is why it’s not allowed to descend from the boats during the Tour. Anyway, you will be able to observe all these species up close, and if you are lucky, you will even see the Andean Condor or dolphins.
After this majestic visit, you will navigate back to the Chaco harbour and get ready to continue your adventures in Peru.
Note:
Setting foot on the Islands themselves is forbidden, as they are a protected ecological area. This Tour is conducted exclusively on the speedboat. Please bring a wind jacket, as it can be chilly in the morning.
Included/Exclude
- Pick-up from your Hotel in Paracas or Huacachina
- Transportation to the Paracas harbour (Chaco)
- Ballestas Islands Boat Tour (Speedboat)
- Professional English-speaking Tour guide
- Life jacket and other safety equipment
- 24-hour support from the company owner
- Entrance ticket to the Ballestas Islands (16 Soles per person)
- Tips of any kind
- Insurance of any kind
Recommendations, what to bring
- Entrance fee
- Small backpack
- Water bottle
- Warm Clothing and gloves
- Camera
- Sunscreen/ Hat
- Wind-proof jacket
Important suggestion:
There are no bathrooms on the speedboats! Please make sure you use the facilities of the restaurants on the boulevard in Paracas!
What we need when you make a reservation
- Full name, as written in your passport (please include a scanned copy of your passport)
- Passport number
- Nationality
- Date of birth
- Tour departure date
- Send a deposit of 60% of the total price of your tour. (The remainder of your balance will be due upon your arrival in Cusco.) Payment can be made via Western Union, PayPal, ABN AMRO Bank in Holland, or securely and directly through our website by selecting your desired tour and clicking the BOOK NOW button.
Prices
Price US$50.00 per person (pick-up from Paracas)
Price US$60.00 per person (pick-up from Huacachina or Ica)
“With every tour you book with Green Peru Adventures, you can request a free walking tour of Cusco’s mysterious and historical city, accompanied by one of our professional guides, who speaks several languages.”
We are looking forward to creating an unforgettable experience for you.
