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These spectacular islands, eroded into many caves and arches, provide shelter for thousands of seabirds and hundreds of sea-lions. Although the islands fall just outside the Paracas National Reserve they are protected by separate legislation. The islands are home to over 150 species of marine bird including the Humboldt penguin, cormorants, boobies, inca tern and pelicans. Even condors have been known to visit. On the shores and in the sea large numbers of sea-lions can be seen. It is also possible to encounter dolphins and even whales.
On our 2 hour cruise aboard a speed boat around the Ballestas Islands we took in sights with our guide including the famous Candelabra and the many birds and wildlife which inhibit the area. Our guide had a good knowledge of the area and its history.
Over the years the islands have also been used to collect guano (bird droppings) for fertiliser. But now the animals that live there are free to enjoy the Islands without interferance from any industry.
See my Ballestas Island Travelogues for more photos.
Updated Apr 4, 2011
Address: Ballestas Islands, Paracas
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For a combined tour of Paracas and Isla Ballestas the cost is somewhere around twenty dollars per person. However, I recommend just taking the boat tour and then hiring a taxi. While the tour was good, we spent a lot of time at the museum which I didn't find very interesting outside of the Flamingos (you need binoculars to really see them). Due to this we did not have a chance to visit the fur seal colony.
Written Jun 16, 2007
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All tourists do the Islas Ballestas boat trip and then move on to Nasca and further. There is more though in the vicinity. At Tambo Colorado are Inca ruins, a rest-place ("Tambo") for the Inca armies. Another nice trip is to the Paracas National Reserve (Paracas peninsula). Colorful desert, cliffs, birds and marine life, quiet beaches (outside weekends).
Written Aug 9, 2006
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From paracas you can take a tour to the islas balestas. These our islands with a lot of birds (even more guano), seelions, pinguins,...
The see gets a bit rough, if you're easily seesick, take some pils for that.
These tours can also be organised from Pisco, a taxi or colletivo can take you to Paracas
Written Jan 13, 2006
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Layers of sun baked, nitrogen rich seabird droppings - guano - have been diligently deposited over millennia on the Islas Ballestas by their large resident bird colonies. In places the guano is much more than 50 meters deep. This island surley is my memoriable experience. Sea lions, milions of birds different species, pinguins and fishes ... all on one place that you will surley never forgot. It is not possible to step on the island but you can only check it from the boat. But the boat goes really near the shore and curious sea lions come very very near.
Written Nov 3, 2005
Address: Paracas, Islas Ballestas
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A boat trip out the the Ballestas Islands is worth the effort. Sea lions and a lot of bird life.
The islands aren't inhabited and visitors aren't allowed to land but local fisherman are allowed to stay for short periods of time (according to our guide).
The trip takes about 3-4 hours. Take warm and waterproof clothes it can get chilly.
lifejackets are provided.
Written Jun 22, 2003
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Ubicado a 5 kms. del balneario de Paracas. Pequeño pero muy interesante a la vez, muestra el proceso evolutivo de la cultura Paracas con cerámicas, tejidos, reproducciones de la vida cotidiana, destacando los fardos funerarios y la técnica de la trepanación craneana.
Written Apr 5, 2003
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Conocido también como Tres Cruces, es un geoglifo de 128 metros de largo y 78 metros de ancho con una profundidad en la arena que fluctúa entre 10 y 60 cms. Se le relaciona con las líneas de Nasca, con trabajos de cosecha o bien con acciones de piratas como prueba de su paso por estas tierras.
Written Apr 5, 2003
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Es la única reserva marina del Perú. Creada el 25 de Septiembre de 1975 cubre 117.406 Hás. terrestres y 217.594 Hás. de aguas marinas.
Ofrece características biogeográficas de gran belleza. La temperatura promedio anual es de 22 ºC con sol casi todo el año, por lo que la humedad relativa es reducida. La velocidad media del viento es de 14,9 kms/hr. con máximas de 32 kms/hr., conocidos como "Paracas" (vientos fuertes del litoral).
Written Apr 5, 2003
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Los diferentes ambientes costeros que existen sirven de refugio y lugar de alimentación a diversas aves residentes y migratorias: gaviota gris, zarzillo, rayador, chorlo ártico, chuita, guanay además de pelícanos, playeros, gallinazos de cabeza roja, ostrero negro, cóndor y aves en peligro de extinción como el pingüino de Humboldt y las parihuanas o flamencos.
Written Apr 5, 2003
Reviews and photos of Paracas attractions posted by real travelers and locals. The best tips for Paracas sightseeing.
Los diferentes ambientes costeros que existen sirven de refugio y lugar de alimentación a diversas aves residentes y migratorias: gaviota gris, zarzillo,...
Q: in this area please?
A: Depends on your budget. Ther's a pleasant, old-fashioned hotel on the beach, the Hotel Paracas, where we used to enjoy staying, but prices have risen since: see...
Read 2 Replies
1
Ocupa una extensión de 360.000 hectáreas y es un área natural que protege el litoral y abarca un conjunto de playas de arena, islotes, acantilados y es centro de reproducción y concentración del...
2
I've got some interesting experiences in Paracas. I'd love to share with you the 4 tips I've written, the 5 photos uploaded, and 0 travelogues I've created.
3
Paracas National Park its situated in the Ica Province. A nice place to visit the desert, the sea and the marine fauna. This natural arch is known as the Cathedral, and is the Paraca´s Icon. Well,......
4
Pisco is an important port 235 km south of Lima. The area is also of historical and archaeological interest, having hosted one of the most higly develop pre-inca civilizations: the Paracas culture and...
5
When I first arrived here I was unsure as to why we came at all. After a day I realised - a stunning coastline, pre -columbian archeology and the Ballestos' Islands abundant wildlife.
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