Islas Ballestas - the Fantastics

Referenced as 'Galapagos for the poor' in various travel guides, the Islas Ballestas are located a few kilometers off the coast of Paracas in the Pacific. Fortunately, the entire area was protected in 2010. The islands and surrounding waters are home to huge populations of seabirds, penguins, seals, and dolphins. The boat tours to the islands last two hours and cost only about 15 USD per person. This short and affordable excursion, however, would be one of the highlights of our trip.

The departure point was conveniently located right next to our hotel. We were a bit discouraged by the sight of the tour groups gathered around the pier. However, the boats are large and the organization is excellent, so no one gets in each other's way. The boat guide was also excellent, maneuvering the boat very close and skillfully to the interesting spots, which is not an easy task with the waves and the rocks. The boat was also turned around frequently, so you had a perfect view on both sides. The tour guide - very knowledgeable - spoke very clear Spanish and also very good English. Really top-notch!

After leaving Paracas, the first stop is a mysterious drawing on the rocks, which is supposed to represent either a candlestick or a cactus. How it got there is unclear, but there are claims that it is connected to the legendary Nazca Lines, which are located about 200 km from Paracas.

Then we continued to the Ballestas Island group, which consists of three large islands and hundreds of rocks. The flocks of birds in formation create an almost surreal image, covering the entire sky with bizarre patterns extending far into the open sea. The scenery of the islands is fantastic, with many tunnels carved by the sea into the rock and birds everywhere. We can observe penguins walking down to the sea in single file and then jumping into the waves (so cute!) or seals lounging on the rugged rock formations (and somehow reminding us a lot of our well-groomed and equally lazy house cat). We see fishermen in a small wooden boat diving for octopuses, boobies and cormorants up close.

After spending nearly an hour circling the islands and seeing various coves and caves, we head back to Paracas, where we arrive promptly at 10:00 a.m. This was one of the best tours we have ever done, and at such an affordable price. Absolutely fantastic!

Having started the day so great, we immediately embarked on the bus journey to Lima, the capital of Peru, where we will make almost the last stop on our trip. More on that later.