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Island · Paracas, Ica
Islas Ballestas
Rocky islands about 20 km from the pier of Paracas, with arches and caves, colonies of sea lions, Humboldt penguins and thousands of seabirds, seen from the boat. On the way, the geoglyph of the Candelabro.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
Discover
About Islas Ballestas
The Ilhas Ballestas are a group of rocky islands in the Pacific, about 20 km from the pier of El Chaco, north of the Paracas peninsula. They are part of the Reserva Nacional Sistema de Islas, Islotes y Puntas Guaneras, and landing is not allowed: the visit is made by boat, circling the islands a few meters from the rocks.
The islands are covered in guano, the fertilizer formed from bird droppings, exploited since the 19th century. They are home to colonies of sea lions, which often lie on the beaches and lower rocks, Humboldt penguins, pelicans, Peruvian boobies (atobás) and thousands of guanay cormorants. The surrounding sea, cold and rich in fish because of the Humboldt Current, feeds all this wildlife. Erosion has opened arches and caves through which the water forcefully enters.
On the outbound trip, the boat passes in front of the Candelabro, a geoglyph about 170 meters tall carved into the sand slope of the peninsula. It has the shape of a three-armed candelabrum, and its origin is debated: some attribute it to the Paracas culture and others see it as the work of later navigators.
The tour lasts about 2 hours and departs in the morning, when the sea is usually calmer. The boats are open, and the wind and spray are cold: bring a jacket, a hat and sunscreen.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
About 2 hours for the boat trip, round trip.
Best time
In the morning, on the first departures, when the sea is usually calmer. The wildlife is on the islands year-round; in part of the summer, from December to March, sea lion pups usually appear. The port authority may suspend departures if the sea is rough.
How to get there
Boats depart from the pier of El Chaco, in the village of Paracas. Agencies in the village and in Lima sell the tour. The entrance fee to the protected area and the pier tax are usually paid separately.
Tip
Choose a seat on the sides of the boat for photographing. Wear a hat: birds fly over the boat all the time. Those who get seasick should prepare before the trip.
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Islas Ballestas
Can you disembark on the Ilhas Ballestas?
No. The islands are a protected area, and the visit is done by boat, circling the rocks a few meters away.
What animals are seen on the Ballestas?
Sea lions, Humboldt penguins, pelicans, boobies (atobás) and guanay cormorants, as well as other seabirds. The presence of each species varies throughout the year.
What is the Candelabro?
It is a geoglyph about 170 meters high engraved on the sandy slope of the peninsula of Paracas, visible from the boat on the way to the islands. Its origin is debated.
Does the boat trip rock a lot?
It depends on the sea. In the morning the sea is usually calmer; with strong wind the waves increase and departures may be suspended.