
With the Tour to the Ballestas Islands in Ica, you can visit the Candelabra, which is 180 meters long. It is not known if the pirates who ravaged the American coasts buried some treasure there or the ancient Peruvians and some pirates who traveled the sea, drew this candelabrum in order to orient themselves in their fishing or conquest voyages or it is the work of aliens or a giant space port for extraterrestrial ships. What is certain is that we will approach to see it closely and then we will visit a part of the Peruvian National Reserve.
THE BALLESTAS ISLANDS are a group of islands near the city of Pisco, Peru. They are composed of rocky formations where there is an important marine fauna, with guano birds such as the guanay, the piquero and the zarcillo, mainly the North, Central and South Ballestas Islands; they are part of the National Reserve System of Islands, Islets and Puntas Guaneras.
There are two main economic activities in the area: fishing and tourism. The place is known for having an ecosystem where a large number of birds and marine species nest. One of the most outstanding animals are the Humboldt Penguins, ambassadors of Peruvian culture since they are unique in their genre and are still in danger of extinction.
THE HUMBOLDT’S PENGUIN is a marine bird that does not fly, its fin-like wings are adapted for swimming and it is an excellent swimmer at great speed, thanks to its powerful pectoral muscles. It feeds on fish such as sardines and anchovies near the shore. It can stay submerged for up to 2 minutes. In their natural habitat they live between 12 and 15 years, in captivity they can live up to 25 years.
The Peruvian Pelican is a bird easy to identify due to its extremely long beak and the bluish sac of bare skin underneath it. When flying in groups they fly in a diagonal straight line formation and is the third most important guano bird.
The most common sea lion that can be found in the reserve, it differs from the sea lion in that it has a short and square nose. The Peruvian booby is different from the blue-footed booby in that its head is completely white. They are sociable, they hunt, rest and nest in more or less numerous groups and are present all year round in the Ballestas Islands.
These islands are a privileged place to closely observe concentrations of marine fauna, such as marine and guano birds, Humboldt penguins and sea lions. In addition, it is a must for birdwatchers from all over the world, since many species use the Ballestas Islands as an obligatory stopping point to rest and feed during their migrations. Efforts to encourage sustainable tourism are one of the characteristics of the tour. The boats keep a prudent distance that allows observing the marine species and the curious rock formations.
THE CANDELABRO DE PARACAS, is a famous geoglyph, its large dimensions and its design on the sand allow to distinguish a relationship with the lines, geoglyphs of Nazca and pampas of Jumana. The Candelabro is 180 meters long and is estimated to be 2500 years old. Its meaning remains a mystery.
BREAKFAST – HOTEL / LUNCH and DINNER – PASSENGER
INCLUDES:
NOT INCLUDED:
RECOMMENDATIONS:
GROUP SERVICE TOURBallestas Islands PRICE PER PERSON Minimum 02 people |
|
GROUP SERVICE TOUR
|
|
The best time of year to visit the Ballestas Islands is generally from May to August. During this period, the marine fauna is at its peak as it is the breeding season for many of the species inhabiting the islands, including Humboldt penguins and guano birds. Additionally, the weather conditions are usually more stable and favorable for navigation during these months, ensuring a more enjoyable experience for visitors. However, the Ballestas Islands can be visited year-round, and each season has its own charm and wildlife observation opportunities.
The Ballestas Islands are a group of islands located near the city of Pisco on the coast of Peru. They are famous for their impressive biodiversity and natural beauty, making them a highly popular tourist destination in the Ica region. These islands are home to a wide variety of seabirds, including guanay cormorants, Peruvian boobies, pelicans, and especially Humboldt penguins, a unique and endangered species. In addition to birds, the Ballestas Islands are inhabited by sea lions and other marine species.
The approximate duration of the Ballestas Islands Tour is 2 hours. During this time, visitors have the opportunity to explore the islands and observe marine wildlife, including guano birds, Humboldt penguins, sea lions, and other species, as well as the famous Candelabra geoglyph. It is an exciting tour that allows you to enjoy the natural beauty and wildlife of the area.
The Candelabra geoglyph is an impressive figure etched into the surface of the earth, located in the Paracas area of Peru. Although its exact meaning remains a mystery, the following features can be observed:
Yes, Humboldt penguins can be seen on the Ballestas Islands year-round. These penguins are permanent residents of the area and can be observed on the islands in any season. However, it is important to note that the best time to see a higher concentration of penguins and other seabirds, as well as to witness their breeding activities, is generally from May to August.
On the Ballestas Islands, you can observe a wide variety of marine fauna. Some of the most prominent species include:
¿Questions? CHAT WITH US
BOOK YOUR NEXT ADVENTURE