Islas Ballestas

A few weeks ago, our good friends Vicki and Alex arrived from Baltimore. We had an amazing 2 weeks exploring the parts of Peru that we hadn’t seen yet. Out first stop was to Paracas and the Islas Ballestas.

The islands sit a few miles off the coast of Paracas, which is a 3 and a half hour drive to the south of Lima.  They are a haven for pelicans, Peruvian boobies, Humbolt penguins, cormorants and sea lions.  They are also a rich source of guano that is used as fertilizer.  Every 5-6 years a crew docks on the islands for 3 months to collect the guano.  Interesting side note: guano exportation to Europe and the U.S. was Peru’s main source of revenue during the mid-nineteenth century. Aside from the guano collecting crew, no one is allowed on the islands, so they are seen only from boats.

Paracas Reserve

guano collection port

The Candelebra, a mysterious petroglyph on the mountainside

As our boat passed The Candelabra petroglyph carved into the mountainside on the Paracas peninsula, we headed in a thick fog that frequently engulfs the bay.  For the last mile or so we could not see anything for the fog, and then suddenly we were upon the islands.  Thousands of birds circled overhead and the sound of their squawks and the sea lions “barks” echoed around us.

those are sea lions inside the arch

We arrived during pupping season and spotted a few pups, though they were out of camera range.  The male sea lions “bark” when they are threatened or trying to protect their females- yes we were told that the strong ones have up to 14 female partners each season.  The cacophony of their low rumblings was incredible.

A Pelican

Humbolt Penguins

If you are in the area, I highly recommend a visit to the islands, but remember to wear a hat because you’ll probably get pooped on.  No worries though, it’s good luck.

Vicki and Alex