• Islas Ballestas - As you journey west from the quaint beach town of Paracas, the Candelabra geoglyph will catch your eye. This impressive figure, standing 150 meters high and 50 meters wide, is etched into the mountain and is believed to have served as an ancient guide for sailors or a connection to the Nazca lines. A brief description and time for photos are provided before continuing to the renowned Ballestas Islands.

The Ballestas Islands offer a fantastic chance to observe large groups of over 100 sea lions lounging on the shores, sunbathing on the rocks, or barking loudly to defend their territory. You can also spot cormorants, the Peruvian booby, and Peruvian pelican, along with other remarkable sea bird species and Humboldt penguins nesting in small groups. Feeling fortunate? Keep an eye on the waters for dolphins.

In addition to the rich marine and bird life, the Ballestas Islands are famous for the guano (seabird droppings) accumulated over thousands of years, creating a natural reserve of nitrogen-rich fertilizer, reaching depths of over 50 meters in some areas. In the mid-19th century, guano became Peru’s top export, but today its extraction is regulated to every 10 years.

The return trip to Paracas is a swift, breezy, direct boat ride back to the dock. There should be time to capture photos of the friendly pelicans that frequent the shoreline near the dock, shop for souvenirs, or enjoy a snack before proceeding to the next destination.

• English-speaking guide
• 2-hour sightseeing boat ride

• Food and drinks
• Gratuities
• Entrance fees

• Make sure you bring adequate clothing to keep you protected from the cool ocean air, the sun and spray from the sea.
• Bring a pair of binoculars to get a closer look at the birds and sea lions.
• If you are prone to motion sickness, you should take medication about a half-hour before you board

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.