Paracas Ballestas Islands Tour: An Honest Review and Guide

So, you’re thinking about a trip to the Ballestas Islands and seeing the Candelabro in Paracas, Peru? Well, let me tell you, it’s more than just a simple boat ride; it’s an experience that gets you pretty close to the wild side of Peru’s coast. This is a review based on my experience and it might be very helpful if you plan to see the ‘Poor Man’s Galapagos’ yourself.

What Exactly is the Ballestas Islands Tour?

Basically, it is almost like a two-hour boat tour from Paracas. The key attractions that one can see here are these rocky islands that play host to so much animal life: sea lions, lots of different birds, and, if you’re pretty lucky, maybe even penguins! You will also pass by the Paracas Candelabro, which is a massive geoglyph etched into the side of a cliff and is still something of a mystery as to just who made it and why.

Booking Your Tour: What You Might Want to Know

As a matter of fact, you have a few options when it comes to booking. Many people seem to just show up in Paracas and book on the spot. Yet, you could also book a tour online in advance through many travel websites. In my experience, booking online can be very helpful during peak season (like summer) when tours get filled up. That said, booking when you get there may allow you to haggle a little on the price, so you just have to weight the tradeoffs! Something I find is pretty helpful is reading reviews of different tour operators beforehand. This can offer some insights into the tour guides and the type of boat that they are employing for these journeys. Tour prices usually vary, but generally you’re looking to pay somewhere between $15-$30 USD.

What to Expect On Board

Basically, get ready for a fast boat ride. The boats usually have two rows of seating. Anyway, you will want to grab a seat near the edge so you can see better. The guides typically give commentary in both Spanish and English, that, at least, has been my experience! Be ready, too, for the smell of guano (bird droppings), because the islands are coated in it and the aroma that comes along for the ride is, well, something else.

The Paracas Candelabro: A Quick Look

First, the boat will make its way toward the Candelabro, which is that gigantic figure etched into the desert hillside near the bay. There are several theories about just who made it, some folks think it was connected to the Nazca Lines; anyway, others guess it was used as a guide for sailors. Very interesting stuff.

Meeting the Wildlife: Sea Lions, Birds, and Maybe Penguins!

Seriously, the highlight here for a lot of people is seeing so many creatures up close. As I was saying, the Ballestas Islands teem with wildlife. You will spot huge colonies of South American sea lions lounging around on the rocks, thousands of guanay cormorants, Peruvian boobies, and, well, Inca terns nesting everywhere. If you are fortunate, you might see a Humboldt penguin or two waddling about, which are super cute.

Photographing the Wildlife: Tips and Tricks

I’d suggest you bring a camera with a decent zoom lens because the boats are really not getting super close to the animals so the experience is very visual. That said, get ready to snap a lot of pictures in quick succession, too, since everything happens fast. Since there is sun, use a polarizing filter in order to cut down on glare from the water, yet be ready to act very quickly.

Things to Keep in Mind Before You Go

Honestly, there are some things to think about to prepare to make the most of your visit.

What to Bring Along

Of course, bring sunscreen. The sun is incredibly strong in Paracas. Also, layers of clothing! Because it can get quite chilly on the boat, especially early in the morning. That aside, do not forget water to stay hydrated and perhaps bring some snacks as well.

Motion Sickness: Be Prepared

So, if you’re vulnerable to seasickness, maybe you might consider taking medication ahead of time. As I have been telling you, the boats can move pretty fast and the seas can be choppy, and a few people on my boat felt very sick indeed.

Respect the Wildlife

In a way, it seems obvious, yet keep your distance from the animals. Let’s all respect their space, right? Tour operators will generally remind everyone about that.

Is the Ballestas Islands Tour Worth It?

Very likely, yes! If you like wildlife and impressive coastal views, the Ballestas Islands tour should definitely be on your list. Even though, yes, the smell of guano is something else, seeing those sea lions and birds in their home really is a great travel memory.

• Bustling Wildlife: Sea lions, birds galore, plus maybe a penguin.
• The Candelabro: See this famous geoglyph etched into the coast.
• Pack Smart: Sunscreen, layers, water – you might want to have them all.
• Motion Preparedness: Think about motion sickness medication if you get queasy easy.
• Respect Always: Keep a safe distance from the animals for their sake.

So, whether you are a seasoned traveler or just someone wanting an amazing day trip when visiting Peru, the Ballestas Islands is an adventure with many stories for years to come.

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