- Location: Paracas National Park, Ica region, Pisco province, Peru
- Cost of excursion: 15 dollars
- Duration: 2,5 hours
In Peru, you can visit one amazing place - the Islas Ballestas. They are located near the Parakas nature reserve, in the southern part of the town of Pisco . You can get to the islands of Balestas only with the help of a boat, but this is not a problem, because on the shore of the reserve you are always waiting for sightseeing boats. We will get to know more closely with this landmark.
Appearance
The Balestas Islands in Peru are somewhat similar to the Galapagos Islands in the Pacific Ocean. They are also completely devoid of vegetation, but at the same time retain a sufficiently attractive, extraordinary appearance. Outwardly they resemble small rocks with a white top and a red bottom. In the 18th century, the islands were covered with a layer of guano. Such a natural breed was just a treasure for gardeners and because of it the war between Chile and Peru almost broke out.
On one of the rocks you can see the extraordinary sign "candelabra" from the side of Paracas. Until now, scientists are puzzling over questions about its appearance and purpose. Outwardly, it resembles a trident, but many scientists think that this is more a cactus or an image of the Northern Cross.
The islands of Balestas are not allowed to step on to anyone except scientists and ornithologists, because the fauna of this place is of great importance and no one can break it. Many inhabitants of the islands are listed in the Red Book, many scientific organizations observe their habitat and safety. Let's talk about this in more detail.
Islanders
Dolphins are the first representatives of the animal world that will meet you on the way to the islands. They will accompany you with their beautiful sounds all the way, but if the sea plays out, then, unfortunately, these amazing animals you will not meet. Swim up to the islands, you can hear the birds screaming from afar. The main inhabitants on the islands were cormorants, pelicans, Inca terns, blue-footed boobies and endangered penguins Humboldt. For them, on the islands, scientists have installed special structures to keep the birds nesting quietly, and their number grew much faster.
The islands are famous for their huge colony of sea lions. Visiting the landmark, it seems that these animals are the most important in Balestasas and protect them from any attacks. The thing is that on one of the islands there is a small beach where very small sea lions only begin to learn the world and are constantly near their mothers. The male, of course, carefully watches to ensure that no one disturbs their peace and in case of threat shows a surprisingly aggressive attitude.
To tourists on a note
To reach the islands of Balestas, you will need to spend 4 hours. To begin with, depart from Lima to the city of Pisco on any public transport . There you will need to transfer to a bus or book a taxi to Parakas Nature Reserve. Already in the park you will find a small administration house, where you can buy a ticket for a tour of the islands of Balestas. The tour itself lasts 2.5 hours, boats run every hour. The cost of this cognitive entertainment is 15 dollars. By the way, you can book an excursion from Lima , then transplantation is not required.
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