Ballestas Islands, A Wild Wonderland – 2024 Updated Guide

ballestas islands in peru

1.- OVERVIEW OF BALLESTAS ISLANDS

The Ballestas Islands are located in the Pacific Ocean, on the Peruvian coast, 22 km away from the port of Paracas. It is one of the 77 areas protected by the Peruvian government (they are part of the National Reserve of Islands, Islets and Puntas Guaneras). The Ballestas Islands are a set of 3 islands in total, the name comes from the similarity in the shape of the islands with the crossbows or bows.

What stands out at first sight for all visitors who come to the Ballestas Islands is undoubtedly the Candelabro geoglyph, an impressive figure made in the dunes that measures 170 meters high and 78 meters wide. Although currently it is not known if this figure belongs to pro-Inca cultures (Nazca Lines), the Inca culture (religious motif) or is more current of the republic (Masonic motif).

candelabro

Finally you should know that the climate in the Ballestas Islands is also distinguished by 2 marked seasons:

• Summer season: Occurs between October and April so it is a time where the sky is clearer of clouds and the sun is stronger.
• Winter season: Occurs between May and September, in these months the sky is more cloudy with lots of clouds and the environment is grayer.

winter season

2.- THE GALAPAGOS OF PERU: AN UNRIVALED WILDLIFE SPECTACLE

The highlight of the Ballestas Islands is undoubtedly the large amount of wildlife that you can find, starting with the incredible sea lions that occupy a large territory, it is important to know that when a traveler visits the Ballestas Islands should always be at a safe distance from the colonies of sea lions for safety. Although they are the main attraction of the place, it is not safe to go down to the islands or swim with them ​​and also not recommended for conservation reasons.

There are other species that are also very important in this ecosystem thanks to the Humboldt current, among the most important we have the Humboldt Penguin, Guanayes, Piquieros, Peruvian Pelicans, Black-winged Stilts, Peruvian Gulls and many other species.

The composition of the Ballestas Islands are mostly metamorphic rocks, intrusive igneous rocks, phenocrysts with granite. According to the stages it is known that the formations with volcanic sediments date from the Jurassic age.

3.- NAVIGATING THE BALLESTAS ISLANDS: TIMETABLE OPTIONS

Visiting the Ballestas Islands represents being a responsible traveler, this activity contributes to sustainable travel in which the traveler entering a protected area provides support for the maintenance, so the environment is not affected negatively by the entry of visitors.

people navigating at the ballestas islands

The traditional way to delight your visit to the Ballestas Islands is from the port of Paracas and there are 3 different schedules to choose from:

• 1st schedule: The first visit to the Ballestas Islands leaves from the port of Paracas at 8:00 am, this is the most recommended schedule since it allows travelers to enjoy the time on the water in a more adequate way. Another recommendation for this schedule is that if for some reason there is a red flag at 8:00 am due to bad weather or waves, you can wait until the next one at 10:00 am, when the weather is better and you can visit the Ballestas Islands.
• 2nd schedule: It is the most requested schedule, at least by Peruvian tourists arriving from Lima or other parts of the country. It takes place at 10:00 am, remember that in the summer season taking this shift also means being exposed to strong heat due to the presence of the sun.

• 3rd schedule: The third schedule is from 12:00 pm, it is only allowed to be performed in summer because in winter the weather is bad and constantly presents a red flag with which you can not enter. Consider that of the 3 schedules this is the one that presents more waves, so the nausea discomfort can be common.

4.- BALLESTAS ISLANDS TOUR AT A GLANCE

07:30 – 07:45 Pick up from your hotel in the surroundings of Paracas.
07:45 – 07:55 Transfer in tourist transportation to the port.
08:00 – 08:15 Boarding of the tourist yacht and explanation of the safety measures.
08:15 – 10:00 Travel by the Pacific Ocean to the Ballestas Islands, time to enjoy the incredible views and return to the port.
10:10 – 10:35 We board the transport back to the hotel.

5.- BEYOND THE ISLANDS: EXPLORING THE PARACAS NATIONAL RESERVE

Paracas is also known as the Chaco, this small town near the sea is located in the province of Pisco (south side of Peru), if you want to get here from Lima it will take you about 4 hours. From here it is already possible for all travelers to visit the Ballestas Islands, but what else can you do in Paracas, there is a lot to know among the main activities:

• 5.1.- ATVs

It is an adventure designed for travelers who like adrenaline, in which you can travel through incredible landscapes over 2 hours. It is enjoyed independently because each one of the visitors will have a personal ATV in which they will ride through the Paracas Peninsula, Red Beach and Sumac Beach.

ATV ride

• 5.2.- Paragliding

It is an alternative that fills everyone with adrenaline, over the reserved area is where you get the best winds to develop this activity in the best way. This overflight allows travelers to see from above the reefs including the most popular one known as “the cathedral”. For first time travelers it is best to do this activity only in the morning, as the winds are less strong.

paragliding

• 5.3.- Cycling

It is one of the favorite activities for many travelers who come to the town of Paracas, there are options of short routes of 8 km and other longer ones that can be up to 30 km. It is important to know that this activity is aimed at travelers who have previous experience with mountain biking.

biking

• 5.4.- Hiking

This activity is done only in the afternoon where travelers walk for about 1 hour and 15 minutes along the yellow and golden cliffs near the Paracas National Reserve. Along the way you can learn about incredible stories such as the Kori Apu (Lord of the golden mountain). At the top of the cliff we can appreciate a unique spectacle, the sunset over the Pacific Ocean makes your visit really worthwhile.

hiking

6.- A PRIME DESTINATION TO WITNESS NATURE’S BEAUTIFUL WILDLIFE.

“The National Reserve of Islands, Islets and Puntas Guaneras is a reserve made up of 22 islands in total ranging from Piura to Tacna (considering the entire Peruvian coast), within this group we can find the Ballestas Islands.”

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7.- FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQS)

Some of the FAQs you may encounter during your trip planning to the Ballestas Islands are:

• How long does a typical tour of the Ballestas Islands last?

The visit to the Ballestas Islands usually lasts 2 hours and there are 3 schedules to choose from.

• What animals are possible to see at the Ballestas Islands?

During your visit to the Ballestas Islands it is easy to see colonies of sea lions, Humboldt penguins, Black-winged Stilts, Parihuelas and occasionally Andean condors, it all depends on the season in which you make the trip.

• Is it possible to go ashore on the Ballestas Islands?

No, as a security measure and being a protected area by the Peruvian government it is not possible to get off the boat in the Ballestas Islands or swim with sea lions, however during the boat ride you can get close enough to enjoy it.

• Are the Ballestas Islands suitable for families with children?

Yes, visiting the Ballestas Islands is an experience that you can easily share with your family and even more with the little ones. The animals in their natural habitat behave in a very unique way making the trip and its views something unique.

• What should I wear/pack for a visit to the Ballestas Islands?

Take into account that your trip to the Ballestas Islands means being in the middle of the sea so it is important that you go prepared, what is recommended in your luggage is:

• Spare clothes
• Sunglasses
• Sun block
• Light clothing
• Sandals
• Windbreaker
• Binoculars for wildlife viewing
• Backpack or daypack
• Reusable water bottle
• Snacks/energy bars

what to pack for the ballestas islands in peru

Now you know all that you can see in the Ballestas Islands, it is more than just a trip. Auri Peru shows you the best way to live this unforgettable adventure in 2024 contact us now, and we will be delighted to assist you!

“We leave a part of ourselves on every trip we take.”