Islas Ballestas, Galápagos on the Cheap — Part 1

Islas Ballestas, Paracas National Reserve

Imagine a place where you can spot up to three dozen species of mammal and well over 200 species of birds.  No, I’m not talking about the Galápagos Islands some 650 miles/1,000 kilometers out in the middle of the Pacific.  I’m referring to a small group of islands just minutes by boat off the Peruvian coast.

Islas Ballestas, Paracas National Reserve

There is a small group of rocky protrusions jutting out from the Pacific less than twelve miles from either Paracas or the city of Pisco.  This tiny enclave is collectively known as Islas Ballesta, and along with the neighboring Paracas Peninsula and nearby coastal areas they form the Paracas National Reserve.

Mama Sea Lions and their Cubs

Starting today and over the next three weeks we’ll be taking a look at some of the wildlife on and around Islas Ballestas, including a huge gathering of sea lions.

South American Sea Lion

Also on these islands are the remains of man’s attempt to capitalize on one of the natural resources here — nutrient and nitrogen rich bird and sea lion guano for fertilizer.

Guano Mine

Here is a flock of Peruvian Boobies:

Peruvian Boobies

And, of course, there’s the photo opportunities offered up by the rugged yet colorful terrain as well:

Islas Ballestas, Paracas National Reserve

For Additional Information:

• Islas Ballestas — Wikipedia
• Islas Ballestas — Lonely Planet
• Paracas National Reserve — Wikipedia
• Paracas National Reserve — Trip Advisor
• Paracas National Reserve — Nature.org
• Ballestas Islands — Trip Advisor