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must-visit in PiscoNational Park & Nature

Islas Ballestas

📍 Islas Ballestas, off Paracas, Pisco Province, Ica Region, Peru
Islas Ballestas
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4.4/ 5.0
★★★★☆

Quick Facts

Location
Peru, Pisco
Category
National Park & Nature
Duration
2 hours
Address
Islas Ballestas, off Paracas, Pisco Province, Ica Region, Peru
Coordinates
-13.7358, -76.3964

Introduction

The Islas Ballestas are a cluster of rocky islets off the Paracas Peninsula in Peru, protected alongside the Paracas National Reserve. Three main islands covering just 0.12 square kilometres host dense colonies of guanay cormorants, Peruvian boobies and pelicans, thousands of South American sea lions, and endangered Humboldt penguins—hence the nickname 'the Poor Man's Galapagos'. En route the boat passes El Candelabro, a geoglyph about 170 metres tall and 78 metres wide carved into the cliff, its origin a mystery and possibly an ancient sailors' marker. Wind and waves have sculpted natural arches, caves and bridges—the islands' most photogenic features. To protect the habitat, landing and swimming are forbidden: you view everything from the boat over about two hours. Guano mining in the 19th century brought Peru enormous wealth, and deposits still pile tens of metres deep.

✨ Highlights

1
Seabirds darkening the cliffs
Dense guanay cormorants, Peruvian boobies and pelicans; guano deposits pile tens of metres deep.
2
El Candelabro
A geoglyph about 170 m tall and 78 m wide on the cliff en route—origin unknown, possibly an ancient sailors' marker.
3
Sea lions & penguins
Sea lions often approach the boats; Humboldt penguins perch on lower rocks and dolphins sometimes escort you.
4
Natural arches
Erosion-formed arches, caves and bridges—the islands' most photogenic rock scenery.
5
Guano wealth
19th-century guano mining brought Peru enormous wealth; a coat of arms was found in the deposits in 1847.
6
Boat viewing only
Landing and swimming are forbidden; the whole circuit runs about two hours from the boat.

🛈 Practical Info

→Departures：8:00 and 10:00 from El Chaco pier daily, plus 12:00 in summer and on holidays; about 2 hours
→Cost：Boat about S/30-50 per person plus a S/16 reserve fee (seniors exempt); cash on site
→Seasickness：The speedboat is bumpy—take medication beforehand; morning seas are calmer
→What to bring：Windbreaker, binoculars and camera; open boats spray, so expect damp clothes
→Rules：No landing or swimming—view from the boat; life jackets provided by the operator
→Combine：Pairs with Paracas Bay, the Huacachina oasis or a day trip from Lima
→Opening Hours：Boats leave El Chaco pier in Paracas at 8:00 and 10:00 daily (12:00 added in summer and on holidays); the circuit takes about 2 hours.
→Transportation：Speedboats from El Chaco pier in Paracas; Paracas is about 260 km south of Lima, 3-4 hours by bus.

Ticket Information

Ticket Information
AdultS/30

Boat tour about S/30-50 per person plus a S/16 reserve fee (seniors exempt); cash on site; no landing on the islands.

💡 Tips

• Take the 8:00 boat: flatter seas, better light, and you beat the afternoon wind.
• The speedboat is bumpy—take medication half an hour ahead; the upper deck has the best view but more wind.
• Bring binoculars for cormorants, boobies, sea lions and Humboldt penguins.
• El Candelabro passes en route—listen to the crew; the 170 m geoglyph's origin remains a mystery.
• Landing and swimming are forbidden—ignore tout claims that you can step ashore.
• June-August brings the calmest seas and most active wildlife; Paracas is 3-4 hours by bus from Lima.

FAQ

What are the opening hours of Islas Ballestas?

Boats leave El Chaco pier in Paracas at 8:00 and 10:00 daily (12:00 added in summer and on holidays); the circuit takes about 2 hours.

How much is the admission for Islas Ballestas?

Adult: S/30; Boat tour about S/30-50 per person plus a S/16 reserve fee (seniors exempt); cash on site; no landing on the islands.

Any practical tips for visiting Islas Ballestas?

Take the 8:00 boat: flatter seas, better light, and you beat the afternoon wind. The speedboat is bumpy—take medication half an hour ahead; the upper deck has the best view but more wind.

How long should I spend at Islas Ballestas?

A typical visit takes 2 hours.

Ticket prices, schedules and opening hours are for reference only; please follow the official announcement.