The title

Overview:

Ballestas Islands Brief Summary:

The Ballestas Islands are rocky islands located off the Pacific coast of Peru, a 15 minute boat journey from the town of Paracas, 3-4 hours south of Lima.
Also known as “The Poor Man´s Galapagos”, the islands are an absolute must-see for all wildlife lovers, as they’re home to thousands of birds and mammals including penguins, Inca terns, pelicans, sea lions and dolphins.
The islands, locally known as Las Islas Ballestas, are protected, meaning you cannot swim with the animals or walk on the islands themselves, but you can get very close to them on a boat tour.

History:

Information:

How to get to the Ballestas Islands:

Located off the coast of the small coastal town of Paracas, the best way to get to the islands is to take a speedboat tour from Paracas.

Did you know?

The Islands are home to the endangered Humboldt penguin.
The breeding season for sea lions is between January and March. If you are lucky enough to happen to be travelling during this time of the year, you will see the beaches full of sea lion cubs and huge rival males defending their mating territories.
While going out to the Islands, you will be able to see “The Candelabro”, a huge geoglyph in the form of a candlestick (or cactus?) found on the Paracas peninsula’s northern face. For hundreds of years, sailors used this as a coastal reference point.
If you take the Escape From Lima bus at 06.00am from Lima, you have time to do the 10.00am tour of the Ballestas Islands and continue on to Huacachina the same day.
Humpback Whales tend to be found in these waters between August and October as they move north for mating season.

Ballestas FAQs:

Q: I am planning to follow your recommended minimum schedule leaving on one of the 07:00 am departures from Lima. Spending the first night in Paracas do I have time to do the Ballestas Island Tour, go on the free National Reserve Tour and still catch the bus leaving for Huacachina at 13:00 pm on the second day?

A: Yes, our buses are programmed to allow you to visit the Ballestas Islands (08:00-10: 00 am), the Paracas National Reserve (depart 11:00am) and still leave for Huacachina at 13:00pm to arrive in time for sandboarding at sunset!

Q: I do not feel well and wish to cancel my tour for the next morning. Will I get a refund?

A: Escape From Lima does not operate the Ballestas Islands trip. The tour provider allows cancellations up to 18:00 pm the day before at no cost. Cancellations after this time or missed tours will be charged the full fee.

Q: I woke up late and missed my tour. Can I change it for tomorrow?

A: Unfortunately, the operator of the Ballestas Island will charge fully for any NO SHOW or missed tours not previously cancelled before 18:00 pm the day before. If you would like to book the tour again for the next day then this is possible, but you will have to pay a second time.

Q: Is there a pick up?

A: No, we meet at Frayles Residencial Hotel. Paracas is a tiny village, just a couple of hundred meters long and Frayles Residencial Hotel is very centrally located.

Q: Is it possible to walk on the islands or to go swimming?

A: The islands are protected, meaning you cannot swim with the animals or walk on the islands themselves, but you will get very close to them by boat. A unique experience for those that will not make it to the Galapagos.

Ballestas Islands Tour Information:

Escape From Lima does not operate any tours to the Islands but, the tour is included in your pass. To see Escape From Lima’s other recommended operators for this tour, read below.