Day 3 - Ballestas Islands and Paracas National Reserve

Ballestas4
see all photos »

Today I went to two of the coolest natural sites in Peru. It all started when I got picked up from the Hotel at 7:20 to go to El Chaco, where the tourists boats are located.

We boarded the boat and to head to the Ballestas Islands. People here like to refer to them as the Peruvian Galapagos. I've never been to the Galapagos but it's definitely less rich... although if your interest is in birds it's very good. Anyway, we cruised there - 27km away - with a speedboat (man these things are fast). We arrived and I just couldn't believe how many birds were staying on these islands. It was a huge number!!! Tens of thousands! And of all sorts. We went on and I saw a penguin in its natural element for the first time in my life. Then we had seals, and pelicans, seagulls and loads of other species that, frankly, I don't know about. It was really amazing, really a good experience.

Paracas2
see all photos »

Then we went back and spent the early afternoon in the Paracas natural reserve. Again, I didn't really know what to expect and was eventually happily surprised. It felts like a desert, but with many different shades of yellow, grey, and even red and green. Combined with the turquoise of the sea and the azur blue of the sky, I can tell you it was a feast for the eyes.

I'm going to try using the photo upload functionality so you can see by yourself :)

Tomorrow, I'm going to Arequipa by the sleeper bus, just got my tickets. From there, if I have the courage to beat my fear of heights, I will go on a tour to watch the few dozens of great Condors left... flying over a 1km deep canyon.