Paracas National Reserve and Ballestas Islands, “Mini Galapagos of Peru”.

explore peruparacas national reservemini gallapagos of peruballestas island

May 12

Written By Leelush

Paracas, a town on Peru’s south west coast, a beautiful beachside town with an amazing sunset on the Paracas bay. We took a 3 hour bus ride south of Lima to Paracas, which is a worthwhile destination to visit. The uniqueness of Paracas is its combination of sea, peninsula, desert dunes, and bay. Upon arrival in Paracas, we checked the possibilities of taking tours and enjoying kayaking. While in Paracas, we visited the Paracas National Reserve and Ballestas Islands, which is considered the “Peruvian Mini Galapagos”. We visited both on separate tours and enjoyed all the beauty and wonder that Paracas has to offer.

Paracas National Reserve, sand kissing the sea.

From a location on the Paracas Bay that was designated to take the 2 hour boat ride to the magnificent Ballestas Islands, we started our tour. The Ballestas Islands is known for its wildlife and natural beauty. We were sure to wear a hat and wind jacket because it got quite windy on the boat ride over. Along the way, we were able to admire the beautiful rock formations, caves, arches and amazing wildlife. We delighted in witnessing the wild sea lions, penguins, starfish, birds, Inca terns and pelicans.

Boat ride to the Ballestas Islands, on the coast of Paracas, Peru.

Beautiful rock formation on the boat ride to the Ballestas Islands, on the coast of Paracas, Peru.

Sea lions sunbathing in the Ballestas Islands, off the coast of Paracas, Peru.

Penguins in the Ballestas Islands, off the coast of Paracas, Peru.

About 20 minutes from the bay of Paracas, on the way to Ballestas Island, we reached El Candelabro and witnessed similar Nazca lines of the Incas. El Candelabro is the giant Paracas Candelabra glyph that is only possible to see from the boat tour. This was very unique and once in a lifetime to witness.

‘El Candelabro’ the giant Paracas Candelabra glyph off the Coast of Paracas, Peru.

The second day in Paracas, we took the desert tour to the Paracas National Reserve desert. We were able to view the desert kissing the cliffs to the sea. On the way, we were able to enjoy a beautiful view of pink flamingos among other species of birds that can be observed.

Viewpoint in Paracas National Reserve, Peru.

Cliff views in Paracas National Reserve, Peru.

We saw the different sand colors in the Paracas National Reserve desert. We arrived at Playa Rojas, which was the only red sand beach on the Paracas peninsula. From there, we had a beautiful view of the sea. We also toured the Playa La Mina and Playa Yumanque. Touring the Paracas National Reserve desert was a beautiful experience that we enjoyed.

Sunset views from Paracas beach and bay in Peru.

In the evening, upon return to the town of Paracas, we enjoyed sitting on the beach and viewing the amazing sunset. We joined the locals in their fiesta while deepening our admiration of the local cuisine.

Views from Paracas beach and bay in Peru.

We highly recommend visiting the beautiful town of Paracas on the southern west coast of Peru. Beautiful people, welcoming tourists, amazing sunsets and wildlife.