The Ballestas Islands.

The Ballestas Islands, known as the "poor man's Galapagos," are one of Peru's natural wonders. Located off the coast of Paracas, these islands are renowned for their incredible biodiversity and breathtaking landscapes. The Ballestas Islands are a natural paradise, accessible via boat. We departed Paracas at 8:00 a.m. During the excursion, we admired: sea lions relaxing on the rocks; Humboldt penguins, a vulnerable species found only in this region; and a myriad of seabirds, including boobies, cormorants, and pelicans. We also saw the enchanting Candelabra, an ancient geoglyph carved into the coastal terrain, visible only from the sea. During the trip, our guide shared fascinating details about the fauna, geology, and local history, including the guano-extracting equipment on the islands.