The unique Paracas nature reserve is formed by coastal desert with impressive eroded rock formations and the Ballestas Islands with an unusual rich animal life, also caused by the cold Humboldt stream in front of the coast.
Land in the climate is extremely dry. The Paracas peninsula has no vegetation what so ever.
In the 20-ties there have been houses and mummies discovered from before the era. Because of the dry climate the mummies have been preserved in excellent condition.
The Ballestas Islands give a good impression of the richness of the ocean in this area. You can find many species of sea birds here, such as the American and the blackish oystercatcher, the Peruvian pelican, the Humboldt-penguin, the grey gull, the Incan tern, the red-footed booby, the Humboldt-cormorant and the Humboldt-booby.

A visit to the Ballestas Islands, by speedboat, is a special experience.
Early morning you will leave and in a short period of time, approximately two hours, you will get to see many different species of sea mammals and birds in this extraordinary and special reserve.
Thousands of seals and sea lions inhabit the islands. There are just as much seabirds to see, as for instance pelicans, penguins, flamingos and many other species.
At the beginning of the last century the Ballestas Islands were especially famous for the quality of the guano (a fertilizer of bird dung). This was exploited and exported by Peru.

The tour starts at 11.00 hrs. with a visit to the interpretation centre of the reserve.
You will get to see animals but also prehistoric fossils.
Afterwards you will visit the fishing village Launillas, where you can have lunch. The tour ends at 15.00 PM.