Peru’s Ica region boasts a wide array of natural and archaeological wonders to impress every visitor, as well as warm people and exquisite cuisine to delight the most demanding palates.
Ballestas Islands, a group of rocky islets in the Guano Islands, Isles and Capes National Reserve System, stand out among the region’s major wildlife-spotting destinations.
The reserve was built to protect the rich biodiversity and coastal marine ecosystems living in the cold waters brought by Humboldt Current.
The three islands — North, Central and South Ballesta — lie in front of Paracas National Reserve in Ica region, about 250 km south of Lima, providing a privileged location to get a close look at seabirds, guano birds, Humboldt penguins and sea lions.
Their unique attractions include the Candelabra geoglyph, carved into a sandy hill, as well as rich biodiversity that gathers both endemic and migratory animals.
Home to an unmatched variety of seabirds, Ballestas Islands proves a must-see for birdwatchers, since they constitute a mandatory spot for different migratory species to rest and feed.
Humboldt penguin
Found in coastal Peru and northern Chile, this high-speed swimmer feeds on anchovies and sardines.
These aquatic birds form colonies on rocky islets, and they are the only penguins that permanently live in Peru.
Peruvian pelican
Easy to identify by its long beak and bluish pouch, the Peruvian pelican is the third most important guano bird.
This quirky bird is vulnerable to El Niño climate pattern, since warm currents significantly reduce their source of food. Its breeding season goes from September to March.
South American sea lion
Unlike South American fur seals, South American sea lions have a shorter, wider muzzle.
Most of the time, they are seen swimming or resting at Ballestas Islands, and males tend to scatter around.
Peruvian booby
Its entirely white head set these sociable birds apart from blue-footed boobies.
Peruvian boobys’ signature move is plunge-diving, their feeding mechanism when they spot a school of anchovies, their favorite treat.
This endemic birds make Peru and Chile’s coast their home and can be found in Ballestas Islands all year long.
(END) JCR/MAO/DHT/RMB
Published: 12/2/2016