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Peru Tourist Guide
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SOUTHERN PERU:
Pisco-Ica-Nasca: Paracas & Ballestas Islands     Huacachina     Nasca Lines     Chauchilla Cemetery    

Peninsula de Paracas & Islas Ballestas

The Paracas Peninsula and the Islas Ballestas are part of the Nacional Reserve "Reserva Nacional de Paracas". It was founded in 1975 and encompasses a total area of 335.000 ha. Only 35% of the expense is dry land (Paracas Peninsula, a narrow coastline in the South, Islas Ballesta and Isla San Gallán). The other 65% are maritime. The flora and fauna of the Nacional Reserve is high-contrasted. Whereas in the arid Paracas Peninsula exist only a few plants and animals (lizards and insects) the maritime part has available a giant species-richness. Caused by the intensive solar radiation and the wave-calmed bay this area has developed to a paradise for over 250 plankton and algae species. They are a welcome food for the variety of fishes which are eaten by the big number of birds and mammal species.

On the boat trip to the Islas Ballestas you will pass the "El Candelabro". The name of this 180 m high and 70 m wide picture in the sand is deduced of the similarity of a three-armed candlestick. While you are riding you get the chance to observe the wildlife of the Reserve like seabirds, flamingos, Humboldt penguins, cormorants, pelicans, seals and maybe dolphins too. Between November and February you can also spot condors that actually feel at home in the Andean highland. But the placenta of the seal birth seems to be too delicious and is worth the effort definitively.

The famous sight "La Catedral", a natural and bizarre rock bridge which stature is similar to a cathedral, was destroyed by an earthquake on 15th August 2007.

Bizarre rock formations can be found anywhere in the nature reserve PARACAS. This one – named CATHEDRAL – does not exist anymore: it collapsed a few years ago in an earthquake – however its remainders are still awesome.  
The nature reserve PARACAS impresses with marvellous lonely bays and beaches - ideal for long walks
     
Pelican – typical inhabitant of the PARACAS peninsula and the BALLESTAS isles
 
EL CANDELABRO – the candle stick – situated on the PARACAS-peninsula: 180 m high, engraved into the sands of the desert; a design from ancient times; visible on the boat ride to the BALLESTAS isles   Access to the BALLESTAS isles is prohibited – therefore they offer excellent breeding conditions for innumerable seabirds – cormorants, pelicans, boobies, penguins.....
 
Cute sea lions critically eyeball the „intruders“ on their boats   ISLAS BALLESTAS: jagged uninhabited islands off the PARACAS peninsula, important part of the correspondent nature reserve


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