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Have you heard of the Ballestas Islands? If you’re a budget-conscious traveler like us, the “poor mans Galapagos” in Peru might just be your ticket to a remarkable adventure.
In all honesty, the “poor man's Galapagos” may not sound too appealing and it’s not a completely accurate name.
When you see “poor mans Galapagos,” read budget-friendly Galapagos. This place is full of rich experiences and for low cost.
I’m sure you’ve heard of the Galapagos Islands, and probably the steep price tag that comes with visiting these unique islands. We understand; we’ve been there ourselves.
Last year, after exploring the incredible Galapagos Islands in Ecuador, we heard about the Ballestas Islands, officially known as Islas Ballestas.
We were intrigued by the promise of a similarly unique experience at a fraction of the cost, and we couldn’t resist finding out more and adding the Ballestas Islands to our Peru travel itinerary along with the obvious Machu Picchu and Lima.
The true Galapagos Islands are absolutely mind-blowing, but they require a significant investment of both time and money to truly appreciate.
On the other hand, the Ballestas Islands can be explored in a day trip from Lima to Paracas, Peru, making them a convenient option for travelers with limited time.
If you’re looking for ways to maximize your adventure without spending a fortune, the Ballestas Islands should definitely be on your radar.
In this guide, I’ll give you all the information you need to plan your visit to the Ballestas Islands, including how to get there, what to see, and how to budget wisely.
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To start our Ballestas Islands adventure, we chose a PeruBus ride from Lima to Paracas, a convenient option priced at just $14 USD per person.
The journey took us about 3.5 hours, allowing us to enjoy the changing scenery along the way.
Alternatively, you can consider taking the bus service offered by Cruz del Sur for this route.
We just happened to select PeruBus because the scheduling and availability matched ours.
When you arrive in Paracas, you’ll see tons of tour groups ready to sell you on their boat tours.
The good news is that with so many options available, you have room to negotiate.
Essentially, there are three types of tours, all with the same Ballestas Islands itinerary.
The main difference? The type of boat. (Some are faster and some are covered).
Once you agree on a boat and price, you’ll get your ticket, wait in line, and board your Ballestas Islands boat tour.
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Islas Ballestas Boat Tour Experience
We had a great time on our Ballestas Islands tour.
We saw giant petroglyphs etched into the sandy landscapes and were amazed by the abundance of sea lions along our route.
As we admired the stunning rock formations, blue waters, and rich marine life, it became clear why people often compare the Ballestas Islands to the Galapagos.
The natural beauty of these islands is truly remarkable.
One interesting aspect of our tour was the language difference.
We were the only English-speaking travelers, but our guide was incredibly accommodating, making sure we didn’t miss out on any information.
With a bit of help from our Babbel language lessons, we even managed to understand some of the original Spanish commentaries.
Having a basic understanding of Spanish can really enhance your travel experience in Peru.
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Booking Ballestas Island Tour in Peru
Let’s talk about how we managed to have an amazing Ballestas Islands experience while keeping our budgets intact.
We took a more DIY approach by organizing parts of the journey ourselves, and it turned out to be a budget-friendly choice.
First, we booked tickets for PeruBus, a comfortable and cost-effective option that got us from Lima to Paracas for only $14 USD per person.
The bus ride lasted about 3.5 hours, offering scenic views. That’s how my husband describes it, at least.
The bus was so comfortable that I was knocked out the entire ride.
Once we arrived in Paracas, we found ourselves in the midst of various tour groups. This is when we pulled out our negotiation skills.
Since there are so many tour options available - mind you, they all are offering the same tour - you have room to negotiate in your favor.
We opted for the motorized boat tour with a tented top, which cost us around $15 USD per person for the two-hour excursion.
There is also an unmotorized option that takes longer and an uncovered boat option that have slightly different price points.
The tented cover was useful in case of unexpected rain or scorching sun.
However, if the weather is favorable, you might choose a boat without the tented cover, typically available at a lower cost. #SeetheWorldSaveADollar
Now if you’re someone who prefers a more pre-arranged itinerary, don’t worry.
There are tour packages available that take care of all the planning for you.
These tours are pricier than organizing everything yourself like we did, but come with added conveniences.
Some even bundle in extra experiences, such as a visit to the desert oasis of Huacachina.
One thing to keep in mind is that Ballestas Islands boat tours are subject to weather conditions.
Rough waters, heavy rainfall, or strong winds can lead to cancellations on certain days.
So, flexibility in your schedule is essential when planning your trip to the Ballestas Islands.
But whether you’re up for some DIY adventure or prefer the ease of a packaged tour, there’s a Ballestas Islands experience waiting for you.
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Poor Man’s Galapagos Peru: Paracas Candelabra
Our Ballestas Islands tour began with a fascinating visit to La Candelabra, also known as the Candelabra of the Andes.
You might have heard of the famous Nazca lines, ancient geoglyphs best viewed from above.
Well, the Candelabro de Paracas offers a unique perspective that is best viewed from the sea.
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This incredible geoglyph took us on a journey through time, as it dates back over 2,000 years.
It is over 300 feet in length and carved 2 feet deep into the desert sand.
Sailing on the Ballestas Islands tour is the perfect opportunity to check out La Candelabra.
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Poor Man’s Galapagos Peru: Sea Lions
You’re bound to be amazed by the sheer number of sea lions that call the Ballestas Islands their home.
It’s easy to spot the difference between the male and female sea lions since the males are noticeably larger.
The sea lions proudly claim their spots on the rocks, basking in the sun.
Some of the more adventurous sea lions were out for a swim, as they gracefully glided through the waves.
Sailing up close to these playful creatures was an absolute highlight of our Ballestas Islands tour.
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Poor Man’s Galapagos Peru: Birds
The Galapagos in Ecuador is known to be a bird lover’s paradise.
So when you visit the “poor man’s Galapagos” in Peru, just know you can find some unique birds, as well.
First, let’s talk about the Humboldt penguins.
They hang out on the Ballestas Islands like they own the place, and you’ll get to see them in action between January and March.
These islands are also home to the guanay that are most commonly seen in November and December.
These birds have beautiful blue markings and a graceful presence that’s worth appreciating.
You also might spot some Peruvian pelicans with their large yellow-orange beaks.
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Poor Man’s Galapagos Peru: Humpback Whales
If you plan your visit right, you might get a chance to witness the humpback whales during your Ballestas Islands tour.
The best time for spotting these incredible creatures is typically from August to October.
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Tips for Visiting the Poor Man’s Galapagos
Heading to the “poor man’s Galapagos” for your Ballestas Islands tour?
Here are some practical tips to make the most of your adventure:
1. Check the Weather
Before you book your tour, take a peek at the weather forecast.
The Ballestas Islands boat tours are typically canceled during stormy weather, so it’s best to plan accordingly.
2. Sun Protection
Wear sunscreen to protect yourself from the sun’s rays. Even if your boat has a tented top, those sun rays can be pretty intense.
Protect your skin from sunburn.
3. Dress Smart
Consider wearing waterproof clothing, or at least clothes that you don’t mind getting a little wet.
We found our Tropic Feel NS40 jackets to be perfect for keeping dry from ocean splashes and staying cozy in the ocean breeze.
4. Capture Memories
Don’t leave your camera behind. You’ll want to capture all those incredible wildlife sightings, trust us!
5. Motion Sickness
If you’re prone to seasickness, keep in mind that the tour lasts about two hours.
You might want to take some preventive measures like using a travel wristband or non-drowsy motion sickness medication.
Now that you have these helpful tips, you’re well-prepared for an unforgettable Ballestas Islands adventure.
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Final Thoughts on Poor Man’s Galapagos Peru
As we wrap up our Ballestas Islands adventure, it should be clear to you whether this hidden gem deserves a special place in your Peru itinerary.
Sailing through the waters surrounding these islands was nothing short of amazing, with the rocky formations adorned in different shades of orange, green, and red.
Our aim is to provide you with valuable insights and travel tips, and if you’re planning an adventure in Peru, our comprehensive Explore Peru Travel Guide can be your go-to resource for what not to miss in Peru.
This 40-page digital guide covers every detail you need to know from exploring Lima and Machu Picchu to discovering the Sacred Valley and more of Cusco.
It’s a one-of-a-kind travel companion filled with firsthand experiences and insider recommendations.
Here’s a sneak peek of what you’ll find inside:
- Best ways to prepare for altitude sickness
- Successful trip planning tips for Machu Picchu
- Packing essentials for your Peru adventure
- Highly recommended and knowledgable travel guides
- Private taxi driver contacts for convenient transportation
- Navigating the bus systems like a pro
- Over 20 unique activities to enjoy (many of them free!)
- Top 25-rated places to dine and enjoy local cuisine
- A curated list of 25 incredible accommodations to suit your preferences
- A sample 6-day itinerary to help you make the most of your Peru journey
Our recommendations are thoughtfully organized by budget, ensuring that you can “See the World & Save a Dollar!”
We’re here to make your travel dreams a reality, and the Ballestas Islands in Peru is just the beginning of your incredible adventures.
Explore Peru Travel Guide
Are you planning a trip to Peru? Don't do it before you read this travel guide!
This 40-page digital guide breaks down every detail you need to know before exploring Peru.
Info on the cheapest and easiest ways to explore Lima, Machu Picchu, Sacred Valley, and more of Cusco are all included.
This one-of-a-kind travel guide is filled with first-hand experience and insider tips that will save you time planning your dream trip!
What's inside:
- Best ways to prepare for altitude sickness
- How to successfully plan your trip to Machu Picchu
- What to pack
- Highly recommended and knowledgable travel guides
- Private taxi driver numbers
- How to navigate the bus systems
- Over 20 unique things to do (many are FREE!)
- Over 25 top-rated places to eat
- Over 25 incredible accommodations
- Sample 6-day itinerary through Peru
Our recommendations are organized by budget, so as always, we'll help you "See the World & Save a Dollar!"
Islas Ballestas FAQs
The poor mans Galapagos refers to the Ballestas Islands in Peru, known for offering a similar wildlife experience to the Galapagos Islands but at a lower cost and in less time.
The Ballestas Islands, or poor man’s Galapagos, are located off the coast of Paracas, Peru, in the Pacific Ocean.
You can book with a tour company and negotiate when you arrive in Paracas, or you can book in advance online with a reputable company, as mentioned in this article.
Yes, you can get to the Galapagos Islands from Peru by taking a flight. Flights to the Galapagos Islands typically depart major cities in Peru like Lima or Guayaquil in Ecuador.
No, the Galapagos Islands do not belong to Peru. They are part of Ecuador and are located in the Pacific Ocean about 600 miles off the coast of Ecuador.