The poor man’s Galapagos
After a quick bounce through Lima to pick up our massively overloaded bags from our friendly hostel owner friend Quique, we grabbed a quick eight hour bus to Paracas to visit the Islas Ballestas.
We had intended to stay in Pisco (capital of the region of Pisco, famous for making, you guessed it Pisco). The entire region was devastated by an earthquake measuring 8.0 on the Richter scale in 2007, entire towns collapsing during the three minute quake. The tiny village we had lunch at on the second day was destroyed by the resulting tsunami.
Our plans to stay in nearby Pisco were soon in tatters as no taxis were available on a Sunday afternoon. In fact, nothing in South America is possible on a Sunday. We met up with an American family as we trailed a local tout to what turned out to be a fantastic hotel overlooking the bay. Ever wary of the stereotype, it didn’t take our new American friends long to wiggle their way into Al’s good books, in fact they had us at “beer”.
Paracas villiage bus stop
Sunset over the bay
Sunshine puts a big smile on Dee’s face
The trip out to the islands started pretty early, the sun just peaking over the placid bay as we jumped aboard the speedboat. It is easy to see why the islands are so popular – the region is blessed with sun for most of the year and the fauna rich islands lie only half an hour’s ride away on a speedboat.
Almost as soon as we approach the islands the sky is turned black by the birds swarming in huge flocks from all directions. Even the most die hard fan of Hitchcock’s “The Birds” would still freak out a little at the shear volume of bird life on offer. Gannets, Boobies (yes, they’re actually called that), Pelicans and Gulls wheel and scream in a cacophony of life against the azure backdrop of the Pacific.
The morning sunlight pouring through a sea cave
Pelicans. Lots of pelicans.
A bazillion birds on the rocky islands
Later we drove out to the Paracas National Reserve, a hauntingly beautiful fusion of desert and ocean. Paracas means “sand storm” in Quechua, and we certainly experienced the full impact as it raced across the barren desert.
Footloose and carefree on the beach at the Paracas Reserve
Pacific rollers hit the black beach
Dee about to take off in the wind
More than a little sad to be leaving this tranquil spot, we head next to Nasca to see the famous “Nasca Lines”.
Awesome looking place! Big smiles all round… but what did Duckee think of all the other birds?? No sign of him in the photos – he hasn’t flown the coop has he!??!
Love the updates – hope all is well
Duckee is just fine Amanda , don’t worry. The little fella can get a little scared by the open sea, bit bigger than his usual pond