Erin & Regan's South American Adventure

Hola,

From Pisco we booked a tour to Islas Ballestas and the Paracas National Park.

The bus picked us up from the Plaza de Armas in Pisco, dodgy looking thing, the seat in front of me (Regan) was broken and the passenger was basically leaning on me for the whole trip (25 mins).

We finally arrived at the docks, and got into the dodgiest looking speed boat of the lot. The passengers just all piled in and the thing had such a lean I didnt think it would survive the first wave. Luckily they realised this also and re-arranged the passengers.

On the way to the islands we were lucky enough to spot some dolphins, apparently you dont see them every day. We also stopped to see "la Candelabra" a carving in the rock face of a cliff which is more than 160 metres tall, 70 metres wide and 60 centimetres deep. (see photo)

From there we went to the Islas Ballestas, we were accompanied by a long line of birds (kilometres perhaps, see photo) they flew mostly in a straight line but every so often flew in spirals and such to avoid waves.

At the islands we saw many, many, many, many, many birds. So many in fact that every 4-5 years they make a special trip to harvest the guano which is used in french cosmetics. (see photos)

Also present were sea lions, star fish, crabs, rock spiders, and other marine life. (see photos) The rock of the island also forms a number of shapes, the best of which (IMO) is the face (see photo).

After returning to the dock, we waited for an hour or so (probably so we would buy things) and then took another bus (better than the first) to the Paracas National park where we visited a small museum and walked out to see the flamingos (which had all migrated).

Next, on to "la Catedral" a natural rock formation. We walked along the beach (which had lizards on it! see photo) to see the cave inside and then back up and around to view it from a platform (see photos).

Erin decided to ride "on" the bus, Regan (sensibly) stayed inside the bus (while freaking out and really wishing Erin would get back in side the bus but knowing he had no chance in hell of convincing her to do so. BTW it was only about 300m for the mothers that are freaking out about now - Erin). (see photo)

There are 3 shapes present in the rock formation, to the top right is the incan woman with her hat and poncho. To the left is the shape of an elephant, and above and to the right of the elephant is a face (not as good as on ballestas, IMO)

From there, to lunch at Lagunillas the most expensive place ever, possibly because only tourists come here, starved from a long day touring, and they wont let you go for an hour. Anyway, we had the chips (10 soles!) and then went for a walk. The pelicans which are about the right height to take off your nuts, walk freely around the township (which actually consists of 4-5 restaurants and nothing else).. the dogs steer clear of them. (see photo)

At last they took us home. That night we had our Pisco sour (well deserved) at a restaurant we were hustled into (that´s another thing they do here, they have people, usually young girls, out on the streets with menus trying to get you to eat at their place .. however in this case it was a "cool" very persistent guy). That night was the same night Erin got to know "el baño".. not good :(

Tomorrow, to Huacachina!