For nature lovers the world over, Galapagos Islands vacations are the most sought after of adventures, an isolated environment that has been so removed from the rest of the world that evolution has taken many bizarre, unique turns.

These days getting to the islands can be convenient and luxurious aboard the numerous Galapagos Islands tours on offer, but for vacationers without enough time for a cruise to this distant world, a handy replacement is available that makes an easy detour during most Peru vacations.

Despite being tiny in comparison to the Galapagos Islands, the Islas Bellestas off the southern Peruvian coast make a perfect one day excursion from the town of Pisco, not far from the hub city of Ica.

Short excursions can be booked in Pisco, but longer trips with a professional guide are available from Peru vacation packages providers. Reaching the islands takes 1.5 hours by boat, followed by around 60 minutes touring the islands themselves.

Due to environmental regulations, setting foot on the islands is not allowed but your captain will be able to get your boat close enough for excellent views of the enormous collection of animals who have set up camp on the Islas Ballestas.

There are year-round views of huge sea lion colonies, along with a variety of marine bird species including cormorants, penguins and pelicans, as well as pink flamingos if you time your trip with the summer season.

These vast bird colonies have indirectly blessed the islands with a bizarre history. With their droppings being a rich fertilizer and a valuable export, wars between their mainland neighbors were once fought for control over the islands. Fortunately, the islands and their inhabitants are now conserved and no longer suffer such disturbances.

After your circuit of the islands you may get a glimpse of the other species that live in this rich environment, such as the dolphins that inhabit the straits. You'll also have a great view of the enormous petroglyph drawn onto the hills ahead, called the candelabra, which is believed to share a similar origin of the fascinating nearby Nazca Lines.

Things To Consider For A Islas Ballestas Excursion:
- To guarantee the quality and professionalism of your guide, reserve your tour ahead through a provider of Peru vacation packages,
- Protect yourselves from the sun and rain and wear a hat to protect your head from the sun and the large volume of bird droppings!
- Bring binoculars to get the best view of the islands' inhabitants,
- Bring medication for anyone prone to motion sickness - the waters around the islands can become quite rough.

This guide on alternatives to Galapagos Islands tours was written by a travel-loving expert at Peru For Less, a member of the Latin America For Less family. Latin America For Less, a US travel agency established in 1998, offers a complete South America vacation service to destinations across Latin America, including Peru, Brazil, Argentina, Costa Rica, Ecuador, Chile and Bolivia.

The company is unique in its ability to offer a price match guarantee as well as the highest standards in quality and customer service. Fully customized itineraries coupled with personal and friendly service are the hallmarks of a Latin America For Less vacation.

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