Located on the desolate desert coast of Peru by the nearby port town of Paracas. Also known as the “Galapagos of the poor”, Ballestas Islands is home to some of the country’s best wildlife.

The sheer number of species that are part of this ecosystem make you rub your eyes in wonder. Everything from sea lions, whales, dolphins and penguins can be spotted here.

Kelp gulls are the largest seagulls in Ballestas Islands. They can be identified by their yellow bills marked with a red dot.

This picture was taken from a tour boat as the kelp gulls feasted upon the fisherman’s catch.

The Ballestas Islands are cultivated once every 5 years. The waterfowl (bird species) produce guanina, which, in combination with the calcareous rock, is transformed into guano the fertilizer.