The port of Paracas on the shores of the Pacific Ocean was my penultimate stop in Peru and I wish I’d had a couple more days there to wind down after my adventures through the Amazon Rainforest, the Nazca Lines, Machu Picchu and Lake Titikaka, the highlights of the tour organised by Mercury Holidays.
Paracas is similar to many seaside resorts with a sandy beach and a promenade filled with shops and eateries. It was busy as Peruvians love to come here at a weekend to relax and enjoy the sea air. I stayed in a lovely hotel on the sea front where my room had a sea view and I enjoyed good wine, good food and a good book.
However, there was one excursion on the itinerary: a boat ride to see the Ballestas Islands and both Paddington and I enjoyed it immensely. A big thank you to Paracasightstours for taking us on the trip, especially to the captain who managed to get so close to the wildlife it was incredible.
Penguins are always amusing to watch and the Humboldt Penguins I saw on the rocks did not disappoint. They gave a brilliant diving display and, having visited a number of wildlife parks, I am quite convinced animals know exactly when they are being admired.
The sea lions on the rocks vied for a strategic position for their photograph to be taken. I may be mistaken, they probably were fighting over the sunniest spot, but the wolves at Wild Ireland in Donegal certainly modelled for their photographs when I visited a year or so ago.
I came so close to a sea lion I could almost reach out and touch him or her, but I know better, so I just took photos and left the magnificent animal to its morning nap.
There were gulls on the upper reaches of the rocks and cormorants perched on top of the fishing boats, but we then moved towards another island where a geoglyph of a candelabra or more likely a St Pedro cactus is etched into the stone.
Like the geoglyphs of the Nazca Lines it is unknown as to why it is there, or what it truly represents, but as usual there was talk of aliens, signs for water sources, or just a bit of art to entertain the people. The island on which it’s drawn is off limits to the general public and the geoglyph has remained untouched for many years.
Paddington and I agreed the boat excursion was great fun and if I’d had more time I would have done it again, however after two nights in Paracas my fellow travellers and I returned to Lima.
Our final stop was the Paddington statue, a commemoration to my favourite bear and Peru’s iconic fictional character. Our guide, Hans, had been such a treat I spoke with Pads and he said he wanted to remain in Peru and as Hans hopes to have children in the very near future I thought it fitting my toy bear stay with him to teach children of his existence and about Michael Bond’s books.
I’ve very fond memories of my visit to Peru and I would love to go again. Maybe in a few years I’ll do it all again with Mercury Holidays, a company that offers excellent service at incredible value for money. I’ve recommended them to many and am travelling with them again in the very near future, so please keep a look out for my blogs or, better still, become a site member.
Farewell Paddington!
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I mention Wild Ireland and the wolves, but it’s also a place to see bears! Please click on the link to learn more.
And to learn more about my adventures in Peru, please click on the links below.
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