14:18 | Paracas (Ica region), Dec. 9.
Environment Minister Gabriel Quijandria on Wednesday led a ceremony marking the reopening of tourist services around the
Ballestas Islands, which are part of the Guano Islands, Islets, and Capes National Reserve System and constitute the principal natural destination along the Peruvian coast.
The event took place on Wednesday morning in the Paracas beach area located in Pisco Province (Ica region).
After the ceremony, the minister supervised the implementation of safety protocols applied to receive visitors to the islands as part of the national measures to avoid the contagion and spread of COVID-19.
Quijandria affirmed that tourist activities on the Ballestas Islands contribute to the reactivation of protected natural areas (ANP) and to the economy of all the actors involved in the local tourist activity chain.
This boosts the local economy by benefiting water transport associations, Pisco's certified tour guides, as well as a large number of artisans, hotels, and restaurants, among others.
Regarding the measures implemented as part of the reopening of tourist activities, authorities have established a load capacity of 45 boats per day, whose distance from one another should not be less than 50 meters.
Likewise, four shifts have been set to promote order among boats during the tours to the islands.
About Ballestas Islands
Location: In front of Pisco (Ica region)
Ballestas Islands —a group of rocky islets in the Guano Islands, Isles, and Capes National Reserve System— stand out among the region's major wildlife-spotting destinations.
The three islands —North, Central, and South Ballesta— lie in front of Paracas National Reserve in Ica region, just a 4-hour drive from Lima.
Ballestas' natural wonders include sea birds such as Peruvian boobies, Humboldt penguins, and pelicans, as well as the hefty South American sea lions.
(END) NDP/MAO/RMB/MVB
Published: 12/9/2020