![Islas Ballestas sealions](https://sumabeachlifestyle.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/Islas-Ballestas-sealions-650x487.jpg)
A recommended side trip from Huacachina or on route to Lima is to visit Islas Ballestas. They are a group of islands near the town of Paracas which is only an hour away Huacachina. The islands are home to a large variety of birds species and sea lions and you can do a day tour from hotels in Huacachina for about $30 for a halfday.
I did the tour to Islas Ballestas the next morning after sandboarding in Huacachina and then continued on to Lima.
![Islas Ballestas sea lions](https://sumabeachlifestyle.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/Islas-Ballestas-sea-lions-2-650x487.jpg)
![Pelicans Islas Ballestas](https://sumabeachlifestyle.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/Pelicans-Islas-Ballestas-650x487.jpg)
![Islas Ballestas](https://sumabeachlifestyle.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/Islas-Ballestas-beach-650x487.jpg)
![Islas Ballestas cave](https://sumabeachlifestyle.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/Islas-Ballestas-cave-650x487.jpg)
![Islas Ballestas Penguins](https://sumabeachlifestyle.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/Islas-Ballestas-Penguins-650x487.jpg)