Incan Empires, General San Martin, Peru (Part 2 of 2)

What a beautiful sail into General San Martin, in many ways it reminds me of the Namib Desert in Namibia, just beautiful!  The port is really a great one, last time I was here in 2013, Corrine & I went and flew over the Nazca Lines which is truly amazing.  Today brought out another highlight for this port!  I took a Holland America Line shore excursion to the Ballestas Islands via a boat that we boarded alongside the ms Amsterdam.  Here is the description of the tour: “Transfer to the pier and board a boat for the ride to the scenic Ballestas Islands. Although much smaller in scale, these islands represent Peru’s own version of the Galápagos Islands. The Paracas Peninsula and nearby Ballestas Islands comprise the most important wildlife sanctuary on the Peruvian coast. You’ll marvel at the famous Candelabro—a giant figure in the style of the Nazca drawings etched into the coastal hills. While cruising around the Ballestas Islands, you’ll have the opportunity to watch many different kinds of marine birds, including the frequently observed Guanay cormorant, Peruvian booby and Peruvian pelican. Humboldt penguins and colonies of sea lions can also be found here.”  This tour far exceeded any expectations I had or for that matter, both Leslie & Handler….  This  has the be some of the most dramatic scenery and easily the most birds that I have seen anywhere in one place.  We had a magnificent day!!!!  This blog is in two parts…..