Nicknamed the 'poor man's Galapagos', the spectacular Ballestas Islands, eroded into many caves and arches, provide shelter for numerous seabirds and sea lions. The group of three islands with narrow shorelines are famed for guano or bird droppings which was once Peru’s prime export. The islands are home to over 150 species of marine bird life, and on the shores can be seen large numbers of sea lions. In the sea, visitors can encounter dolphins and whales. Visitors are not allowed onto the islands, the only way to reach it is by organised tour, comprising of a speedboat trip accompanied by a guide.