The Chincha Islands comprise three small islands that are located in the Pacific Ocean 13 miles (21 km) off Peru's southwestern coast, to the northwest of Paracas Bay and the city of Pisco. They have extensive guano deposits, which have been exploited for fertilizer. Here you can visit the Isla Ballestas marine preserve. Influenced by the cold Humboldt Current, it serves as breeding refuge for birds, resting areas for mammals and spawning grounds for many marine creatures. Explore these fascinating islands where you may see a variety of seabirds, such as the very localized Peruvian booby, and mammals such as Southern sea lion and Southern fur seal