Ballestas Islands & Paracas National Reserve

Explore the "Galapagos of Peru", home to sea lions, penguins, and stunning coastal desert landscapes.

Tour Type

Group Tour | Nature & Wildlife

Duration

Full Day

Elevation

Sea Level

Difficulty

Easy

Departure

Paracas Hotels

Destination

Paracas & Ica

Latitude

-13.8295

Longitude

-76.2514

Tour Overview

Discover the incredible marine biodiversity and dramatic coastal landscapes of the Paracas peninsula. Often referred to as the "Galapagos of Peru," the Ballestas Islands are a group of rocky outcrops that serve as a sanctuary for millions of seabirds, Humboldt penguins, and large colonies of sea lions.

After the boat tour, we will explore the Paracas National Reserve, one of the most unique coastal deserts in the world. You will witness the striking contrast between the deep blue Pacific Ocean and the fiery red and yellow sand beaches, making this tour a dream for nature lovers and photographers alike.

Detailed Itinerary

07:30 AM

Meeting Point: Meet at the Paracas tourist dock or your hotel in Paracas.

08:00 AM

Ballestas Islands Boat Tour: Board the speedboat and head out to the islands. On the way, stop to see the famous "Candelabra" geoglyph carved into the sandy hills.

09:00 AM

Wildlife Watching: Arrive at the islands. Watch sea lions basking on the rocks, penguins diving into the water, and massive flocks of pelicans, boobies, and cormorants.

10:00 AM

Return to Dock: Head back to the mainland and enjoy a short break for a coffee or snack.

11:00 AM

Paracas National Reserve Tour: Board a minibus and drive into the spectacular coastal desert reserve. Visit stunning viewpoints like the Cathedral rock formation, Playa Roja (Red Beach), and Lagunillas.

02:00 PM

Lunch & Relax: Stop at a local seaside restaurant where you can enjoy fresh seafood (lunch not included).

03:30 PM

End of Tour: Return to your hotel in Paracas or the bus station.

Includes

Speedboat tour to the Ballestas Islands
Guided tour of the Paracas National Reserve
Professional bilingual guide (English/Spanish)
Port taxes and entrance fees to the islands and reserve
Safety life jackets

Excludes

Meals and drinks
Tips for the guide and boat driver
Personal expenses

What to bring

Windbreaker or light jacket (it gets windy on the boat)
Sun hat, sunglasses, and high SPF sunscreen
Camera with a good zoom lens for wildlife
Comfortable walking shoes
Motion sickness pills (if you are sensitive to boat rides)

Pro Travel Tips

The boat ride can be bumpy; if you suffer from seasickness, take medication 30 minutes before boarding.
Always wear sunscreen, even if it looks cloudy, as the coastal sun is strong.

Private Experience

$40per person

Tour Highlights

See sea lions, penguins, and dolphins in their natural habitat

Marvel at the mysterious pre-Inca Candelabra geoglyph

Explore the dramatic red sand beaches of the Paracas Reserve

Enjoy the striking contrast between the desert and the ocean

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