The Ballestas Islands off the coast of Paracas, Peru, offer visitors a unique opportunity to explore a protected coastal region teeming with natural wonders. This guided tour provides an up-close encounter with the diverse marine life, including playful sea lions and Humboldt penguins, as well as the impressive Candelabro geoglyph. With a bilingual guide and an eco-friendly speedboat, the two-hour excursion promises to leave you captivated by the stunning cliffs and rock formations of this remarkable destination. What secrets might these islands hold?
Key Points
- This 2-hour guided tour from Paracas explores the Ballestas Islands and the Candelabro geoglyph, showcasing the region’s diverse marine life and natural beauty.
- The tour is conducted on an eco-friendly speedboat with a bilingual guide, providing commentary in English and Spanish.
- Participants can observe sea lions, Humboldt penguins, and a variety of seabirds during the excursion.
- The tour includes admission to the Ballestas Islands protected natural reserve and provides safety equipment such as life jackets.
- Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance, and the tour starts at $26.00 per person.
Tour Overview
The guided tour to the Ballestas Islands from Paracas is a 2-hour excursion that costs from $26.00 per person.
With free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, travelers can book now and pay later.
The tour explores the protected reserve’s history and natural wealth, including the Candelabro geoglyph and the diverse marine life like sea lions, Humboldt penguins, and seabirds.
The tour explores the protected reserve’s history and natural wealth, including the Candelabro geoglyph and diverse marine life.
Travelers will admire the impressive cliffs and rock formations of the Ballestas Islands on an eco-friendly speedboat with a bilingual guide.
Safety equipment and entrance tickets are included, but food and drinks are not.
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Experience Highlights
Explore the history and natural wealth of the protected reserve on this guided tour.
You’ll observe the Candelabro geoglyph, a 120-meter-high carving on a cliff.
Witness the biodiversity of the Peruvian sea, including:
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Sea lions
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Humboldt penguins
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Pelicans
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Various seabirds
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Impressive cliffs and rock formations
Admire the natural beauty of the Ballestas Islands as your eco-friendly boat takes you on a 2-hour excursion.
With a bilingual guide by your side, you’ll gain a deeper appreciation for this protected coastal region.
Tour Details
Departing from the port of Paracas, the tour takes guests on a speedboat to the Ballestas Islands.
During the 2-hour excursion, a bilingual guide provides commentary in both English and Spanish. The eco-friendly tourist boat used for the trip ensures an enjoyable and environmentally-conscious experience.
Safety equipment, including life jackets, is provided to all participants. The tour also includes tickets to access the protected Ballestas Islands reserve.
While food and drinks aren’t included, the opportunity to observe the diverse wildlife and impressive natural scenery makes this a memorable adventure.
Inclusions
This tour includes a bilingual English/Spanish guide to provide commentary during the excursion.
The inclusions are:
The inclusions are safety equipment, admission tickets, and transportation via eco-friendly speedboat for the 2-hour tour.
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Safety equipment, such as life jackets, to ensure a secure and comfortable journey
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Admission tickets to the Ballestas Islands, granting access to the protected natural reserve
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Tips, which are optional for the guide and crew
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Food and drinks aren’t included, allowing guests to explore local cuisine at their own pace
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All necessary transportation via a eco-friendly speedboat for the 2-hour tour.
Booking Information
How can travelers check availability and book the Ballestas Islands tour? Travelers can check the availability of tour start times and select their preferred date on the booking platform. The booking process is simple – just choose the number of participants and the desired tour date. A table with the essential booking details is provided below:
| Booking Details | |
| — | — |
| Check Availability | Yes |
| Reserve Now, Pay Later | Yes |
| Free Cancellation | Up to 24 hours in advance |
Once booked, the meeting point location is available on Google Maps. Travelers can easily find the departure point and join the guided tour to explore the natural wonders of the Ballestas Islands.
Exploring the Ballestas Islands
What awaits travelers on the guided tour to the Ballestas Islands? A world of natural wonders and diverse wildlife.
The tour offers the chance to:
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Observe the majestic Candelabro geoglyph, a 120-meter-high figure carved into the cliffside.
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Spot a variety of seabirds, including pelicans, boobies, and Humboldt penguins.
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Witness the playful antics of sea lions frolicking in the Peruvian waters.
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Admire the impressive rock formations and rugged cliffs that make up the Ballestas Islands.
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Explore the protected reserve and learn about its history and ecological significance.
This 2-hour excursion provides an unparalleled opportunity to take in the natural splendor of this unique Peruvian destination.
Observing the Candelabro Geoglyph
As the boat approaches the Ballestas Islands, the Candelabro geoglyph comes into view – a colossal, 120-meter-high figure carved into the rugged cliffside.
This enigmatic ancient symbol has captivated visitors for centuries. The origins and purpose of the Candelabro remain a mystery, though some speculate it may have served as a navigational marker or held cultural significance.
Visitors can observe this impressive geoglyph up close, marveling at the skill and effort required to carve such a large-scale figure into the harsh, windswept landscape.
The Candelabro’s sheer scale and prominent placement make it a highlight of the Ballestas Islands tour.
The Biodiversity of the Peruvian Sea
The Ballestas Islands are renowned for their remarkable biodiversity, offering visitors a glimpse into the vibrant Peruvian marine ecosystem.
The Ballestas Islands boast a remarkable biodiversity, allowing visitors to explore the vibrant Peruvian marine ecosystem.
During the tour, travelers can observe an array of fascinating sea creatures, including:
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Playful sea lions basking on the rocky shores
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Majestic Humboldt penguins waddling along the cliffs
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Graceful pelicans soaring through the air, diving for their next meal
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Colorful cormorants and boobies perched on the jagged outcroppings
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A diverse range of seabirds, such as terns and gulls, filling the skies with their calls.
This rich marine life is a testament to the ecological significance of the Ballestas Islands.
Things To Know
What Is the Best Time of Year to Visit the Ballestas Islands?
The best time to visit the Ballestas Islands is during the summer months, from December to March, when the weather is mild and the sea life, including sea lions and penguins, is most active and abundant.
Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks on the Tour?
No, food and drinks are not included in the tour and can’t be brought on board. Travelers will need to purchase any refreshments they want during the excursion.
Are There Any Age Restrictions or Requirements for the Tour?
The tour has no age restrictions or requirements. Children of all ages are welcome to join the guided boat tour to the Ballestas Islands. Families can participate in this adventure exploring the natural wonders of the protected reserve.
Can I Make Special Requests for the Tour?
Yes, travelers can make special requests for the tour. They can request assistance for mobility needs, dietary requirements, or any other personalized accommodations. The tour operator will do their best to accommodate these requests to ensure a comfortable experience.
Are There Any Additional Fees or Taxes Not Included in the Price?
The price includes the guided tour, transportation, entry tickets, and safety equipment. However, any optional tips and food/drinks during the tour are not included in the listed price. There are no additional fees or taxes mentioned in the tour details.
Sum Up
The Ballestas Islands tour offers visitors a unique opportunity to witness the stunning natural beauty and diverse wildlife of Peru’s coastal region. With the guidance of a knowledgeable bilingual guide, travelers can explore the impressive Candelabro geoglyph and observe a variety of marine life, including playful sea lions and Humboldt penguins, all while enjoying the breathtaking cliffs and rock formations. This eco-friendly excursion provides a memorable and informative experience for those seeking to enjoy the natural wonders of the Paracas region.
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