The "From Paracas: Ballestas Islands + Paracas National Reserve" tour offers an enriching 5-hour experience exploring one of Peru’s natural wonders. Visitors can expect to encounter a diverse array of wildlife, from sea lions to Humboldt penguins, as they embark on a boat trip through the Ballestas Islands. Following this, the tour delves into the Paracas National Reserve, showcasing the region’s stunning landscapes and emphasizing ecological preservation. With a bilingual guide and hotel pickup, this excursion provides a unique opportunity to appreciate the wonders of this remarkable ecosystem.

Contents show

Good To Know

This 5-hour excursion from Paracas allows visitors to explore the Ballestas Islands and Paracas National Reserve, home to diverse marine life and unique geological formations.
The tour includes a boat trip to the Ballestas Islands to observe sea lions, Humboldt penguins, and the Candelabro de Paracas, a 2,000-year-old hillside figure.
The land tour of Paracas National Reserve features the Interpretation Center, Cathedral rock formation, and Roja and Yumaque beaches.
The tour is priced at a starting cost of $60 per person, with free cancellation available up to 24 hours in advance.
The excursion includes hotel pickup, transportation, and an English and Spanish-speaking guide, but is subject to weather conditions and schedule changes.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Overview and Pricing

The excursion from Paracas to the Ballestas Islands and Paracas National Reserve lasts approximately 5 hours and costs from $60.00 per person.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. Travelers can reserve their spot now and pay later.

The tour includes pickup from hotels in Paracas, a boat trip to the Ballestas Islands, a land tour of the Paracas National Reserve, and transportation by minibus or bus and speedboat.

An English and Spanish-speaking guide accompanies the group. Entrance fees to the Ballestas Islands and Paracas National Reserve are included.

Looking for more options in Paracas? We've reviewed plenty of other experiences.

Itinerary and Highlights

Travelers are picked up from their hotels in Paracas at 7:20 am to begin the day’s adventure.

The first stop is a boat trip to the Ballestas Islands, where they’ll observe sea lions, Humboldt penguins, and various seabirds.

Next, they’ll visit the Candelabro de Paracas, a mysterious 2,000-year-old hillside figure.

The Candelabro de Paracas, a mysterious 2,000-year-old hillside figure, is the next stop on the Paracas adventure.

The land tour in Paracas National Reserve includes the Interpretation Center, the remains of the Cathedral rock formation, and the Roja and Yumaque beaches.

The excursion wraps up with a return to the hotels at 1:30 pm.

Ecosystem Significance

Paracas National Reserve is one of the richest and most unusual ecosystems in the world.

It’s home to thousands of sea lions and Humboldt penguins that thrive on the Ballestas Islands. These islands provide a unique opportunity for visitors to admire these fascinating creatures in their natural habitat.

The area’s cold, nutrient-rich waters support a diverse array of marine life, including whales, dolphins, and a variety of seabirds.

This fragile ecosystem is a true gem, showcasing the wonders of Peru’s coastal environment and the importance of preserving these natural treasures for future generations.

Additional Information

Service for this excursion may be subject to variation due to weather conditions, strikes, or demonstrations beyond the operator’s control. In such cases, there will be no refund provided for cancellations.

Plus, the itinerary may change for the safety of travelers and to maintain service quality.

It’s important to note that no claims or refunds will be made for no-shows on the day of the service.

The excursion is subject to changes in weather, strikes, or demonstrations.
The itinerary may be modified for traveler safety and service quality.
No refunds or claims will be accepted for no-shows.

More Great Tours Nearby

Inclusions and Fees

The excursion includes pickup from the hotel, transportation by minibus or bus and speedboat, and an English and Spanish-speaking guide.

Entrance fees cover access to the Ballestas Islands, which cost 11 S/ ($2.90) plus a 5 S/ ($1.30) dock tax per person. Entry to the Paracas National Reserve is 11 S/ ($2.90) per person.

There are no refunds for cancellations caused by weather, strikes, or demonstrations, and no claims or refunds for no-shows on the day of service.

The itinerary may change for traveler safety and service quality.

There's plenty more to explore in Paracas

Pickup and Transportation

The excursion begins with pickup from your hotel in Paracas at 7:20 am.

You’ll then be transported by minibus or bus to the boat launch area.

The speedboat ride takes you to the Ballestas Islands, where you’ll have the opportunity to see:

Thousands of sea lions
Humboldt penguins
A variety of seabirds

After the boat tour, you’ll head to the Paracas National Reserve for a land-based exploration.

Throughout the journey, an English and Spanish-speaking guide will provide insights and commentary to enhance your understanding of the region’s unique ecosystem.

Exploring the Ballestas Islands

What makes the Ballestas Islands so captivating? The remote archipelago, located off Peru’s southern coast, is home to an abundance of marine wildlife.

Travelers embark on a boat trip to witness thousands of sea lions lazing on the rocky shores. Humboldt penguins, known for their distinctive black-and-white plumage, can be spotted waddling along the cliffs. Countless seabirds, including guano-covered cormorants and pelicans, soar overhead.

The excursion also provides a glimpse of the Candelabro, a massive geoglyph etched into the hillside whose origins remain a mystery. This wildlife-rich destination offers a glimpse into the vibrant ecosystem of the Paracas region.

Discovering Paracas National Reserve

After exploring the vibrant wildlife of the Ballestas Islands, visitors can delve deeper into the natural wonders of the Paracas National Reserve.

This expansive protected area is home to a diverse ecosystem, including:

The Interpretation Center, which educates visitors on the region’s unique flora and fauna.
The striking Cathedral rock formation, a testament to the area’s geological history.
The picturesque beaches of Roja and Yumaque, where visitors can appreciate the serene coastal landscape.

The tour of the Paracas National Reserve completes the excursion, providing a comprehensive understanding of this remarkable natural wonder.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Are the Photo Policies for the Boat Tour?

Passengers are permitted to take photos during the boat tour. However, flash photography is not allowed to avoid disturbing the wildlife. Tripods and large camera equipment may be restricted for safety reasons.

Do I Need to Bring My Own Food and Water?

No, food and water are not included, so travelers should bring their own. The tour duration is 5 hours, so having snacks and drinks on hand is recommended to stay refreshed throughout the excursion.

Is There a Minimum Age Requirement for the Tour?

There’s no minimum age for the tour, but young children may require special attention. The excursion involves boat rides and walking, so parents should consider their child’s abilities before booking.

Can I Bring Children on the Tour?

The tour is suitable for children. There’s no minimum age requirement, and families are welcome to bring kids along. However, parents should ensure their children can handle the boat ride and walking involved.

What Should I Wear for the Best Experience?

Wear comfortable, closed-toe shoes suitable for walking and layers to adapt to changing weather. Bring sun protection like a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen. Bringing binoculars can enhance the wildlife viewing experience.

The Sum Up

This captivating excursion offers a chance to take in the diverse, fragile ecosystem of Peru’s Paracas region. From the abundant wildlife of the Ballestas Islands to the stunning natural landmarks of the Paracas National Reserve, the tour provides an enriching experience with a focus on ecological preservation. With convenient transportation and a knowledgeable guide, it’s an opportunity to appreciate one of the world’s most remarkable coastal environments.

You can check availability for your dates here: