Ica: Ballestas Islands & Paracas National Reserve Excursion

Exploring the stunning Ballestas Islands and Paracas National Reserve is a must-do experience for nature lovers visiting Ica, Peru. This day trip offers a chance to witness diverse wildlife, from Humboldt penguins to sea lions, against a backdrop of breathtaking landscapes. With flexible booking options and reliable transportation, it’s an ideal way to take in the region’s natural wonders. The excursion’s highlights are sure to leave a lasting impression, but there’s more to discover about this remarkable adventure.

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Good To Know

A day trip from Ica, Peru to explore the Ballestas Islands and Paracas National Reserve, priced from $65 per person.
Opportunity to spot diverse wildlife like Humboldt penguins and sea lions, and witness the Candelabro geoglyph.
Includes hotel pickup, boat tour, and bilingual guide service for a comprehensive and immersive experience.
Packing essentials include a camera, comfortable clothing, sun protection, and small backpack for personal items.
Tour may not be suitable for those with limited mobility or young children due to physical demands.

You can check availability for your dates here:

About the Excursion

The Ballestas Islands & Paracas National Reserve excursion is a popular day trip from Ica, Peru. Lasting around 1 day, the tour takes visitors to explore the stunning Ballestas Islands and the nearby Paracas National Reserve.

Priced from $65 per person, the excursion includes hotel pickup, a boat tour of the Ballestas Islands, and a guided visit to key viewpoints in the reserve. Travelers can spot diverse wildlife like Humboldt penguins, sea lions, and seabirds.

With free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, the tour offers flexibility. However, past reviews suggest communication issues, so it’s best to confirm details before booking.

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

Itinerary Highlights

The Ballestas Islands & Paracas National Reserve excursion offers an array of captivating highlights throughout the day-long itinerary.

Participants can expect to:

Witness the Candelabro geoglyph, a mysterious pre-Inca figure carved into the cliffs near the Ballestas Islands.
Observe a diverse array of native fauna, including Humboldt penguins, sea lions, pelicans, and sandpipers.
Explore the stunning natural landscapes of Paracas National Reserve, including the iconic La Catedral, Punta Santa María, Playa Roja, and Lagunilla beach.
Enjoy a relaxing boat trip around the Ballestas Islands, lasting approximately 2 hours.

The excursion provides a well-rounded experience, allowing visitors to enjoy the natural wonders of this captivating region.

Transportation and Guide Service

A key component of the Ballestas Islands & Paracas National Reserve excursion is the transportation and guide service provided.

Guests are picked up from their Ica hotels between 6:00 and 7:00 a.m. and transported by minibus or bus to the El Chaco dock in Paracas.

Guests are transported from Ica hotels to the El Chaco dock in Paracas between 6:00 and 7:00 a.m. by minibus or bus.

A bilingual guide accompanies the group throughout the tour, providing commentary in both Spanish and English.

The guide ensures a smooth experience, from the boat trip around the Ballestas Islands to the visits to various viewpoints within the Paracas National Reserve.

This comprehensive transportation and guide service allows guests to fully enjoy the excursion.

What to Expect

One can expect an immersive and visually captivating experience during the Ballestas Islands & Paracas National Reserve excursion.

The highlights include:

Viewing the Candelabro geoglyph, a massive pre-Incan symbol etched into the cliffs.
Observing a variety of native wildlife, such as Humboldt penguins, sea lions, pelicans, and sandpipers.
Exploring the stunning landscapes of Paracas National Reserve, including the dramatic La Catedral, Punta Santa María, Playa Roja, and Lagunilla beach.
A boat tour around the Ballestas Islands, which are teeming with diverse marine life.

Be sure to bring a camera, sunscreen, and cash for any additional expenses.

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Packing Essentials

What should you pack for the Ballestas Islands & Paracas National Reserve excursion? Preparation is key to make the most of this adventure. Pack a camera to capture the stunning landscapes and diverse wildlife. Wear comfortable, lightweight clothing and closed-toe shoes for hiking. Don’t forget sun protection – a hat, sunglasses, and high-SPF sunscreen. Bring a small backpack to carry essentials like water, snacks, and any necessary medications. Check the weather forecast and pack accordingly. Lastly, have local currency on hand for any purchases or tips. Follow this packing list to ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience.

| Item | Reason | Quantity |

|————————|—————————–|———:|

| Camera | Capture memorable moments | 1 |

| Comfortable clothing | For hiking and exploring | 1-2 sets |

| Closed-toe shoes | Suitable for uneven terrain | 1 pair |

| Sun protection | Prevent sunburn | 1 set |

| Backpack | Carry personal items | 1 |

| Local currency | For purchases and tips | As needed|

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Accessibility and Restrictions

The Ballestas Islands & Paracas National Reserve excursion may not be suitable for all travelers, as it involves some accessibility challenges.

Here are a few important considerations:

Important considerations for the Ballestas Islands & Paracas National Reserve excursion include accessibility challenges and physical ability requirements.

Wheelchair accessibility: The tour isn’t wheelchair-friendly, as the boat trips and walking paths may present difficulties.
Physical ability: Participants should be able to climb in and out of the boat and navigate uneven terrain at the national reserve.
Age restrictions: The tour isn’t recommended for very young children or the elderly, who may struggle with the physical demands.
Dietary requirements: Meals and snacks aren’t provided, so travelers with special dietary needs should plan accordingly.

Booking and Cancellation Policy

Although the Ballestas Islands & Paracas National Reserve excursion can be booked up to the last minute, it’s recommended to reserve your spot in advance to guarantee availability.

The tour has free cancellation up to 24 hours prior, allowing for flexibility. Customers can also choose to reserve now and pay later, making the booking process easy.

However, last-minute reservations should be confirmed via email before booking, as availability can vary.

Customer Feedback and Insights

How has the Ballestas Islands & Paracas National Reserve excursion been received by customers?

The overall rating is a disappointing 1.3/5 based on 3 reviews.

Common complaints include:

Miscommunication regarding tour details, such as a glider flight not being included as promised.
Delays in pickup and lack of guide presence during the tour.
Unclear descriptions and poor communication, leading to confusion among participants.
Suggestions for improvement include providing clearer information and enhancing communication to avoid such issues in the future.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Are the Nearby Attractions Besides the Ballestas Islands?

Besides the Ballestas Islands, the Paracas National Reserve offers stunning viewpoints at La Catedral, Punta Santa María, Playa Roja, and Lagunilla beach, allowing visitors to take in the region’s natural beauty and diverse landscapes.

Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks for the Excursion?

Travelers can bring their own food and drinks for the excursion, as the inclusions only cover transportation, the boat trip, and a bilingual guide. However, any food or beverages not specified in the tour details are not provided.

Is There an Option to Extend the Duration of the Tour?

The excursion has a set duration of 1 day and doesn’t offer an option to extend it. The tour itinerary is fixed, so customers can’t request to extend the length of the trip. Extending the tour would require booking a separate excursion.

Are There Any Discounts Available for Seniors or Children?

The excursion doesn’t offer any discounts for seniors or children. The price of $65.00 per person is fixed, regardless of age. However, there is a free cancellation policy up to 24 hours before the tour.

Can I Request a Private Boat Trip Instead of a Group Tour?

Yes, you can request a private boat trip. Private tours are available for an additional cost. Contact the tour operator to inquire about pricing and availability of private excursions to the Ballestas Islands.

The Sum Up

The Ica: Ballestas Islands & Paracas National Reserve Excursion offers a remarkable day trip from Ica, Peru. Priced at $65 per person, it includes hotel pickup, a scenic boat tour, and wildlife viewing opportunities. Highlights are the Candelabro geoglyph and stunning landscapes. With bilingual guides and flexible cancellation policies, this excursion promises an immersive experience in one of Peru’s natural wonders.