From Ica: Ballestas Islands and Paracas National Reserve

The Ballestas Islands and Paracas National Reserve are two of Peru’s most captivating natural wonders. Visitors can experience their breathtaking beauty on a 9-hour tour from Ica, priced at just $65 per person. This adventure offers a chance to marvel at diverse wildlife, from Humboldt penguins to sea lions, while exploring iconic sites like La Catedral. With expert bilingual guidance, travelers can enjoy the region’s stunning landscapes and rich cultural heritage. What surprises await those who embark on this unforgettable journey?

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Good To Know

This 9-hour tour from Ica provides a comprehensive exploration of the Ballestas Islands and Paracas National Reserve, offering wildlife sightings and natural beauty.
The tour includes hotel or bus terminal pickup and drop-off, a maritime tour to the Ballestas Islands, and visits to various landmarks within Paracas National Reserve.
Experienced Spanish and English-speaking guides provide insights on the local wildlife, such as Humboldt penguins and sea lions, enhancing the overall experience.
The tour covers all necessary services, including life jackets, transportation, entry fees, and meals, ensuring a hassle-free and enjoyable trip.
With free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance and an online booking option, this tour offers flexibility and convenience for visitors.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Overview and Pricing

From Ica, visitors can experience the Ballestas Islands and Paracas National Reserve.

This 9-hour tour costs $65 per person, with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance. Visitors can book now and pay later.

The tour includes hotel or bus terminal pickup and drop-off, a motorboat tour with life jackets, a Spanish-speaking guide, transportation to Paracas National Reserve, a driver, and all necessary food, drinks, and entry fees.

The tour is available in both Spanish and English, and visitors can check availability and book online, with the meeting point provided on Google Maps.

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Itinerary and Activities

After being picked up from their hotel or bus terminal in Ica, visitors embark on a maritime tour to the Ballestas Islands.

They’ll view the geoglyph "El Candelabro" and explore the islands’ rock formations and sea lion maternity wards. Along the way, they’ll spot local wildlife like Humboldt penguins, boobies, terns, pelicans, guanayes, and red-headed vultures.

The tour includes free time at the tourist pier for food, local crafts, and photos.

Next, visitors explore Paracas National Reserve, seeing sights like La Catedral rock formation, Supay Beach, Roja Beach, and Lagunillas Beach.

Included Services

The tour includes several key services to enhance the experience.

Pickup and drop-off from your hotel or bus terminal in Ica are provided for your convenience.

During the maritime tour, you’ll be equipped with a life jacket for safety.

A Spanish-speaking guide will accompany you, offering insights into the local wildlife and landmarks.

Transportation to the Paracas National Reserve is included, ensuring a seamless transition between the activities.

Food, drinks, entry fees, and tips are all covered, so you can focus on enjoying the natural wonders without worrying about additional costs.

Language and Guide

A live tour guide is available in both Spanish and English, ensuring seamless communication for visitors from diverse linguistic backgrounds.

Whether you’re more comfortable conversing in the local language or prefer the familiarity of English, the guide is well-equipped to provide comprehensive information and insights throughout the tour.

This multilingual service enhances the overall experience, allowing you to fully learn about the natural wonders of the Ballestas Islands and Paracas National Reserve without any language barriers.

The guide’s expertise and language abilities ensure you don’t miss a beat during this captivating excursion.

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Booking and Availability

When checking availability, visitors can easily select the desired starting time for their tour. The website clearly displays the calendar, allowing customers to choose the date that works best for their schedule.

Once a date is picked, participants can simply enter the number of people in their group and proceed to checkout. The option to reserve now and pay later is especially convenient, as it lets travelers plan their itinerary in advance without requiring immediate payment.

With free cancellation available up to 24 hours prior, booking this Ballestas Islands and Paracas National Reserve tour is a seamless experience.

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Exploring the Ballestas Islands

Embarking on the maritime tour, visitors encounter the rugged Ballestas Islands, an archipelago teeming with an abundance of marine life.

The tour allows for close-up views of:

The mysterious geoglyph "El Candelabro" etched into the cliffs
Diverse rock formations and sea lion maternity wards
A variety of seabirds, including Humboldt penguins, boobies, terns, pelicans, guanayes, and red-headed vultures
Opportunities to spot the local wildlife in their natural habitats

With the informative guidance of a Spanish-speaking guide, travelers gain a deeper appreciation for the islands’ rich ecosystem and the importance of preserving this natural wonder.

Discovering Paracas National Reserve

After exploring the Ballestas Islands, the tour continues to the Paracas National Reserve, a breathtaking natural wonder that captivates visitors with its diverse landscapes.

The tour includes visits to La Catedral rock formation, Supay Beach, Roja Beach, and Lagunillas Beach, each offering unique geological features and opportunities to spot local wildlife.

The tour showcases the diverse geological marvels and wildlife of Paracas National Reserve, including La Catedral, Supay Beach, Roja Beach, and Lagunillas Beach.

Guests can enjoy the reserve’s stunning scenery, from rugged cliffs to sprawling beaches.

The guided tour provides transportation and ensures a seamless experience, allowing travelers to fully appreciate the natural beauty of Paracas National Reserve.

Wildlife Spotting on the Tour

One of the highlights of the Ballestas Islands tour is the opportunity to spot an abundance of local wildlife.

Visitors can expect to see:

Humboldt penguins waddling along the islands
Boobies and terns soaring overhead
Pelicans gliding effortlessly across the water
Guanayes, a type of cormorant, perched on the rocky cliffs

The tour also offers a rare chance to observe sea lion maternity wards, where these charismatic marine mammals gather to breed and care for their young.

The diverse array of flora and fauna makes the Ballestas Islands a true nature lover’s paradise.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks on the Tour?

Yes, you can bring your own food and drinks on the tour. The included services cover transportation, guide, and equipment, but do not restrict you from bringing your own snacks and beverages to enjoy during the excursion.

What Should I Bring for the Boat Ride?

You should bring a hat, sunscreen, and sunglasses for the boat ride. The tour provides life jackets, but you may want to bring extra layers in case it’s chilly on the water. Bringing your own snacks and drinks is not allowed.

Is the Tour Suitable for Children?

The tour is suitable for children, as it includes a motorboat ride with life jackets and activities like exploring rock formations and spotting local wildlife. However, children should be supervised by their parents or guardians.

Are There Any Age Restrictions for the Tour?

There are no age restrictions for this tour. Children of all ages are welcome to participate. However, parents should ensure their children can handle the boat ride and outdoor activities comfortably.

Can I Extend the Duration of the Tour?

Yes, the tour duration can be extended. Travelers can customize the experience by adding more time to explore the Ballestas Islands or Paracas National Reserve. Additional fees may apply for extended activities or services.

The Sum Up

This remarkable 9-hour tour from Ica offers a chance to witness the breathtaking natural beauty of the Ballestas Islands and Paracas National Reserve. Priced at just $65 per person, the adventure includes hotel/bus terminal pickup, a boat cruise to observe wildlife, and free time to explore the reserve and its iconic sites. With expert bilingual guidance, it’s an unforgettable way to discover Peru’s stunning coastal landscapes.

You can check availability for your dates here: