From Ica: Ballestas Islands + Paracas National Reserve

Situated along Peru’s southern coast, the Ballestas Islands and Paracas National Reserve offer a captivating full-day adventure from Ica. This $65 tour provides a chance to discover the region’s unique rock formations, diverse wildlife, and striking coastal landscapes. With convenient hotel pickup, maritime exploration, and a land tour of the reserve, it’s an opportunity to take in the natural wonders of this remarkable corner of Peru. From the famous Candelabro geoglyph to the bustling sea lion colonies, this tour promises an unforgettable experience.

Good To Know

• This full-day tour departs from Ica and visits the Ballestas Islands and Paracas National Reserve, lasting approximately 9 hours.
• The tour includes transportation, a guide, life jackets, and snacks, with entrance fees to be paid separately.
• Highlights of the tour include viewing "El Candelabro," sea lion maternity wards, and the diverse coastal desert landscape of Paracas.
• The Ballestas Islands tour is a 2-hour maritime experience, while the Paracas National Reserve tour is a 5-hour land-based exploration.
• Travelers should pack sun protection, comfortable walking shoes, and light clothing layers for the varying terrain and weather conditions.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Overview and Pricing

The Ballestas Islands and Paracas National Reserve tour departs from Ica, offering visitors a full-day experience priced from $65.00 per person.

The 9-hour tour includes free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance and the option to reserve now and pay later.

Travelers will visit the geoglyph "El Candelabro," explore the rock formations and sea lion maternity wards of the Ballestas Islands, and tour the Paracas National Reserve, seeing sights like the ruins of "La Catedral" and various beaches.

Included are transportation, a guide, life jackets, and feeding, with entrance fees to be paid separately.

Itinerary and Schedule

Starting at 6:30 AM, the tour picks up guests from their hotel or the bus terminal in Ica.

At 7:45 AM, guests transfer to the tourist pier, where the maritime tour to the Ballestas Islands begins at 8:00 AM.

At 7:45 AM, guests transfer to the tourist pier, where the maritime tour to the Ballestas Islands begins at 8:00 AM.

The tour includes visiting the "El Candelabro" geoglyph, exploring rock formations and sea lion maternity wards, and spotting wildlife like Humboldt penguins, boobies, terns, pelicans, guanayes, and red-headed vultures.

By 10:00 AM, the group returns to the pier for free time.

At 11:00 AM, the land tour of Paracas National Reserve starts, visiting sites like the ruins of "La Catedral" and various beaches, ending at 4:00 PM.

Inclusions

The Ballestas Islands and Paracas National Reserve tour includes pickup from the hotel or bus terminal in Ica.

It also provides a motorboat, life jacket, and Spanish-speaking guide for the Ballestas Islands tour.

For the Paracas National Reserve tour, transportation and a Spanish-speaking driver-guide are included.

After the tour, you’ll be transferred to the bus station or your hotel in Ica.

The tour package includes bus tickets and feeding.

Snacks and drinks are provided during the tour, and a live tour guide is available in Spanish and English.

Entrance Fees

Ballestas Islands: S/.17.00. This fee grants visitors access to the Ballestas Islands, a protected marine area teeming with diverse wildlife.

The Paracas National Reserve charges an additional S/.5.00 entry fee. Together, these costs cover:

• Admission to the Ballestas Islands, where visitors can observe sea lions, Humboldt penguins, boobies, and other seabirds in their natural habitats.

• Entrance to the Paracas National Reserve, a stunning coastal desert landscape with picturesque beaches, rock formations, and historic ruins.

• Support for the conservation and maintenance of these ecologically significant destinations.

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Geoglyph "El Candelabro" and Rock Formations

As visitors approach the Ballestas Islands, they’ll be greeted by the iconic "El Candelabro" geoglyph, a massive ancient figure etched into the cliffside.

This enigmatic and mysterious symbol, measuring over 600 feet long, is a highlight of the maritime tour.

Alongside the geoglyph, visitors will explore the rugged rock formations of the islands, home to numerous sea lion colonies and nesting grounds for a variety of seabirds.

Navigating through the caves and coves, guests will witness the incredible natural beauty and wildlife that make the Ballestas Islands a must-see destination.

Ballestas Islands Wildlife

Visitors to the Ballestas Islands are treated to an array of captivating wildlife.

The islands are home to:

• Humboldt penguins, with their distinctive black backs and white bellies, can be spotted waddling along the rocky shores.

• Boobies, with their striking blue-footed appearance, soar gracefully above the waves, diving for fish.

• Pelicans, with their large wingspan and impressive beaks, gather in groups, creating a lively and dynamic scene.

The diversity of these animals, thriving in their natural habitat, makes the Ballestas Islands a must-see destination for nature enthusiasts.

Paracas National Reserve Highlights

After exploring the captivating Ballestas Islands, visitors can enjoy the breathtaking landscapes of the Paracas National Reserve.

The tour includes stops at the ruins of La Catedral, a natural wonder with stunning rock formations. Guests can also relax on the beautiful beaches of Supay, Roja, and Lagunillas, known for their soft sand and crashing waves.

Throughout the experience, travelers will be guided by a knowledgeable local who can provide insights into the reserve’s rich history and diverse ecosystem.

The tour concludes with a transfer back to Ica, leaving visitors with lasting memories of this natural wonder.

Additional Considerations

Travelers should consider packing sun protection, comfortable walking shoes, and light layers of clothing for the tour.

Pack sun protection, comfortable shoes, and light layers for an enjoyable tour experience.

The Ballestas Islands and Paracas National Reserve offer an immersive nature experience, but the conditions can be variable:

• The maritime tour can be windy and the boat ride bumpy, so having appropriate outerwear is recommended.

• There’s minimal shade on the islands, so sun hats, sunglasses, and sunscreen are essential.

• The terrain in the national reserve includes sandy beaches and rocky areas, so sturdy footwear is advised.

Gifts and souvenirs are available for purchase, and tips for the service staff are optional.

Frequently Asked Questions

How Long Is the Boat Ride to the Ballestas Islands?

The boat ride to the Ballestas Islands lasts approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes. Guests depart at 8:00 AM and return to the tourist pier around 10:00 AM, giving them time to explore the islands.

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

Yes, travelers can bring their own snacks and drinks on the tour. The tour includes feeding, but bringing additional food and beverages is allowed to enhance the experience.

Is the Tour Suitable for Children?

The tour is suitable for children. Snacks and drinks are provided during the trip, and the itinerary includes exploring rock formations and spotting wildlife, which should appeal to younger travelers. Parents should supervise their children throughout the excursion.

Can I Extend My Stay in Paracas After the Tour?

Yes, you can extend your stay in Paracas after the tour. The tour ends at 4:00 PM, so you’ll have the rest of the day to explore Paracas on your own or stay overnight before returning to Ica.

Do I Need to Bring Any Special Equipment for the Tour?

No special equipment is needed for the tour. Life jackets are provided for the boat ride to the Ballestas Islands. Comfortable clothing and walking shoes are recommended for the land tour of the Paracas National Reserve.

The Sum Up

This full-day adventure from Ica promises an unforgettable exploration of the Ballestas Islands and Paracas National Reserve. Travelers can expect to marvel at unique rock formations, spot diverse wildlife, and enjoy the stunning coastal landscapes – all for a reasonable price of $65 per person. With convenient transportation, expert guides, and included snacks, this tour offers an exceptional value for nature enthusiasts visiting Peru’s southern region.

You can check availability for your dates here: