From Paracas: Ballestas Island Cruise & Paracas Reserve Tour

The "From Paracas: Ballestas Island Cruise & Paracas Reserve Tour" promises an unforgettable 6-hour adventure. Travelers can spot Humboldt penguins, seals, and coastal birds on a scenic boat ride to the Ballestas Islands. They’ll also explore the stunning landscapes of Paracas National Reserve, while enjoying a local cuisine lunch. With a bilingual guide enhancing the experience, this tour offers an opportunity to discover the natural wonders of Peru’s Pacific coast. What more could one ask for in a day’s adventure?

Key Points

• Comprehensive 6-hour tour from Paracas that includes a Ballestas Islands cruise and exploration of the Paracas National Reserve.
• Priced at $55 per person with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.
• Boat tour allows observation of Humboldt penguins, seals, and coastal birds, as well as the Candelabro glyph.
• Guided exploration of Playa Roja and Lagunillas Beach in Paracas National Reserve, including lunch at local restaurants.
• Tour includes bilingual guide, transportation, and positive customer feedback on the overall experience.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview and Pricing

This tour offers a comprehensive Ballestas Islands cruise and Paracas Reserve exploration from Paracas. Priced from $55 per person, the 6-hour experience includes a boat tour to Ballestas Islands and a group visit to Paracas National Reserve.

Highlights include spotting seals, penguins, and coastal birds, admiring the Candelabro glyph, and discovering Playa Roja and Lagunillas Beach.

Transportation to/from Huacachina or Ica is provided. Bilingual guides lead the tour in English and Spanish.

While not suitable for pregnant women or babies under 1, the tour allows free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Itinerary Highlights

The Ballestas Islands cruise and Paracas Reserve tour offers a diverse range of natural wonders to discover.

On the boat tour, guests can observe sunbathing seals, Humboldt penguins, pelicans, and blue-footed boobies. They’ll also catch a glimpse of the Candelabro glyph, a pre-Incan geoglyph carved into the cliffs.

At the Paracas National Reserve, visitors can admire the striking desert landscapes and explore Playa Roja and Lagunillas Beach.

The experience culminates with a lunch at local restaurants in Lagunillas Beach, providing an opportunity to savor the local cuisine and culture.

Transportation and Meeting Point

The tour begins at the LAS ADVENTURE Tours meeting point in Paracas.

From there, transportation is provided to the Ballestas Islands and Paracas National Reserve.

The group boat tour takes visitors to the Ballestas Islands, a popular spot to see seals, penguins, and seabirds.

After the boat tour, the group will explore the Paracas National Reserve, with its desert landscapes and attractions like the Candelabro glyph.

At the end of the tour, transportation is included back to Huacachina or Ica.

The tour is led by a bilingual guide throughout the experience.

Guided Tour Information

A bilingual guide is available for the tour, offering commentary in both English and Spanish. The guide will accompany the group throughout the entire experience.

This guided tour isn’t suitable for pregnant women or babies under 1 year of age. The guide provides live narration, sharing insights and information about the Ballestas Islands and Paracas National Reserve.

Customers have generally provided positive feedback about the knowledgeable and engaging guides. However, a few have noted some communication issues.

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Customer Reviews and Ratings

Customers have generally provided a positive assessment of the Ballestas Island Cruise & Paracas Reserve Tour, awarding it an overall rating of 4.2 out of 5 stars based on 26 reviews.

Customers were particularly impressed with the quality of the tour guide, rating them 5 out of 5 stars. The transportation aspect of the tour also received a favorable 4.2-star rating.

However, some customers felt the tour didn’t provide excellent value for the money, resulting in a 3.4-star rating in this area.

Exploration of Ballestas Islands

Though the Ballestas Islands are often referred to as the "Peruvian Galapagos," visitors quickly discover that this archipelago off the coast of Paracas offers a unique and captivating experience all its own.

Cruising along the rugged coastline, passengers are treated to a spectacular display of wildlife, including colonies of sea lions, Humboldt penguins, and a diverse array of seabirds like pelicans and blue-footed boobies.

The iconic Candelabro glyph, a massive geoglyph carved into the sand, is another highlight of the tour. Disembarking at select points allows visitors to explore the islands further, seeing this remarkable natural wonder.

Discovering Paracas National Reserve

After exploring the captivating Ballestas Islands, the tour continues with a visit to the Paracas National Reserve, a vast desert landscape that offers a unique window into Peru’s natural wonders.

Guests have the opportunity to discover the Candelabro glyph, a mysterious ancient geoglyph etched into the cliffs. They’ll also spot sunbathing seals, Humboldt penguins, pelicans, and blue-footed boobies.

The tour explores the stunning Playa Roja and Lagunillas Beach, providing a glimpse into the diverse ecosystems of the reserve.

Lunch is enjoyed at local restaurants in Lagunillas, allowing visitors to savor the flavors of the region.

Dining Experience at Lagunillas Beach

The dining experience at Lagunillas Beach caps off the memorable journey through the Paracas National Reserve. Visitors savor local cuisine at the beachside restaurants, taking in the stunning ocean views. The menu features fresh seafood, including ceviche, grilled fish, and calamari. Vegetarian and gluten-free options are also available. To complement the meal, visitors can indulge in refreshing Pisco sours or Peruvian beer.

| Meal Options | Beverage Options |

|————–|—————–|

| Ceviche | Pisco Sour |

| Grilled Fish | Peruvian Beer |

| Calamari | Soft Drinks |

The relaxed dining atmosphere and delectable Peruvian flavors make for a perfect end to the day’s adventure.

Since You Asked

How Early Should I Arrive at the Meeting Point?

The tour recommends arriving at the meeting point at least 15 minutes early. This allows time to check-in, get organized, and ensure a prompt departure. Arriving on time is important to avoid missing the group tour.

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

Yes, customers can bring their own snacks and drinks on the tour. The tour information states that it includes transportation and a group boat tour, but does not mention any restrictions on bringing personal food and beverages.

Is There an Option for a Private or Small Group Tour?

Yes, there is an option for a private or small group tour. The website states that the tour is offered as a group excursion, but private tours may be available upon request for an additional fee.

Can I Extend the Duration of the Tour?

Yes, the tour can be extended for an additional fee. Guests can customize the duration of the tour to suit their preferences. However, the standard tour lasts 6 hours, and any extensions would need to be arranged directly with the tour provider.

Are There Any Age Restrictions for the Ballestas Islands Cruise?

The tour is not suitable for pregnant women or babies under 1 year old, but there are no other age restrictions for the Ballestas Islands cruise. Children of all ages are welcome to participate in the tour.

The Sum Up

This tour offers a fantastic opportunity to explore the stunning natural wonders of Paracas. Visitors can witness the diverse wildlife of the Ballestas Islands, marvel at the Candelabro glyph, and enjoy the breathtaking landscapes of Paracas National Reserve. With a knowledgeable guide, comfortable transportation, and a delightful lunch, this 6-hour adventure is a must-do for anyone seeking to experience the beauty of Peru’s coastal region.

You can check availability for your dates here: