Tucked along Peru’s stunning Pacific coastline, the Ballestas Islands and Paracas National Reserve offer a captivating glimpse into the country’s diverse natural wonders. Travelers can embark on an unforgettable 5-hour tour, exploring the playful sea lions and charming penguins of the Ballestas Islands before delving into the dramatic landscapes of Paracas. With convenient hotel pickups, a knowledgeable guide, and refreshments, this adventure promises to immerse visitors in nature’s awe-inspiring beauty. But what secrets might these remarkable destinations hold?
Good To Know
- This 5-hour tour from Paracas features the Ballestas Islands and Paracas National Reserve, showcasing sea lions, penguins, desert landscapes, and geological formations.
- The tour includes hotel pickup/drop-off, a boat tour to the Ballestas Islands, and exploration of the Paracas National Reserve with a bilingual guide.
- Key sights on the tour include the Candelabro glyph, Cathedral rock formation, Playa Roja, and Lagunillas Beach.
- The tour is wheelchair accessible and suitable for adults, with recommendations for comfortable clothing and sun protection.
- The tour has an overall rating of 4.7 out of 5 based on 228 reviews, with positive feedback on the knowledgeable guides and comfortable transportation.
Tour Overview
This 5-hour tour combines two of Peru’s premier natural attractions: the Ballestas Islands and the Paracas National Reserve.
Priced from $60 per person, it offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance and the option to reserve now and pay later.
Priced from $60 per person, this tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance and the option to reserve now and pay later.
Hotel pickup and drop-off are included, along with a boat tour to the Ballestas Islands and a private vehicle exploration of the Paracas Reserve.
Witness thousands of sea lions and penguins, and marvel at the desert landscapes, cliffs, and unique geological formations.
With bilingual guides, entrance fees, and select refreshments, this tour provides excellent value for money.
Looking for more options in Ballestas Islands? We've reviewed plenty of other experiences.
Itinerary Highlights
The tour begins with hotel pickups from the Paracas town center, with an additional cost for pickups from other nearby towns like Pisco, Santa Cruz, and San Andres.
Guests then embark on a boat tour to the Ballestas Islands, where they’ll witness thousands of sea lions and penguins.
Next, the tour explores Paracas National Reserve, showcasing its dramatic deserts, cliffs, and unique landscapes. Key sights include the Candelabro glyph, the Cathedral rock formation, Playa Roja, and Lagunillas Beach.
Throughout the experience, a bilingual guide provides insight and context in both Spanish and English.
Inclusions and Exclusions
The tour package includes hotel pickup and drop-off in Paracas and Pisco, a bilingual guide who provides commentary in both Spanish and English, the boat tour to the Ballestas Islands, and a private vehicle for the Paracas National Reserve exploration.
The package also provides water, soft drinks, coffee, or tea. Entrance fees are covered, which are 22 Peruvian Soles for adults and 16 Soles for kids.
However, the tour excludes:
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Meals and alcoholic drinks
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Personal expenses
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Gratuities
Accessibility and Restrictions
Although the tour is wheelchair accessible, it may not be suitable for children under 5 or pregnant women.
Passengers should bring a valid passport or ID, comfortable shoes, sunglasses, a sun hat, and sunscreen.
Pets, oversized luggage, smoking, large bags, alcohol, and drugs aren’t allowed on the tour.
The tour isn’t available for cruise ship passengers, and additional arrangements are needed for those arriving in San Martin.
These guidelines ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for all participants.
More Great Tours NearbyWhat to Expect
On this 5-hour tour, visitors can expect to be picked up from their hotels in the Paracas town center, with an additional cost for pickups from other nearby towns like Pisco, Santa Cruz, and San Andres.
The highlights include:
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Exploring the Ballestas Islands by boat, where you’ll see thousands of sea lions and penguins in their natural habitat.
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Visiting the Paracas National Reserve to admire its desert landscapes, dramatic cliffs, and unique geological formations like the Candelabro glyph, Cathedral rock, Playa Roja, and Lagunillas Beach.
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Enjoying a bilingual guide, water/soft drinks, and all entrance fees, while leaving time for personal expenses and gratuities.
Customer Ratings and Feedback
How do the tour’s customer ratings and feedback compare?
The tour boasts an impressive overall rating of 4.7 out of 5 based on 228 reviews.
This tour boasts an impressive overall rating of 4.7 out of 5 based on 228 reviews.
Customers particularly praise the knowledgeable guides, rated 4.9 out of 5, and the comfortable transportation, also rated 4.9 out of 5.
The value for money is rated at 4.5 out of 5, indicating that visitors feel they received a high-quality experience for the price.
Positive reviews highlight the tour’s efficient scheduling, excellent viewpoints, and the opportunity to see Peru’s natural wonders up close on the Ballestas Islands and in Paracas National Reserve.
Getting There and Booking Details
The tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off from Paracas and Pisco, making it convenient for visitors to access the Ballestas Islands and Paracas National Reserve.
Booking is easy and flexible:
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Secure your spot without upfront payment through the reserve now, pay later option.
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Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
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Additional costs apply for pickups from other towns like Pisco, Santa Cruz, and San Andres.
Advance reservations are recommended to ensure availability for this popular tour.
Exploring the Natural Wonders
Aboard the boat, visitors embark on a captivating journey to the Ballestas Islands, a natural haven teeming with diverse marine life.
Thousands of sea lions, Humboldt penguins, and a multitude of seabirds inhabit the rocky outcrops.
Bustling with life, the rocky outcrops of the Ballestas Islands teem with thousands of sea lions, Humboldt penguins, and a multitude of seabirds.
Cruising past the impressive Candelabro glyph, the tour then ventures into the vast Paracas National Reserve.
Towering cliffs, sweeping deserts, and the striking Playa Roja beach captivate the senses.
Visitors explore the rugged landscapes, learning about the region’s unique geology and ecology from the knowledgeable guide.
With awe-inspiring vistas and abundant wildlife, this tour showcases Peru’s natural treasures.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are There Any Additional Costs for Optional Activities?
The tour package doesn’t include optional activities, but there may be additional costs for pickups from towns outside Paracas. Travelers should check with the tour provider for any supplementary fees before booking.
Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks on the Tour?
Passengers can’t bring their own food and drinks on the tour, as it includes water, soft drinks, coffee, and tea. However, they’ll need to purchase any additional meals or alcoholic beverages separately during the excursion.
Is There a Maximum Group Size for the Tour?
There’s no specified maximum group size for this tour. The tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off, a boat tour to Ballestas Islands, and a guided visit to Paracas National Reserve. However, it doesn’t allow bringing outside food or drinks.
Do I Need to Arrange My Own Transportation to the Meeting Point?
No, you don’t need to arrange your own transportation. The tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off in Paracas and Pisco, so you’ll be transported to the meeting point and back at the end of the tour.
Are There Any COVID-19 Precautions or Requirements for the Tour?
The tour adheres to COVID-19 protocols, including capacity limits, mandatory masks, and sanitization procedures. Travelers should check the latest requirements before their visit to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience.
The Sum Up
This tour offers a captivating glimpse into Peru’s natural splendor. Witness the vibrant marine life of the Ballestas Islands and discover the striking landscapes of the Paracas National Reserve. With convenient transportation, knowledgeable guides, and refreshments, it’s an immersive experience that showcases the country’s remarkable beauty. Whether you’re a nature enthusiast or seeking an unforgettable adventure, this tour promises an unforgettable exploration of Peru’s coastal wonders.
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