Full Day Ballestas Islands and the Paracas National Reserve

The Full Day Ballestas Islands and Paracas National Reserve tour offers an unparalleled opportunity to witness Peru’s stunning coastal landscapes and diverse wildlife. Travelers embark on an unforgettable boat ride to the Ballestas Islands, where they’ll encounter Humboldt penguins, sea lions, and the iconic Candelabro geoglyph. The tour then explores the breathtaking Paracas National Reserve, showcasing vibrant natural wonders and a relaxing lunch by the beach. With a comprehensive itinerary and inclusions, this tour promises an immersive exploration of Peru’s natural treasures.

Contents show

Key Points

A full-day tour that combines visits to the Ballestas Islands and Paracas National Reserve, providing an opportunity to observe diverse wildlife and natural landscapes.
The tour includes a 2-hour boat ride to the Ballestas Islands, where visitors can see the Candelabro geoglyph and spot Humboldt penguins and sea lions.
Exploration of the Paracas National Reserve, featuring scenic viewpoints, beaches, and the opportunity to experience the region’s vibrant local culture and cuisine.
The tour is available in English and Spanish, with a maximum group size of 10 participants, and includes free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.
Pickup from Ica hotels between 6:30 and 7:30 a.m., with the tour concluding by returning to Ica around 4:30 p.m.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Activity Overview

The "Full Day Ballestas Islands and Paracas National Reserve" activity offers a comprehensive exploration of two natural wonders in Peru.

This 1-day tour is priced from €46.33 per person and is available in English and Spanish. The group size is limited to 10 participants, providing an intimate experience.

Cancellation is free up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. Guests will be picked up from their Ica hotels between 6:30 and 7:30 a.m. and embark on a motorboat tour of the Ballestas Islands, followed by visits to key sites within the Paracas National Reserve, before returning to Ica by 4:30 p.m.

Here are more experiences we've reviewed in Paracas

Itinerary

Pickup takes place between 6:30 and 7:30 a.m. from hotels in Ica, with the departure point being the El Chaco dock in Paracas.

The Ballestas Islands tour lasts approximately 2 hours, showcasing iconic sites like the Candelabro geoglyph. Passengers will observe native fauna, including Humboldt penguins, sea lions, tendrils, boobies, seagulls, pelicans, and red-headed gallinules.

After the tour, there’s free time to explore the dock area.

The Paracas National Reserve activities include visiting viewpoints, stopping at Lagunilla beach for lunch, and exploring La Mina beach.

The tour returns to Ica by 4:30 p.m.

Ballestas Islands Tour

After returning to the El Chaco dock, passengers embark on the Ballestas Islands tour, which lasts approximately 2 hours.

The tour highlights include:

Viewing the iconic 170-meter Candelabro geoglyph
Observing native fauna like Humboldt penguins, sea lions, tendrils, boobies, seagulls, pelicans, and red-headed gallinules
Exploring the islands’ diverse marine life and birdlife in their natural habitat
Experiencing the dramatic landscapes and rock formations that characterize the Ballestas Islands.

The Ballestas Islands tour offers an up-close encounter with the region’s rich natural wonders, providing a memorable experience for visitors.

Post-Tour Experiences

After returning to the El Chaco dock, passengers have free time to enjoy a leisurely breakfast or stroll along the waterfront. This is an opportunity to take in the scenic coastal setting and soak up the local atmosphere.

| Activity | Duration | Recommendation |

| — | — | — |

| Breakfast | 30-60 mins | Try local seafood dishes |

| Waterfront Stroll | 30-45 mins | Admire the boats and views |

| Explore Souvenir Shops | 15-30 mins | Search for unique handcrafted items |

With the main tour activities complete, this post-tour period allows travelers to independently explore the area and enjoy the tranquil ambiance of Paracas.

More Great Tours Nearby

Paracas National Reserve Highlights

The Paracas National Reserve offers visitors a chance to explore several breathtaking natural landmarks.

After the Ballestas Islands tour, the excursion continues with stops at:

La Catedral viewpoint, showcasing the dramatic coastal cliffs.
Punta Santa María, a scenic peninsula with sweeping ocean vistas.
Playa Roja, a striking beach with vivid red-colored sand.
Lagunilla beach, where participants can enjoy lunch on their own.

The day concludes with a visit to La Mina beach before returning to Ica by 4:30 PM.

There's plenty more to explore in Paracas

Inclusions

The tour includes hotel pickup within Cercado de Ica, transportation, and a tour guide.

Visitors will also enjoy an excursion to the Ballestas Islands, where they’ll take a motorboat ride and receive life jackets.

The Ballestas Islands tourist ticket is included, which is S/ 16.00 for adults and S/ 8.00 for children.

The tour allows travelers to observe diverse native species in their natural habitat, including Humboldt penguins, sea lions, tendrils, boobies, seagulls, pelicans, and red-headed gallinules.

Additional Information

To confirm starting times before booking, travelers should check availability.

The tour utilizes motorboats to explore the Ballestas Islands, providing opportunities to observe diverse native species in their natural habitat.

Additional details to consider:

This is a shared group excursion limited to 10 participants.
Cancellation is free up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
Pickup is between 6:30-7:30 AM from hotels in Ica.
The total duration of the day’s activities is approximately 10 hours, returning to Ica by 4:30 PM.

Booking and Cancellation

Travelers can reserve their spot for the Full Day Ballestas Islands and Paracas National Reserve tour and pay later. Booking is available online, with no upfront payment required.

The tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, allowing for a full refund. This flexible cancellation policy provides peace of mind for travelers.

The limited group size of 10 participants ensures an intimate experience. Interested parties should confirm availability and starting times before booking, as the tour’s schedule may vary.

With the convenience of reserve now, pay later, and free cancellation, booking this excursion is simple and hassle-free.

Since You Asked

What Types of Food Are Available for Lunch?

The itinerary includes a stop at Lagunilla beach for lunch, which is on the traveler’s own account. The exact food options available at the beach are not specified in the overview, but it’s likely that local cuisine can be found.

Can I Bring My Own Camera Equipment?

Yes, participants can bring their own camera equipment on the tour. The activity overview encourages wildlife observation, so personal cameras and binoculars are welcome to capture the diverse native species in their natural habitats.

Is Swimming Allowed During the Ballestas Islands Tour?

Swimming is not allowed during the Ballestas Islands tour. The tour is conducted by motorboat, and visitors are advised to remain on board to observe the marine wildlife in their natural habitat from a safe distance.

What Should I Wear for the Excursion?

For this excursion, visitors should wear comfortable, lightweight clothing that can get a bit dirty. Proper footwear like hiking shoes or sandals is recommended. Bringing a hat, sunscreen, and sunglasses is also advisable to protect against the sun.

Are There Any Age Restrictions for the Tour?

There are no age restrictions for the tour. Children of all ages are welcome to participate. However, the activity may not be suitable for very young children as it involves boat rides and extended periods outdoors.

The Sum Up

The Full Day Ballestas Islands and Paracas National Reserve tour offers a chance to take in Peru’s natural wonders. From observing unique wildlife on the Ballestas Islands to exploring the stunning landscapes of the Paracas National Reserve, this tour provides an unforgettable experience. With a relaxing lunch and breathtaking viewpoints, it’s the perfect way to discover the beauty of Peru’s coastline.

You can check availability for your dates here: