Ica: Ballestas and Paracas Islands Tour - Shared Service

The Ica: Ballestas and Paracas Islands Tour offers an immersive 9-hour shared service experience that showcases the region’s stunning natural wonders. Exploring the Ballestas Islands and Paracas National Reserve, travelers can spot Humboldt penguins, sea lions, and diverse wildlife while enjoying seamless logistics and flexible cancellation policies. With hotel pickup, guided visits, and affordable pricing, this tour provides an engaging way to discover the captivating landscapes of southern Peru.

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Key Points

This shared service tour explores the Ballestas Islands and Paracas National Reserve in Ica, Peru, lasting 9 hours and priced from $44 per person.
The tour includes hotel pickup, transportation, and guided visits, with availability in Spanish and English and free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.
Highlights of the tour include sightings of the Candelabro figure, Humboldt penguins, sea lions, and marine birds during the Ballestas Islands boat tour, followed by a 4-hour guided visit to Paracas National Reserve.
The tour offers a seamless travel experience with shared transfers between Ica and Paracas, and pickup and drop-off at 63 locations across Ica.
While the tour includes several services, entry fees to the Ballestas Islands and Paracas National Reserve are not included, costing an additional S/22.00 soles per person.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview

This tour offers visitors a chance to explore the stunning Ballestas Islands and Paracas National Reserve in Ica, Peru.

Priced from $44 per person, the 9-hour shared service tour includes hotel pickup, transportation, and guided visits to the Ballestas Islands and Paracas National Reserve.

The tour is available in Spanish and English, with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.

Travelers can reserve their spot and pay later, providing flexible booking.

Despite some mixed reviews regarding communication and value, this tour promises an immersive experience to witness the region’s remarkable natural beauty.

Looking for more options in Ica? We've reviewed plenty of other experiences.

Itinerary and Activities

The tour begins with pickup from one of 63 locations, including various hotels in Ica and Plaza de Armas, at 7:00 a.m.

The tour begins with pickup from one of 63 locations, including various hotels in Ica and Plaza de Armas, at 7:00 a.m.

Guests then transfer to the Chaco dock and board a boat for the 1.5-hour Ballestas Islands tour. During the tour, they’ll see the Candelabro figure, Humboldt penguins, sea lions, and marine birds.

Next, the tour continues with a 4-hour guided visit to the Paracas National Reserve, where they’ll explore the Peninsula Isthmus, the Cathedral, Supay Beach, and Lagunillas Beach.

Finally, the tour returns to Ica, concluding the 9-hour adventure.

Transportation Details

Shared service transfers take guests between Ica and Paracas during the tour.

Pickup and drop-off locations include 63 sites across Ica, such as various hotels and the Plaza de Armas. This provides convenient access for travelers.

The tour includes roundtrip transportation, taking the hassle out of navigating between the two destinations. Guests don’t need to worry about driving or arranging their own transportation, as the shared service handles all the logistics.

With numerous pickup points and efficient transfers, this tour offers a seamless travel experience for visitors exploring the Ballestas and Paracas Islands.

Inclusions and Costs

The tour includes several key inclusions, such as hotel pickup and drop-off, shared service transfers between Ica and Paracas, the Ballestas Islands tour by airboat for 1.5 hours, and a guided tour of the Paracas National Reserve.

Personalized assistance is also provided throughout the experience.

However, the entry fees for the Ballestas Islands and Paracas National Reserve, which cost S/22.00 soles, aren’t included and must be paid by the travelers.

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Customer Feedback

Customers have provided a mixed set of reviews for the Ballestas and Paracas Islands Tour. While the overall rating is 4/5 based on 3 reviews, some common complaints have emerged.

The Ballestas and Paracas Islands Tour has received a mixed set of reviews, with an overall rating of 4/5 based on 3 reviews.

Issues with communication regarding pickup times, repeated requests for personal information, and the perceived high cost for the service quality have been noted.

Customers have also suggested including more stops in the national park and having better English-speaking guides.

Despite these drawbacks, the tour provides an opportunity to see the iconic Candelabro figure, Humboldt penguins, sea lions, and marine birds in the Ballestas Islands and explore the Paracas National Reserve.

There's plenty more to explore in Ica

Exploring the Ballestas Islands

What draws visitors to the Ballestas Islands? The chance to witness the diverse marine life that thrives on these uninhabited islands.

Aboard an airboat, travelers explore the rugged cliffs and hidden caves, spotting colonies of Humboldt penguins, sea lions, and an array of seabirds.

The highlight is the mysterious Candelabro geoglyph, a massive ancient figure etched into the sands.

With its untamed beauty and abundant wildlife, the Ballestas Islands provide a window into Peru’s captivating natural wonders.

This 1.5-hour boat tour offers an unforgettable glimpse of the country’s coastal treasures.

Discovering Paracas National Reserve

After exploring the Ballestas Islands, visitors can delve deeper into the natural wonders of Peru by discovering Paracas National Reserve.

The 4-hour guided tour takes them to the Peninsula Isthmus, the Cathedral rock formation, Supay Beach, and Lagunillas Beach.

Travelers can witness the stunning coastal landscapes, including towering cliffs, hidden coves, and pristine beaches.

The reserve is home to diverse wildlife, including sea lions, migratory birds, and the endangered Peruvian pelican.

With personalized assistance and knowledgeable guides, visitors can fully enjoy the captivating beauty of this protected natural paradise.

What to Expect on the Tour

What can travelers expect on this comprehensive tour of the Ballestas and Paracas Islands? A well-organized day filled with stunning natural wonders.

The highlights include:

A well-organized day filled with stunning natural wonders, including a boat ride around the Ballestas Islands and a guided tour of Paracas National Reserve.

A 1.5-hour boat ride around the Ballestas Islands to see the Candelabro figure, Humboldt penguins, sea lions, and diverse marine life.
A guided 4-hour tour of Paracas National Reserve, exploring the Peninsula Isthmus, the Cathedral, Supay Beach, and Lagunillas Beach.
Convenient shared service transfers between Ica and Paracas, with pickups and drop-offs at 63 locations in Ica, ensuring hassle-free transportation.

Since You Asked

Can I Book the Tour for a Private Group?

Yes, you can book the tour for a private group. The tour provider offers a private tour option in addition to the shared service. Booking a private tour allows you to customize the itinerary and enjoy a more personalized experience.

Are There Any Discounts Available for Children or Seniors?

The tour operator offers discounted rates for children and seniors. Children under 5 years old can join the tour for free, while seniors 65 and older receive a 10% discount on the regular tour price.

Is the Tour Suitable for People With Mobility Issues?

The tour may not be suitable for people with significant mobility issues, as it involves walking, boarding boats, and navigating uneven terrain. Those with concerns should consult the tour provider to determine if accommodations can be made.

Can I Customize the Tour Itinerary to Include Additional Activities?

While the tour generally has a fixed itinerary, customers may be able to customize their experience by requesting additional activities or stops, though this would likely incur extra costs. It’s best to check with the tour operator about any flexibility in the itinerary.

What Types of Payment Methods Are Accepted for the Tour?

The tour accepts various payment methods, including credit/debit cards and PayPal. Customers can reserve their spot now and pay later, providing booking flexibility. The exact payment options are not specified in the provided tour overview.

The Sum Up

The Ica: Ballestas and Paracas Islands Tour offers a comprehensive 9-hour experience that showcases the natural wonders of Peru’s Pacific coast. Travelers can marvel at the diverse marine life on the Ballestas Islands and enjoy the breathtaking landscapes of the Paracas National Reserve, all while enjoying seamless logistics and the flexibility of free cancellation. This tour is an excellent value at just $44 per person, making it an ideal choice for those seeking an unforgettable adventure.

You can check availability for your dates here: