Paracas : Ballestas Islands & Paracas Reserve – Full Day

The "Paracas: Ballestas Islands & Paracas Reserve – Full Day" tour offers an immersive experience for nature enthusiasts. With a boat excursion to the Ballestas Islands and a visit to the Paracas National Reserve, participants can observe diverse wildlife and breathtaking natural formations. Priced at $79 per person, this six-hour adventure includes knowledgeable bilingual guides and essential safety equipment, ensuring a memorable exploration of Peru’s coastal wonders. What makes this tour a must-try for those seeking to discover the region’s ecological treasures?

Good To Know

• This full-day tour provides a comprehensive exploration of the Ballestas Islands and Paracas National Reserve, priced at $79 per person.
• The tour includes a 2-hour boat excursion to observe wildlife on the Ballestas Islands and a visit to the Paracas National Reserve interpretation center.
• The tour is available in both Spanish and English, with a maximum group size of 15 participants and free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.
• Hotel pickup in Paracas, life vest equipment, and entrance fees for the Paracas National Reserve are all included in the tour.
• Travelers are advised to bring appropriate items such as sunglasses, sun hats, swimwear, towels, and sunscreen for the tour.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview

This tour offers a comprehensive experience exploring the Paracas region.

The Paracas: Ballestas Islands & Paracas Reserve – Full Day tour is priced from $79 per person and lasts 6 hours. The group size is limited to 15 participants, and the tour is available in Spanish and English.

Cancellation is free up to 24 hours in advance. Hotel pickup in Paracas is included.

Highlights include a two-hour boat excursion to the Ballestas Islands, home to migratory birds and sea lions, and a visit to the Paracas National Reserve to see natural rock formations and panoramic beach views.

Itinerary Highlights

The tour begins with pickup from your hotel in Paracas.

The first stop is the Ballestas Islands, where you’ll embark on a two-hour boat excursion. Here, you’ll observe migratory birds, sea lions, and the famous Humboldt penguins.

Set out on a two-hour boat excursion to the Ballestas Islands and observe migratory birds, sea lions, and the famous Humboldt penguins.

Next, you’ll visit the Paracas National Reserve, starting with the interpretation center. The tour then takes you to see the natural rock formation known as "The Cathedral" and enjoy panoramic views of Red and Yumaque beaches.

A short walk leads you to the Flamencos viewpoint and Fusilera Zone. An optional lunch and swim at Lagunillas Beach concludes the day.

What’s Included

The tour includes a Spanish/English-speaking guide, hotel pick-up and drop-off transfers, and necessary equipment like life vests.

Entrance fees for the Paracas National Reserve and tourist taxes to the Ministry of Environment are also covered.

Travelers should bring items like sunglasses, sun hats, swimwear, towels, sandals, food, drinks, and sunscreen.

If sea conditions are rough, the boat tour may be canceled for safety, with a financial reimbursement provided.

Additional fees may apply for hotels or bus stations located far from the Paracas area.

Pickup and Transfers

Pick-up from your hotel in Paracas is included in the tour. This convenient service ensures a seamless start to your day.

The tour also provides:

• Pickup from your hotel in Paracas

• Transfers to and from the Ballestas Islands and Paracas National Reserve

• Life vest equipment for the boat excursion

• Hotel drop-off at the end of the tour, approximately 2:00 PM

These inclusions eliminate the hassle of arranging your own transportation, allowing you to focus on the highlights of the day and immerse yourself in the stunning natural landscapes of Paracas.

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Important Information

Along With the convenient pickup and transfer services, there are some important considerations for this tour.

Visitors should pack appropriately with sunglasses, sun hat, swimwear, towel, sandals, and sunscreen.

The tour may be canceled due to rough sea conditions for safety reasons, in which case a financial reimbursement will be provided.

Additional fees may apply for hotels or bus stations located further from Paracas.

Customer Feedback

Customers have overwhelmingly praised this tour, with an impressive 5/5 rating based on 2 reviews. Notable feedback includes:

• Steve from France praised the tour, remarking "The crew ensured we saw all wildlife, including penguins and sea lions. Hotel pickup was a lovely touch."

• Cynthia from the United States simply stated, "The trip was amazing!"

The tour received glowing reviews for its well-organized itinerary, knowledgeable guides, and opportunities to observe diverse marine life.

Getting to Paracas

To reach the starting point of this tour in Paracas, travelers have several convenient options.

Those arriving by air can fly into the nearby Ica Airport and arrange for a shuttle transfer to Paracas, which takes around 1 hour. Alternatively, travelers can take a bus from Lima, which takes approximately 4 hours.

Travelers can fly into Ica Airport and arrange a shuttle to Paracas, or take a 4-hour bus from Lima.

For those already in Peru, Paracas is easily accessible by car, with the drive from Lima taking roughly 3.5 hours.

Once in Paracas, the tour operator provides complimentary pickup from local hotels, making the start of the experience seamless and hassle-free.

Top Attractions in Paracas

The Ballestas Islands and Paracas National Reserve stand as Paracas’ premier attractions, each offering a distinct and captivating experience for visitors.

The Ballestas Islands, often referred to as the "Peruvian Galapagos", are home to a diverse array of migratory birds and sea lions, as well as the iconic Humboldt penguins. Visitors can explore the islands via a two-hour boat excursion.

In contrast, the Paracas National Reserve showcases the region’s natural wonders, including:

• The RNP interpretation center

• The stunning "Cathedral" rock formation

• Panoramic views of Red and Yumaque beaches

• The Flamencos viewpoint and Fusilera Zone

With optional activities like lunch and swimming at Lagunillas Beach, this full-day tour offers a comprehensive exploration of Paracas’ top attractions.

Frequently Asked Questions

How Difficult Is the Hiking in the Paracas National Reserve?

The hiking in Paracas National Reserve is generally easy and suitable for most visitors. There’s a short walk to the Flamencos viewpoint and Fusilera Zone, though the terrain is mostly flat with minimal elevation changes.

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

Yes, you can bring your own food and drinks on the boat tour. The tour information states that you should bring "food and drinks" as part of the recommended items to bring.

Is There an Option to Extend the Tour Duration?

There is no option to extend the tour duration. The tour is a set 6-hour itinerary that includes pickup, the Ballestas Islands boat excursion, and visits to the Paracas Reserve. Extending the duration would require booking a separate additional activity.

Do I Need to Provide My Own Life Jacket?

No, the tour provides life vests for participants. The guide will ensure everyone has the necessary safety equipment before the boat excursion to the Ballestas Islands. This is included in the tour price.

Can I Book the Tour in Other Languages Besides Spanish and English?

The tour is offered in Spanish and English, but guests may be able to request other languages as well. However, availability of other language options is not explicitly stated in the provided information.

The Sum Up

The Paracas: Ballestas Islands & Paracas Reserve – Full Day tour offers an immersive coastal experience. With a boat excursion to the Ballestas Islands and a visit to the Paracas National Reserve, participants can witness diverse wildlife and stunning natural landscapes. The tour’s convenient hotel pickup, knowledgeable guides, and essential safety equipment ensure a memorable exploration of Peru’s breathtaking coastline.

You can check availability for your dates here: