Wonders of Paracas: Ballestas Islands and National Reserve

The "Wonders of Paracas: Ballestas Islands and National Reserve" offers an enticing day trip from Ica. At just £38.68 per person, this tour provides a chance to observe unique wildlife, witness a massive geoglyph, and relax on Langunilla beach. While it may not suit all travelers, those eager to explore Peru’s natural wonders won’t want to miss this opportunity. What makes this excursion so captivating, and what can visitors expect to discover?

Key Points

• The "Wonders of Paracas: Ballestas Islands and National Reserve" is a 1-day tour that costs £38.68 per person and includes wildlife observation and viewpoints in the National Reserve.
• The tour offers a boat trip to the Ballestas Islands, where visitors can observe guano birds, sea lions, and Humboldt penguins, as well as a large 170-meter geoglyph.
• The tour is not suitable for pregnant women, wheelchair users, or visually impaired individuals, and prohibited items include weapons, sharp objects, alcohol, and drugs.
• Recommended items for the tour include a hat, biodegradable sunscreen, cash, and weather-appropriate clothing.
• The tour offers an experiential look at natural wonders, but customer reviews indicate issues with pickup reliability and high prices at the specified restaurant for lunch.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Activity Overview

The activity is called "Wonders of Paracas: Ballestas Islands and National Reserve" and costs from £38.68 per person.

Wonders of Paracas: Ballestas Islands and National Reserve tour costs from £38.68 per person.

It’s a 1-day tour available in Spanish and English. Guests can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

The tour includes hotel pickup, a boat trip to the Ballestas Islands, wildlife observation, and visits to viewpoints in the National Reserve.

However, it’s not suitable for pregnant women, wheelchair users, or visually impaired people.

Travelers should bring a hat, sunscreen, cash, and weather-appropriate clothing, and avoid weapons, alcohol, and drugs.

Highlights and Itinerary

Guests on this tour will discover the marine life in Paracas National Reserve and explore the Pacific Ocean by boat.

The tour includes a morning pickup from hotels in Ica and a boat trip around the Ballestas Islands, lasting approximately two hours. Visitors will observe guano birds, sea lions, and Humboldt penguins in their natural habitats.

The tour also includes a view of a large geoglyph measuring 170 meters. After the boat tour, guests will have free time for lunch at the docks.

The tour then visits viewpoints in the National Reserve and ends with relaxation at Langunilla beach.

Inclusions and Exclusions

This tour includes hotel pickup and transfer, transportation by minibus or bus, and an English and Spanish-speaking guide.

The boat trip comes with a life jacket, and the tickets are 22 S/ for adults, 11 S/ for children aged 5-17, and free for kids under 5.

However, the tour isn’t suitable for pregnant women, wheelchair users, or visually impaired people.

Visitors are advised to bring a hat, biodegradable sunscreen, cash, and weather-appropriate clothing.

Weapons, sharp objects, alcohol, and drugs aren’t allowed on the tour.

Important Information

What to bring along on this tour includes a hat, biodegradable sunscreen, cash, and weather-appropriate clothing.

A hat, biodegradable sunscreen, cash, and weather-appropriate clothing are essential for this tour.

Some items are strictly prohibited, like weapons, sharp objects, alcohol, and drugs.

The tour isn’t suitable for pregnant women, wheelchair users, or visually impaired individuals due to safety concerns.

Travelers should check availability with the supplier via email for last-minute reservations.

This experiential tour offers an up-close look at the Ballestas Islands and Paracas National Reserve’s natural wonders, but guests should be prepared for the weather and limitations to accessibility.

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Customer Reviews

Only a handful of customers have shared their feedback on this Paracas tour, resulting in an overall rating of 2.3 out of 5 stars based on 3 reviews.

Reviewers found the tour quite touristic in nature, with the specified restaurant for lunch being expensive and unsatisfactory.

There were also issues with the reliability of the pickup, leading to additional expenses for taxis.

Experiences with the service quality and tour organization were mixed, with some noting problems.

Getting to Paracas

Paracas is located approximately 250 kilometers south of Lima, the capital of Peru. The town is known for its stunning natural beauty and serves as the gateway to the Ballestas Islands and Paracas National Reserve. Visitors have several transportation options to reach Paracas:

| Method | Duration | Cost |

|——–|———-|——|

| Bus | 3-4 hours | $5-$10 |

| Private Transfer | 2.5 hours | $80-$100 |

| Rental Car | 3 hours | $50-$80 per day |

| Domestic Flight | 1 hour | $50-$100 |

While the bus is the most budget-friendly option, private transfers and rental cars offer more flexibility and convenience. Those seeking a faster journey can consider a domestic flight from Lima.

Exploring the Ballestas Islands

After reaching Paracas, visitors can embark on a boat tour to explore the breathtaking Ballestas Islands.

This 2-hour excursion offers a chance to observe an abundance of wildlife, including guano birds, sea lions, and the iconic Humboldt penguins.

The tour also provides views of a massive 170-meter geoglyph, a mysterious ancient design etched into the cliffs.

Visitors can take in the dramatic scenery of the rugged, guano-covered islands, surrounded by the vast Pacific Ocean.

This unique experience allows travelers to enjoy the natural wonders of the Paracas region.

Discovering Paracas National Reserve

After exploring the Ballestas Islands, visitors can dive deeper into the natural wonders of the Paracas National Reserve.

This protected coastal desert offers stunning views from its viewpoints like La Catedral, Punta Santa Maria, and Playa Roja. Visitors can gaze upon the dramatic red cliffs, sweeping sand dunes, and wildlife-rich lagoons.

The Reserve is home to a diverse array of birds, sea lions, and the elusive Humboldt penguin.

Beyond the scenic vistas, travelers can relax on the serene Langunilla beach.

Travelers can unwind on the tranquil Langunilla beach after taking in the reserve’s stunning coastal scenery.

With its unique desert-meets-ocean landscape, the Paracas National Reserve showcases Peru’s breathtaking natural beauty.

Since You Asked

What Is the Cancellation Policy for This Tour?

The tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, allowing customers to receive a full refund. This flexible policy gives travelers the option to make changes to their plans without penalty.

Can I Request a Private Tour Instead of a Group Tour?

Yes, customers can request a private tour instead of a group tour. However, the price for a private tour may be higher than the group tour price. Customers should check with the tour provider for availability and pricing of private tour options.

Are There Any Dietary Restrictions for the Included Lunch?

The activity does not mention any specific dietary restrictions for the included lunch. Travelers should inform the tour provider of any dietary needs in advance to ensure accommodations can be made.

Is There an Option to Extend the Tour Duration?

The tour doesn’t offer an option to extend the duration. However, travelers can explore the area further on their own after the scheduled tour activities. The tour focuses on the key highlights within the allotted time.

Can I Book This Tour as Part of a Multi-Day Package?

You can’t book this 1-day tour as part of a multi-day package. The activity overview doesn’t mention any multi-day options. The tour is offered as a standalone experience with a fixed 1-day duration.

The Sum Up

The "Wonders of Paracas" tour offers an exciting opportunity to explore the Ballestas Islands and Paracas National Reserve. While the tour includes impressive wildlife viewing and scenic landscapes, it may not be suitable for all visitors. Customers should consider their personal needs and expectations when booking this tour, as reviews suggest variable experiences in terms of service and organization.

You can check availability for your dates here: