From Paracas: Ballestas Islands & Paracas National Reserve
102 Reviews
WHEN
Sunday 1 November to Sat Apr 5th 2025
ADDRESS
, Peru
Highlights
- Visit the stunning region often referred to as 'Peru's Galapagos'
- See thousands of sea lions and penguins basking on Ballestas Island
- Explore the otherworldly landscape of Paracas National Reserve
- Gaze upon the ocean while standing in a stark desert
Description
After a convenient hotel pickup from Paracas, head to the pier to start your adventure. Board a speedboat with your bilingual, Spanish and English-speaking guide, and jet out onto the sea towards the stunning Ballestas. Along the way, stop at the Paracas Peninsula to see the Candelabro, an enigmatic glyph carved into the side of the island — whose purpose, and creator, remain a mystery to this day.
Afterwards, continue onwards towards the marine sanctuary of Ballestas. Gaze upon the rocky shores, filled to the brim with sunbathing seals, and penguins diving into the turbid waters to hunt underneath the surface — all alongside other beautiful specimens, like majestic pelicans, and colorful blue-footed boobies. You’ll then return to the pier for a drive to Paracas National Reserve.
An almost alien landscape, the Paracas National Reserve is composed of vast, sprawling deserts and high sandstone cliffs directly next to the bright, blue ocean. Driving through the reserve, see the Cathedral, an area where a vast rock formation once stood before being destroyed by a cataclysmic earthquake. Your tour caps things off with visits to Playa Roja and Lagunillas Beach, two stunning maroon-sand beaches that are truly one-of-a-kind. Having seen some of the world's most unique natural features, flora, and fauna, you'll hop back in the car for a convenient transfer back to your hotel.
Includes
Hotel pickup and drop-off in Paracas and Pisco
Bilingual guide in English/Spanish
Boat tour to Ballestas Islands
Transportation for the Paracas Reserve tour
Bottle of water
Important Information
- The entrance fees to the Ballestas Island and Paracas National Reserve are paid locally at the harbour main gate - cash only, so it is recommended that you bring some Peruvian Soles to pay the local fee or you can pay in USD 7 per person
Easy cancellation
Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund