Paracas: Ballestas Islands & Reserve in One Day Experience
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All of Paracas in one day! Paracas Candelabra, Ballestas Islands, beaches, cliffs, and the Reserve’s best views, one tour, the full experience.
Highlights
- All of Paracas in one day: the ultimate full-day adventure.
- 2-hour boat tour to the Paracas Candelabra & Ballestas Islands.
- Wildlife up close: sea lions, Humboldt penguins & seabirds.
- Explore the Paracas National Reserve: cliffs, red beaches & desert vibes.
- Swim at La Mina Beach + free time at Lagunillas for lunch by the sea.
Description
Experience the best of Paracas in just one day
Got only one day and want it all? Don’t worry, this full-day tour was designed so you don’t miss a single highlight. In less than 24 hours you’ll explore the bay, the islands, and the desert reserve. Spoiler: yes, it’s intense, but totally worth it.
First stop: the ocean:
We kick things off at 8:00 a.m. aboard our eco-friendly boat. Just a few minutes after departure, the first highlight appears: the Paracas Candelabra, a massive geoglyph carved into the desert hillside. The coolest part? You see it right from the sea. Forget about Nazca Lines for a second—this mystery is closer, bigger, and just as mind-blowing. Nobody really knows who made it or why, which makes it even more epic.
Then we head toward the Ballestas Islands, also called the “Peruvian Galápagos.” Picture sea lions sunbathing like they own the place, Humboldt penguins waddling around, and hundreds of seabirds flying above you. Add dramatic rock formations sculpted by wind and waves, and if you’re lucky—dolphins swimming right next to your boat. After 2 hours of pure ocean vibes, we return to the dock with your camera roll already full.
Time to recharg:
From 10:00 to 11:00 a.m. you’ll have some free time to stroll along the Paracas boardwalk. Grab a coffee, sip a fresh juice, or pick up a handmade souvenir from local artisans. Chill a bit—because the adventure is far from over.
Second stop: the desert:
At 11:00 a.m. we switch gears and jump into a comfy group vehicle to explore the Paracas National Reserve. This is not your average desert: here landscapes change every few kilometers. Expect towering sea cliffs, Mars-like red beaches, and even ancient marine fossils buried in the sand.
We’ll stop at iconic spots like the Paracas Cathedral (a dramatic rock formation shaped by the ocean), the viewpoints of Supay and Santa María, and of course the famous Red Beach, where crimson sand meets turquoise waters in a surreal contrast.
And yes, you’ll also get the chance to swim at La Mina Beach, a calm bay surrounded by golden cliffs. Later, we head to Lagunillas Beach, the perfect lunch spot by the ocean (lunch not included). Here you literally eat on the rocks while the waves crash beneath you.
The grand finale:
Around 3:00 p.m. we’ll return to the starting point, wrapping up a full day packed with Paracas’ very best. Ocean and desert, wildlife and landscapes, mystery and relaxation—all in one epic adventure.
So, what do you say? Ready to live the best of Paracas in just one day? :)
Includes
Tickets and taxes for the Islas Ballestas
Tickets and taxes for the Paracas Reserve
Group ecological boat for the Ballestas Islands
Bilingual guide (English/Spanish) for the Islas Ballestas tour
Bilingual guide (English/Spanish) for the Paracas Reserve tour
Group transportation for the Paracas National Reserve
Life jackets
Transfers from Hotel or bus station in Paracas (Optional)
Important Information
- If weather conditions are dangerous, the excursion will be postponed or canceled.
If you are prone to seasickness, avoid eating heavily before departure.
Optional pickup is available at hotels or the bus station in Paracas. Customers staying outside of Paracas must select the meeting point option.
Lunch (optional) at Lagunillas Beach is not included in the service.
Easy cancellation
Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund