Ballestas Islands & Paracas National Reserve From Paracas

Nestled along Peru’s stunning Pacific coast, the Ballestas Islands and Paracas National Reserve offer a captivating glimpse into the region’s diverse wildlife and natural wonders. Travelers can embark on a 7-hour adventure from Paracas, starting at just $754 per person, to witness the breathtaking beauty of this remarkable destination. From spotting sea lions, cormorants, and Humboldt penguins during a scenic boat tour to exploring the awe-inspiring landscapes of the national reserve, this tour promises an unforgettable experience for nature enthusiasts. With knowledgeable English-speaking guides leading the way, visitors can delve deeper into the area’s rich history and ecological significance. But there’s more in store for those who choose to…

Key Points

• The tour offers a 7-hour excursion to the Ballestas Islands and Paracas National Reserve, starting from Paracas.
• The boat ride allows sightings of sea lions, cormorants, Humboldt penguins, and the iconic Candelabra geoglyph.
• The Paracas National Reserve tour includes visiting the Mirador de Flamencos and an off-road adventure to Lagunillas Beach.
• The tour includes transportation, English-speaking guides, and entrance fees, with a reserve now, pay later option available.
• The tour is highly rated, with positive feedback on the organized activities and wildlife sightings.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Overview and Pricing

The activity offered is a tour of the Ballestas Islands and Paracas National Reserve, with prices starting from Kč754 per person.

The tour lasts 7 hours and is available with the option to reserve now and pay later. Customers can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

The tour includes a boat ride to the Ballestas Islands, a visit to the Candelabra geoglyph, and a tour of the Paracas National Reserve.

Visitors can observe diverse wildlife, learn about guano deposits, and enjoy an off-road adventure to Lagunillas Beach.

Ballestas Islands Boat Tour

Departing from Paracas at 8:00 am, the Ballestas Islands boat tour takes visitors on a journey to witness the diverse wildlife inhabiting this remarkable natural wonder.

Along the way, the iconic Candelabra geoglyph, an enormous pre-Inca figure etched into the hillside, comes into view.

Once at the islands, guests can observe a thriving community of sea lions, cormorants, Peruvian boobies, pelicans, and even the elusive Humboldt penguins.

The tour also provides insights into the history of guano, Peru’s once-lucrative export, and the regulated extraction process that takes place every decade.

With the opportunity to spot dolphins, this boat excursion offers an unparalleled glimpse into the natural riches of the Ballestas Islands.

Paracas National Reserve

After the Ballestas Islands boat tour, the group departs for Paracas National Reserve at 11:00 am.

At the Mirador de Flamencos, they’ll see flamingos, while the Centro de Interpretación showcases wildlife skeletons.

The highlight is the off-road adventure to Lagunillas Beach, where they can enjoy lunch (not included) and swimming opportunities.

The Paracas National Reserve tour is included, along with English-speaking guides, transportation, and entrance fees.

Visitors are advised to bring their passport, suitable clothing, binoculars, sunblock, a hat, and sunglasses.

With an overall rating of 4.4/5 from 69 reviews, this tour offers a well-organized experience and diverse wildlife sightings.

Diverse Wildlife Sightings

During the Ballestas Islands boat tour, visitors can observe a diverse array of wildlife. The islands are home to large colonies of sea lions, cormorants, and the Peruvian booby.

Majestic Humboldt penguins can also be spotted, as well as graceful pelicans soaring overhead. With luck, visitors may even catch a glimpse of dolphins swimming alongside the boat.

The tour provides an opportunity to learn about the important guano deposits that were once Peru’s primary export in the mid-19th century. Regulated extraction of this valuable fertilizer occurs every 10 years, preserving the ecological balance of the islands.

More Great Thing To Do Nearby

Guano Deposits and Extraction

The Ballestas Islands are renowned for their substantial guano deposits, which were once Peru’s primary export in the mid-19th century.

This valuable fertilizer, composed of accumulated bird droppings, has been extracted from the islands in a regulated manner every 10 years.

The guano deposits are an integral part of the islands’ history and ecology, and visitors can learn about their significance and extraction process during the tour.

The guides will provide insights into how this natural resource was harvested and its importance to Peru’s economy in the past.

Understanding the guano’s role sheds light on the islands’ unique environmental and cultural heritage.

Off-road Adventure to Lagunillas Beach

An off-road adventure takes visitors to the picturesque Lagunillas Beach, located within the Paracas National Reserve.

After departing from the Paracas National Reserve tour, the tour group embarks on an exhilarating off-road journey to this scenic destination.

At Lagunillas Beach, travelers can enjoy a leisurely lunch (not included in the tour price) and take a refreshing swim in the tranquil waters.

The beach offers stunning views of the surrounding landscape, allowing visitors to fully enjoy the natural beauty of the Paracas region.

This off-road excursion is a highlight of the comprehensive Paracas National Reserve tour, providing an opportunity to explore the region’s diverse attractions.

Tour Inclusions and Meeting Point

This tour includes the Ballestas Islands boat ride, Paracas National Reserve tour, English-speaking guides, transportation, and entrance fees for both sites (22 Soles) as well as a dock ticket (5 Soles).

The meeting point is at the Paracas Local Office, located at Av Paracas Mz D Lte 5, Paracas, Peru, right next to the Gran Palma hotel.

To make the most of the tour, it’s recommended to:

1. Bring your passport.
2. Wear adequate clothing and bring extra for summer tours.
3. Pack binoculars, sunblock, a hat, and sunglasses.
4. Consider bringing extra clothing for the beach activities.

Customer Recommendations and Reviews

Customers generally provide positive feedback about the well-organized tours, friendly guides, and diverse wildlife sightings.

The tour is rated 4.4 out of 5 based on 69 reviews. Visitors recommend bringing a passport, suitable clothing, binoculars, sunblock, a hat, sunglasses, and extra clothing for summer tours. This helps ensure a comfortable and enjoyable experience throughout the full-day excursion.

Many highlight the opportunity to observe a range of marine life, including sea lions, cormorants, Peruvian boobies, pelicans, and potentially Humboldt penguins and dolphins.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is the Best Time of Year to Visit the Ballestas Islands?

The best time to visit the Ballestas Islands is typically between December and April, when the weather’s mild and wildlife viewing opportunities, including sea lions, penguins, and seabirds, are at their peak.

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

Yes, private tours are available for the Ballestas Islands and Paracas National Reserve. Travelers can book a private tour to enjoy a more personalized experience with flexible scheduling and exclusive attention from the guide.

Are There Any Additional Fees or Taxes Not Included in the Tour Price?

The tour price includes the boat ride, national reserve tour, guides, transportation, and entrance fees. However, it doesn’t cover lunch, so travelers should budget for that additional cost. There are no other hidden fees or taxes not mentioned in the overview.

Can I Extend or Customize the Tour to Include Additional Activities?

Yes, customers can typically extend or customize the tour to include additional activities. However, any customizations would likely incur additional fees and require advanced notice and coordination with the tour operator.

Do I Need to Bring Any Special Equipment or Gear for the Boat Ride?

The tour provider recommends bringing binoculars, sunblock, a hat, and sunglasses for the boat ride. While no special equipment is required, these items can enhance the wildlife viewing experience and protect against the sun’s glare on the water.

Recap

The Ballestas Islands and Paracas National Reserve tour offers a unique opportunity to marvel at the region’s stunning natural beauty and diverse wildlife. With a scenic boat ride, off-road excursions, and knowledgeable guides, this 7-hour adventure is an unforgettable way to experience the breathtaking landscapes and ecosystems of this captivating Peruvian destination. Priced at just Kč754 per person, it’s an affordable and immersive way to discover the wonders of Paracas.

You can check if your dates are available here: