From San Martin: Ballestas Islands and Paracas Reserve

Venturing from San Martin Port, this captivating 5-hour tour unlocks the wonders of Peru’s Ballestas Islands and Paracas Reserve. Cruise passengers can observe diverse wildlife, marvel at the Candelabro figure, and explore the reserve’s interpretation center. With an impressive overall rating, flexible booking, and knowledgeable guides, this adventure promises breathtaking natural beauty. What secrets lie beyond the Paracas Peninsula, waiting to be uncovered?

Key Points

• A 5-hour excursion from San Martin Port to explore the Ballestas Islands and Paracas Reserve, priced at €98.80 per person.
• Tour includes wildlife observation, cave navigation, and visits to the Candelabro figure, Paracas Reserve’s interpretation center, and scenic desert locations.
• Languages offered: English, Spanish, and others for larger groups, with a cancellation policy allowing full refund up to 24 hours in advance.
• Tour provides pick-up and drop-off, an English-speaking guide, entrance fees, transportation, and a bottle of water, with food and drinks not included.
• Overall rating of 4.7 out of 5 based on 7 reviews, with high satisfaction in guide, transportation, service, and organization.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Tour Overview

This tour, titled "From San Martin: Ballestas Islands and Paracas Reserve," offers participants a 5-hour excursion priced at €98.80 per person.

The tour is available in English and Spanish, with other languages offered for groups of a minimum size.

Flexible booking options allow guests to select their preferred date and number of participants.

Cancellations can be made up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

The tour departs from San Martin Port at 9:15 AM, providing a convenient starting point for those on a cruise.

With an experienced English-speaking guide, guests can expect an informative and well-organized adventure exploring the Ballestas Islands and Paracas Reserve.

Itinerary Highlights

After departing from San Martin Port at 9:15 AM, the tour takes participants to Paracas town, where they board a speedboat to explore the Ballestas Islands.

Along the way, they stop at the Paracas Peninsula to view the Candelabro figure.

On the islands, they observe birds and sea lions, with the potential to navigate caves.

The tour then visits the Paracas Reserve’s interpretation center to learn about the local fauna and flora.

Afterward, they drive through the desert to view the remains of the Cathedral rock formation and visit Playa Roja and Lagunillas beach for refreshments before returning to San Martin Port.

Inclusions

The tour from San Martin Port includes pick-up and drop-off, an English-speaking guide, entrance fees, transportation, and a bottle of water.

Food and drinks, unless specified, aren’t included. Participants will also need local currency (soles) for bathroom access in Paracas, as $1 is acceptable.

Gratuities are optional, and personal travel insurance isn’t provided.

The tour offers flexibility, allowing participants to select the number of people and date during the booking process.

Customer Feedback

Based on 7 reviews, the tour from San Martin Port has an overall rating of 4.7 out of 5.

Travelers were highly satisfied with the following aspects:

1. Guide: 5/5
2. Transportation: 5/5
3. Service: 5/5
4. Organization: 4.7/5

While the overall experience was positive, some reviewers noted minor confusion regarding meeting locations.

However, the majority of travelers reported impressive wildlife sightings and a well-organized tour.

The tour’s flexibility in accommodating participants and date selection was also highlighted as a positive.

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Additional Information

Participants need local currency (soles) for bathroom access in Paracas, with $1 being acceptable.

The tour offers flexibility, allowing participants to select the number of people and preferred date during the booking process.

The tour operates with a range of languages, including English and Spanish, and can accommodate other languages if there’s a minimum group size.

Participants are responsible for their own personal travel insurance, and gratuities are optional.

Meeting Point and Activities

The tour begins at the San Martin Port at 9:15 AM, where guests gather to embark on their adventure.

From there, the group travels to the town of Paracas, where they board a speedboat to explore the Ballestas Islands. Along the way, they stop to view the enigmatic Candelabro figure on the Paracas Peninsula.

Once at the Ballestas Islands, participants observe the diverse wildlife, including birds and sea lions, with the potential to navigate through caves.

Next, the group visits the Paracas Reserve’s interpretation center to learn about the local flora and fauna.

The tour continues with a drive through the desert to see the Cathedral rock formation, followed by a stop at Playa Roja and Lagunillas beach for refreshments.

Paracas Peninsula and Ballestas Islands

After departing the San Martin Port, the tour makes a stop at the Paracas Peninsula to view the enigmatic Candelabro figure.

This massive geoglyph, etched into the sandy slopes, has captivated visitors for centuries.

The tour then boards a speedboat to explore the Ballestas Islands.

These guano-covered islands are home to a vast array of seabirds, including Peruvian boobies, pelicans, and Inca terns.

Visitors may also spot colonies of sea lions basking on the rocky shores.

The tour provides an opportunity to navigate through sea caves, offering a unique perspective of the islands’ diverse marine life.

Paracas Reserve and Scenic Locations

From the Ballestas Islands, the tour ventures into the Paracas National Reserve, a protected coastal desert renowned for its diverse wildlife and striking landscapes.

At the reserve’s interpretation center, visitors gain insights into the local flora and fauna. The tour then drives through the desert to view the remains of the Cathedral rock formation, a unique geological wonder.

Next, travelers stop at Playa Roja, a beach with striking red sand, and Lagunillas beach, where they can enjoy refreshments.

These scenic locations offer a glimpse into the captivating natural beauty that defines the Paracas Reserve.

1. Paracas National Reserve interpretation center
2. Cathedral rock formation
3. Playa Roja
4. Lagunillas beach

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is the Typical Weather During the Tour?

The weather is typically warm and sunny during the tour, with temperatures averaging around 70-80°F (21-27°C). Participants should dress in lightweight, comfortable clothing and bring sunscreen and sunhats to protect against the strong Peruvian sun.

Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks?

You can bring your own food and drinks, but they’re not included in the tour price. The tour includes a bottle of water, and you’ll have opportunities to purchase refreshments during the excursion.

Are There Any Accessibility Considerations for the Tour?

The tour provides some accessibility considerations, allowing participants to bring their own food and drinks. However, there may be limited options for those with mobility or dietary restrictions during the tour’s activities and stops.

What Should I Wear for the Boat Ride?

For the boat ride, it’s recommended to wear comfortable, waterproof clothing and close-toed shoes. It’s also a good idea to bring a light jacket or windbreaker in case of breezy conditions during the excursion.

Is There an Option to Extend the Tour Duration?

No, the tour duration is fixed at 5 hours. There doesn’t appear to be an option to extend the tour length based on the information provided. The itinerary and inclusions suggest a set schedule with no flexibility to lengthen the experience.

Recap

The "From San Martin: Ballestas Islands and Paracas Reserve" tour offers a captivating 5-hour excursion that departs at 9:15 AM, perfect for cruise passengers. Priced at €98.80 per person, the tour includes wildlife observation, visits to the Candelabro figure, and exploration of the Paracas Reserve’s interpretation center. With an impressive overall rating of 4.7 out of 5, travelers can enjoy flexible booking options, knowledgeable guides, and breathtaking natural beauty throughout their journey.

You can check if your dates are available here: