The Full Day Paracas tour promises an unforgettable experience for nature lovers and adventure-seekers alike. Combining visits to the Ballestas Islands and Paracas National Reserve, this 8-hour excursion allows travelers to witness an array of captivating marine wildlife, from seals and sea lions to penguins. Led by a knowledgeable bilingual guide, the tour includes convenient transportation and all necessary safety equipment, ensuring a seamless and secure journey. While some reviewers note a slightly rushed pace during the reserve visit, the overall consensus among travelers is one of awe and appreciation for the tour’s remarkable wildlife sightings. Those eager to explore Peru’s exceptional coastal treasures won’t want to miss this comprehensive day-long adventure.

This experience made our list of the 14 Best Full-Day Tours In Paracas.

Key Points

Full Day Paracas - Key Points

  • A full-day tour in Paracas, Peru, that includes visits to the Paracas National Reserve and the Ballestas Islands to observe diverse marine wildlife.
  • The tour is led by a bilingual Spanish-English guide, provides lifejackets, and includes group transportation and all necessary fees.
  • The tour lasts approximately 8 hours, starting at 8:00 am, and has a maximum capacity of 45 travelers, with certain medical restrictions.
  • Highlights of the tour include seeing seals, sea lions, penguins, pelicans, and dolphins at the Ballestas Islands and exploring the natural beauty of the Paracas National Reserve.
  • The tour has a 3.0 rating based on one review, with feedback suggesting room for improvement in pacing and organization.

Tour Overview

The Full Day Paracas tour is led by Tour Islas Ballestas, a provider located in Paracas, Peru.

This full-day tour has a 3.0 rating based on one review and takes visitors to the Paracas National Reserve and the Ballestas Islands.

The tour includes a Spanish-English guide, a lifejacket, and group transport to both destinations.

Pickup and return are provided from the bus or hotel terminal in Paracas.

All fees, taxes, and a bus ticket from Lima to Paracas and back are included.

The tour lasts approximately 8 hours, starting at 8:00 am.

It’s not wheelchair accessible and has restrictions for certain travelers.

Inclusions

Full Day Paracas - Inclusions

The Full Day Paracas tour includes a Spanish-English guide to accompany visitors throughout the experience.

Travelers are provided with lifejackets for the boat tour to the Ballestas Islands. The tour also includes group excursions to the Paracas National Reserve and the Ballestas Islands.

Pickup and return transportation from the bus or hotel terminal in Paracas is included, along with all necessary fees and taxes. Food is provided, and a bus ticket from Lima to Paracas and back is part of the package.

The tour has a maximum capacity of 45 travelers and isn’t recommended for guests with certain medical conditions or mobility limitations.

Meeting and Pickup

Full Day Paracas - Meeting and Pickup

Starting the Full Day Paracas tour, travelers meet at a designated hotel in Paracas, Peru, from where they’re picked up.

The meeting point and end point are the same, providing convenience for participants. The tour begins promptly at 8:00 am, ensuring an early start to maximize the day’s activities.

Given the nature of the tour, which involves boat rides and outdoor exploration, the pickup and drop-off location being the same simplifies the logistics and allows for a seamless experience.

Travelers are advised to be ready at the specified hotel, as the tour operates on a tight schedule to cover the full itinerary.

Tour Restrictions

Certain restrictions apply to the Full Day Paracas tour. The tour isn’t wheelchair accessible and isn’t recommended for travelers with back problems, pregnant women, or those with serious medical conditions.

Children under 1 year old are prohibited from joining the tour, which has a maximum group size of 45 travelers. These restrictions are in place to ensure the safety and comfort of all participants.

While the tour offers an amazing opportunity to explore the Paracas National Reserve and the Ballestas Islands, it may not be suitable for everyone. Travelers should carefully consider their physical abilities and any medical concerns before booking this tour.

Cancellation Policy and Pricing

Full Day Paracas - Cancellation Policy and Pricing

With a free cancellation policy up to 24 hours before the start of the experience (local time), the Full Day Paracas tour offers flexibility for travelers.

The tour also comes with a lowest price guarantee, starting at $61.54.

Plus, a reserve now and pay later option is available, making it convenient for those who want to secure their spot without immediate payment.

The tour’s pricing and cancellation policy provide a hassle-free booking experience, ensuring that travelers can confidently plan their Paracas adventure.

  1. Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience
  2. Lowest price guarantee starting at $61.54
  3. Reserve now and pay later option available
  4. Hassle-free booking experience

Ballestas Islands Excursion

Full Day Paracas - Ballestas Islands Excursion

According to the tour overview, the Full Day Paracas experience includes a group tour to the renowned Ballestas Islands.

This excursion allows travelers to witness an incredible array of marine wildlife, including seals, sea lions, penguins, pelicans, and even dolphins. The tour is guided by a bilingual Spanish-English speaker, and all necessary safety equipment, such as life jackets, is provided.

Visitors can expect to be amazed by the abundance of natural beauty and the sheer number of animals that call the Ballestas Islands home. This portion of the tour is widely considered the highlight of the overall Full Day Paracas experience.

Paracas National Reserve Tour

Full Day Paracas - Paracas National Reserve Tour

After the exhilarating Ballestas Islands excursion, the Full Day Paracas tour takes visitors to the Paracas National Reserve.

This protected coastal desert ecosystem offers a unique opportunity to explore:

  1. The diverse flora and fauna, including rare birds and marine life.
  2. The dramatic landscape of towering cliffs, pristine beaches, and wind-sculpted dunes.
  3. The cultural heritage of the indigenous Paracas civilization, whose ancient artifacts are on display.
  4. The serene tranquility of the reserve, where one can escape the crowds and immerse in the natural wonder.

The afternoon visit to the Paracas National Reserve provides a complementary experience to the morning’s Ballestas Islands excursion, offering a well-rounded understanding of this captivating region of Peru.

Traveler’s Review

Full Day Paracas - Travelers Review

Despite the chaotic start to the tour, the traveler was amazed by the incredible wildlife sightings at the Ballestas Islands. They were able to see seals, sea lions, penguins, pelicans, and even dolphins during the group tour.

However, the traveler felt the afternoon tour of the Paracas National Reserve was quick, with minimal stops for photos.

The overall experience was a mixed bag, as the fantastic animal encounters at the Ballestas Islands were offset by the rushed nature of the national reserve portion.

While the tour provided access to these natural wonders, the traveler’s feedback suggests room for improvement in the pacing and organization of the full-day excursion.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks on the Tour?

According to the tour overview, food is included in the tour. However, travelers are allowed to bring their own food and drinks if they prefer. The tour does not restrict outside snacks or beverages.

Is There a Maximum Group Size for the Tour?

The tour has a maximum group size of 45 travelers. This limit is in place to ensure the comfort and enjoyment of all participants during the various activities and experiences throughout the day.

Do I Need to Bring Any Special Equipment?

The tour doesn’t require any special equipment. Participants are provided a lifejacket and the tour includes group transportation to the Paracas National Reserve and Ballestas Islands. Comfortable clothing and walking shoes are recommended for this full-day excursion.

Can I Stay Longer at the Ballestas Islands?

No, the tour operator likely has a set schedule for the Ballestas Islands portion. Customers cannot stay longer at their own discretion as the tour must move along to other sites on the itinerary within the allotted time frame.

How Do I Get to the Meeting Point in Paracas?

To get to the meeting point in Paracas, travelers can arrange for hotel pick-up or take a taxi or local bus to the specific hotel location. The tour provider will ensure participants are transported from the meeting point to the tour activities.

Recap

The Full Day Paracas tour offers a comprehensive experience, combining visits to the Ballestas Islands and Paracas National Reserve. While the wildlife sightings are remarkable, some travelers note a rushed experience during the reserve visit. The tour provides a convenient and engaging way to explore Peru’s diverse natural wonders, though pacing could be improved to enhance the experience.