Tour: Ballestas Islands and the Paracas National Reserve

The Ballestas Islands and Paracas National Reserve tour offers a captivating blend of natural wonders and cultural exploration. Adventurers can observe diverse marine life, including Humboldt penguins and sea lions, as they embark on a scenic boat trip to the Ballestas Islands. Following this immersive experience, visitors are free to explore the stunning landscapes of Paracas National Reserve, where they’ll uncover the enigmatic Candelabro geoglyph. With convenient hotel pickup and a full day of activities, this tour promises a well-rounded introduction to the region’s rich history and breathtaking natural beauty. But what secrets might the Ballestas Islands and Paracas National Reserve hold, waiting to be uncovered by the curious traveler?

Key Points

• Explore the Ballestas Islands, known for diverse marine life including Humboldt penguins and sea lions, and the Candelabro geoglyph during a full-day tour.
• Tour includes hotel pickup, transportation, boat trip, and guided visits to the Ballestas Islands and Paracas National Reserve.
• Tour is available in English and Spanish, with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
• Comfortable boat trip and safety equipment, such as life jackets, are provided during the 2-hour journey to the Ballestas Islands.
• Customer feedback highlights the need for the tour operator to address concerns regarding organization and guide experience to improve overall quality.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Tour Overview

The tour offers an opportunity to explore the Ballestas Islands and Paracas National Reserve, with a price starting from S/1,472 per person.

The full-day tour lasts approximately 10 hours and is available in both English and Spanish.

Participants can take advantage of free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, as well as reserve their spot and pay later.

The tour includes hotel pickup, transportation, a boat trip around the Ballestas Islands, and visits to various sights within the Paracas National Reserve, along with an English and Spanish-speaking guide.

Itinerary Highlights

Between 6:00 a.m. and 7:00 a.m., the tour begins with pickup from the hotel in Ica, near the Plaza de Armas.

The journey then continues to El Chaco pier in Paracas, where guests embark on a boat trip to the Ballestas Islands, which lasts approximately 2 hours.

During the boat tour, visitors can observe the Candelabro, a massive geoglyph standing 170 meters high, as well as a variety of marine fauna, including Humboldt penguins, sea lions, and seabirds.

After the boat tour, there’s free time for breakfast or a walk before heading to the Paracas National Reserve to visit the cathedral, Punta Santa Maria, Playa Roja viewpoints, and enjoy lunch at Playa Lagunilla and Playa La Mina.

The tour concludes with a return to Ica at 16:30.

Inclusions

The tour package includes hotel pickup and transfer to the main square in Ica.

Transportation is provided by minibus or bus, and an English and Spanish speaking guide accompanies the group.

The boat trip around the Ballestas Islands includes a life jacket for safety.

Food and drinks are provided, as are the entrance tickets to the islands and the Paracas National Reserve.

The ticket prices are 22 soles for adults, 11 soles for children aged 5-17, and free for children under 5.

Visitors should bring their passport, sunglasses, camera, snacks, sunscreen, water, and cash, as certain items like weapons, sharp objects, and alcohol aren’t allowed.

Important Information

Visitors should bring their passport, sunglasses, camera, snacks, sunscreen, water, and cash for the tour.

The tour isn’t suitable for wheelchair users. Passengers can’t bring weapons, sharp objects, smoking, alcohol, drugs, or baby carriages.

Here are four key things to keep in mind:

1. Leave prohibited items at home to ensure a smooth experience.
2. Dress comfortably and prepare for sun exposure.
3. Bring local currency to cover costs not included in the tour package.
4. Let the organizers know about any special needs or requirements beforehand.

Following these guidelines will help make the most of the Ballestas Islands and Paracas National Reserve tour.

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Customer Feedback

Customer reviews for the tour of Ballestas Islands and Paracas National Reserve paint a concerning picture, with a dismal 1-star rating based on a single review. The reviewer expressed dissatisfaction with the overall experience, citing issues such as poor organization, lack of value for money, and an underwhelming guide. The feedback highlights the need for the tour operator to address these concerns and improve the quality of the tour to meet customer expectations.

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Booking and Cancellation

Booking the tour of Ballestas Islands and Paracas National Reserve is straightforward, with flexible cancellation policies.

Customers can:

1. Reserve their spot online and pay later.
2. Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
3. Secure their spot by paying a deposit.
4. Finalize payment on the day of the tour.

The tour includes convenient hotel pickup and drop-off, as well as all necessary transportation and entrance fees.

With easy booking and hassle-free cancellation, travelers can confidently plan their adventure to explore the stunning Ballestas Islands and Paracas National Reserve.

Transportation and Guide

The tour kicks off with a comfortable hotel pickup, whisking participants away to the El Chaco pier in Paracas.

From there, the group embarks on a boat trip to the Ballestas Islands, a journey of approximately two hours. Throughout the excursion, an English- and Spanish-speaking guide provides insightful commentary, pointing out the Candelabro, a striking 170-meter-high geoglyph, as well as the diverse marine life, including Humboldt penguins, sea lions, and seabirds.

After the boat tour, the group has free time to explore the surroundings before continuing to the Paracas National Reserve, where they’ll visit key landmarks and enjoy a leisurely lunch.

Unique Attractions

The Ballestas Islands, a natural wonder off the coast of Peru, captivate visitors with their diverse array of marine life.

Travelers can spot:

1. Humboldt penguins, known for their distinctive black-and-white plumage, waddling across the islands.
2. Playful sea lions basking on the rocky shores, occasionally diving into the turquoise waters.
3. Seabirds like the Peruvian booby and guanay cormorant, nesting in the island’s cliffs.
4. The towering Candelabro, a mysterious geoglyph of unknown origin, standing as a silent sentinel over the islands.

This breathtaking natural spectacle, combined with the stunning landscapes of the Paracas National Reserve, offers a truly unforgettable experience for nature enthusiasts.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Customize the Tour to Include Additional Activities?

While the tour is a fixed package, customers may be able to customize it by adding extra activities or extending the duration. It’s best to contact the tour operator directly to inquire about available options and any associated costs.

Do I Need to Book the Tour in Advance or Can I Purchase It on the Day?

The tour can be booked in advance to secure your spot, but you may also be able to purchase it on the day of the tour depending on availability. Booking in advance is recommended to ensure you get a spot.

Are There Any Discounts Available for Senior Citizens or Students?

Unfortunately, there is no mention of discounts for senior citizens or students in the tour information provided. The tour pricing appears to be a standard rate per person, with free entry for children under 5 years old.

What Is the Maximum Group Size for the Tour?

The tour doesn’t specify a maximum group size. It’s likely that the group size can vary depending on demand and availability. Customers should contact the tour operator for details on the typical group size for this excursion.

Are There Any Restrictions on the Types of Cameras or Photography Equipment Allowed?

The tour has no specific restrictions on the types of cameras or photography equipment allowed. Guests are encouraged to bring their cameras to capture the natural beauty of the Ballestas Islands and Paracas National Reserve during the excursion.

Recap

The Ballestas Islands and Paracas National Reserve tour offers a captivating blend of nature and culture. Visitors can observe diverse marine life, admire the enigmatic Candelabro geoglyph, and explore the stunning landscapes of Paracas National Reserve. With convenient hotel pickup and a full-day itinerary, this tour provides a comprehensive and unforgettable experience for nature enthusiasts and cultural explorers alike.

You can check if your dates are available here: