Ballestas Islands & Paracas National Reserve
Type of Excursion
Wildlife & Scenery
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Transport
Speedboat & Van
Difficulty
Easy
Duration
7 Hours
Service
Group Tour
(max. 25 people)
Departure Time
8:30 AM
Itinerary
8:30 AM – Check-in & Boarding
The excursion begins with check-in at the designated meeting point in Paracas, followed by assistance with boarding procedures and safety instructions before departure.
When a hotel pick-up service has been arranged as part of the selected booking option, collection is provided from eligible accommodation within the established pick-up area.
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9:00 AM – Boat Departure to the Ballestas Islands
The speedboat departs from Paracas for an approximately 1-hour-and-30-minute excursion along the Pacific coast and around the Ballestas Islands.
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9:15 AM – The Candelabra Geoglyph
The first stop provides views of the Paracas Candelabra, an enormous geoglyph carved into the desert hillside overlooking the bay.
9:45 AM – Wildlife Observation at the Ballestas Islands
The route continues around the Ballestas Islands, where sea lions, Humboldt penguins, and numerous seabirds can often be observed among the rocky cliffs and natural arches.
10:30 AM – Return to Paracas
The boat portion of the excursion concludes upon return to the Paracas dock, followed by a short break before the visit to Paracas National Reserve.
11:00 AM – Break in Paracas
A brief interval is provided between the Ballestas Islands excursion and the departure for Paracas National Reserve.
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11:15 AM – Entry to Paracas National Reserve
The journey continues by road into Paracas National Reserve, a protected coastal area characterised by desert landscapes, dramatic cliffs, beaches, and panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean.
Panoramic Viewpoints
Several stops are made at selected viewpoints within the reserve, offering perspectives of the desert cliffs, rocky formations, and surrounding coastline.
Playa Roja – Red Beach
A stop at Playa Roja reveals the distinctive reddish sands that contrast with the surrounding desert and blue waters of the Pacific.
La Mina Beach
Approximately 45 minutes of free time is provided at La Mina, a sheltered beach surrounded by desert hills and coastal scenery.
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1:30 PM – Lunch Break & Return towards Paracas
An optional lunch break is available within the reserve before the return journey towards Paracas. Lunch is not included in the tour price.
3:00 PM – Estimated Arrival in Paracas
The full-day excursion concludes upon arrival in Paracas, with drop-off at the Main Square.
Included
Pick-up at the designated meeting point in Paracas
Drop-off at Paracas Main Square
Bilingual tour guide: English / Spanish
Ballestas Islands entrance fee
Paracas port boarding fee
Paracas National Reserve entrance fee
Not Included
Lunch
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
ABOUT THE MEETING POINT ○ The standard meeting point is located near the dock in Paracas. ○ As Paracas is a relatively small town, coordination is straightforward; however, an active WhatsApp number is recommended to facilitate communication regarding the exact meeting arrangements. ○ Final coordination details are confirmed before the date of the excursion.
ABOUT THE ACTIVITY ○ The Ballestas Islands and Paracas National Reserve tour is primarily a scenic and photographic experience. To avoid misunderstandings during the excursion, it is important to note that stops are made only at designated points where photographs can be taken. ○ In most areas of the reserve, leaving the vehicle is not permitted. These restrictions are in place to protect local wildlife, fragile natural environments and the conservation of Paracas National Reserve.
ABOUT LUNCH ○ Lunch is not included in the tour price, as meal prices may vary depending on the dishes selected. Restaurants are available within Paracas National Reserve, where meals are generally served à la carte.
CHANGES, CANCELLATIONS AND REFUND POLICIES 1.- CHANGE OF TRAVEL DATE ○ Changes to the travel date are accepted up to 24 hours before the scheduled start of the activity. 2.- CANCELLATIONS ○ Cancellations requested at least 24 hours before the scheduled activity are eligible for a full refund. ○ Cancellations made within 24 hours of the scheduled activity are non-refundable. ○ In cases of force majeure, including strikes, social unrest, natural disasters, or other circumstances beyond the control of the company or the traveler, a refund may be considered. The refundable amount will depend on the circumstances and any costs already incurred. 3.- REFUNDS ○ Refunds for payments made by credit or debit card may take several business days to appear, depending on the issuing bank. Please note that transaction fees charged by local banks or the cardholder’s bank may be deducted from the refunded amount.
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6 hr 30 min
37 US dollars