Paracas Reserve & Ballestas Islands Tour from Lima
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Lima, Peru
Duration
16 Hours
Language
English
Group Size
10 Peopele
Tour Overview
Discover the breathtaking natural beauty and rich history of Peru’s coast on this Paracas Reserve and Ballestas Islands tour from Lima. This full-day trip combines wildlife watching, beach exploration, and cultural heritage, all set against the stunning backdrop of the Pacific coastline and Paracas desert.
Your journey begins with a 5:00 AM hotel pickup in Lima and a scenic drive to El Chaco boardwalk in Paracas, where you’ll enjoy breakfast overlooking the bay. From here, you’ll board a boat at Paracas Port for a guided tour to the Ballestas Islands. Along the way, marvel at the Candelabro, a massive geoglyph carved into the coastal hillside—its meaning still a mystery.
At the islands, you’ll witness a vibrant marine ecosystem home to sea lions, Humboldt penguins, and countless seabird species. After returning to shore, the adventure continues with a trip into the Paracas National Reserve, a protected desert ecosystem unlike any other in Peru.
Stops include Roja Beach, famous for its red sands; the Catedral, a dramatic rock formation sculpted by wind and sea; and Lagunillas, Yumaque, and La Mina beaches, where you can relax and take in the peaceful scenery. You’ll also stop at the Flamingo Viewing Point, where you can spot these graceful birds feeding in the shallow waters, and drive past the Obelisk of Independence, marking General San Martín’s historic landing in Paracas.
This tour offers the perfect blend of wildlife, coastline, and culture, making it a must-do day trip for nature lovers and history buffs alike.
Why Choose This Tour?
- See sea lions and penguins at the Ballestas Islands
- Visit the Candelabro, a mysterious desert geoglyph
- Explore the Paracas National Reserve’s dramatic beaches
- Relax at stunning beaches like La Mina, Yumaque, and Lagunillas
- Spot wild flamingos at a natural lookout
- Learn the historical significance of the Obelisk of Independence
- Ideal full-day escape from Lima with diverse landscapes and wildlife
Tour highlights
- Speedboat ride to the Ballestas Islands with wildlife sightings
- View the Candelabro geoglyph etched in the coastal hillside
- Discover Roja Beach, with its stunning red sand
- Visit dramatic rock formations like La Catedral
- Relax on Lagunillas, La Mina, and Yumaque beaches
- Spot flamingos in their natural environment
- Stop by the Obelisk of Independence, a key historic landmark
- A perfect mix of nature, history, and ocean scenery in one day
Whats Included
- Round-trip private transportation from Lima
- Pickup and drop-off at your hotel or accommodation
- Bilingual permanent guide throughout the tour
- Full tourist lunch
- Entrance to Paracas National Reserve
- SERNANP tax(protected area access)
- Airboat tour to the Ballestas Islands
- All admission and park fees
- Anything not specifically listed in the program
- VAT (IGV) for Peruvian citizens or local businesses
- Breakfast and personal expenses
Know before you go (faq's)
How far is Paracas from Lima and how long is the tour?
Paracas is about 4 hours from Lima. This is a full-day, 16-hour round-trip tour that departs early and returns in the evening.
What can I expect at the Ballestas Islands?
You'll enjoy a guided speedboat tour to see sea lions, penguins, and seabirds in their natural habitat among rocky islands and ocean caves.
Is swimming allowed at the beaches in the Paracas Reserve?
Swimming is allowed in certain areas like La Mina and Yumaque, though water conditions vary by season. Your guide will advise the safest spots.
Do I need to bring food or are meals included?
A full tourist lunch is included, and you'll have free time in El Chaco to purchase breakfast at your own pace.
Is the tour suitable for children or seniors?
Yes, it’s a family-friendly tour with minimal walking. However, the boat ride and long travel time should be considered for comfort.
Itiniray
Stop 1: Early Departure from Lima
- Your Paracas Reserve and Ballestas Islands tour from Lima begins with a 5:00 AM hotel pickup for a scenic Lima to Paracas day trip along Peru’s coastal highway, arriving in Paracas around 9:00 AM.
Stop 2: Breakfast at El Chaco Boardwalk
- Enjoy breakfast on your own with stunning views of Paracas Bay from the El Chaco boardwalk—the perfect start to your full day Paracas tour.
Stop 3: Ballestas Islands Boat Trip
- Board a speedboat for an unforgettable Ballestas Islands boat trip. Spot sea lions, Humboldt penguins, and seabirds among dramatic rock formations, and admire the Candelabro Paracas geoglyph carved into desert cliffs.
Stop 4: Paracas National Reserve Exploration
- Venture into the Paracas National Reserve for a journey through otherworldly desert landscapes. Visit Roja Beach Paracas with its striking red sands and the impressive La Catedral Paracas rock formation shaped by wind and waves.
Stop 5: Beaches and Scenic Stops
- Relax on pristine beaches like Lagunillas, La Mina, and Yumaque, enjoying dramatic coastal views. Stop at the Flamingo Viewing Point to see these elegant birds in their natural habitat and pass the historic Obelisk of Independence commemorating General San Martín’s landing.
Stop 6: Return to Lima
- After a day filled with wildlife, desert beauty, and cultural landmarks, relax on the drive back to Lima, arriving in the evening with unforgettable memories of Peru’s coastal treasures.
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