1 Day itinerary in Peru, South America
Ballestas Islands & Paracas National Reserve Day Trip (fr...
Set out from Paracas for a day of marine adventure and coastal discovery. You will cruise to the Ballestas Islands to see sea lions and Humboldt penguins, then explore the Paracas National Reserve’s dramatic rock formations, sand dunes, and beaches, experiencing the region’s vibrant wildlife and str... Read More
By Pattana
Overview
Physical Difficulty
Easy
Recommended Age
Everyone
Operated in
English
GUIDANCE
On Some Day Trips
starting point
Paracas
trip type
Private
trip attributes
Nature & Widlife
Wildlife
Explorer Trips
Nature & Wildlife
Start/End
Night
Highlights
Cruise by boat to view the Candelabro geoglyph and Ballestas Islands wildlife
Spot sea lions, Humboldt penguins, and a variety of seabirds
Explore Paracas National Reserve, including La Catedral, Playa Roja, and Lagunillas
Enjoy free time on El Chaco Boulevard for shopping and sightseeing
Cruise by boat to view the Candelabro geoglyph and Ballestas Islands wildlife
Spot sea lions, Humboldt penguins, and a variety of seabirds
Explore Paracas National Reserve, including La Catedral, Playa Roja, and Lagunillas
Enjoy free time on El Chaco Boulevard for shopping and sightseeing
Itinerary
Accommodation Categories
Day 1
Ballestas Islands and Paracas Reserve | Wildlife Cruise and Coastal Exploration
Arrive at the Paracas local office at least 30 minutes before your scheduled departure. The day begins at 8:00 am with a boat trip past the Candelabro, a large geoglyph etched onto the cliffs of the Paracas peninsula. You will continue by boat to the Ballestas Islands, where your guide will share information about the rock formations and the ecosystems found here. During the cruise, you can observe sea lions sunbathing, Humboldt penguins along the shore, and seabirds such as boobies, guanay, cormorants, and zarcillos overhead.
After returning to Paracas, you will have free time from 10:30 am to 11:30 am on El Chaco Boulevard. You can stroll along the waterfront, browse handicraft shops, or relax in the coastal atmosphere before regrouping.
At 12:00 pm, you will depart for the Paracas National Reserve. The first stop is “La Catedral,” a natural rock formation shaped by wind and sea erosion. Next, you will visit Playa Roja, known for its red sands and ocean views. The tour continues to Lagunillas, a fisherman’s cove where you can relax and have time to try local seafood at beachfront restaurants. The day concludes with your return to the starting point at approximately 3:00 pm.
The Candelabro geoglyph is one of the largest in Peru and its origin and purpose remain subjects of debate among researchers.
Guide: Included for the day
What’s Included
Transport
- Boat transportation to Ballestas Islands
- Vehicle transportation within Paracas National Reserve
Activities
- Visit to Candelabro geoglyph
- Guided boat tour to Ballestas Islands
- Free time on El Chaco Boulevard
- Guided exploration of Paracas National Reserve including La Catedral, Playa Roja, and Lagunillas
Extras
- Guide services
Not Included
- Dock Ticket (5 Soles)
- Ballestas Islands entrance fee & Paracas National Reserve entrance fee (22 Soles)
- Meals and drinks
- Tips for guide
- Personal expenses
- Items not mentioned in the itinerary
Travel that Makes a Difference
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