Ballestas Islands Perú – Ica Paracas Huacachina

Availability Daily departures
Transporte Hotel pickup
Tour Guide Tour guide included
Available languages Spanish, English & Portuguese
Service type Shared service
Cancellation policy Non-refundable
Maximum altitude 406 m.a.s.l.
Difficulty Easy

We will start our Ballestas Islands Tour early in the morning from Ica or Huacachina. The drive to Paracas will take around one hour, giving us time to admire the changing desert landscapes. Upon arrival, we will prepare to explore one of the most beautiful natural attractions on the Peruvian coast.

We will board a speedboat and head toward the Ballestas Islands Peru, famous for their rich marine life and stunning rock formations. On the way, we will see the mysterious Candelabro geoglyph, etched into the desert cliffs and visible from the sea. As we approach the islands, we will spot sea lions, Humboldt penguins, and countless seabirds in their natural habitat. The fresh ocean breeze and the sound of the waves will make this experience unforgettable.

After visiting the islands, we will return to El Chaco pier and continue to the Paracas National Reserve. Here, we will explore viewpoints overlooking red sand beaches, turquoise waters, and dramatic coastal cliffs. We will learn about the desert’s unique ecosystem and capture incredible photos of this breathtaking landscape.

At the end of our adventure, we will return to Ica or Huacachina. This Ballestas Islands Tour will combine ocean wildlife, desert beauty, and cultural discovery in a single unforgettable day.

Itinerary

Day 01 Ballestas Islands Tour and Paracas National Reserve

We will begin our Ballestas Islands Tour early in the morning with hotel pickup from Ica or Huacachina. The journey to Paracas will take about 1 hour and 15 minutes, covering approximately 75 kilometers. Along the route, we will admire the endless dunes and desert landscapes of the Ica region.

Once in Paracas, we will head to El Chaco pier to prepare for our adventure at sea. We will board a comfortable speedboat equipped with life vests and safety gear. As we sail through the calm waters of the Pacific Ocean, we will enjoy the cool breeze and coastal scenery.

During our Ballestas Islands Peru visit, we will first stop at the Candelabro geoglyph. This giant figure, etched on a sandy hill, stretches 180 meters high. We will learn about its mysterious origins and capture stunning photos from the boat.

We will then continue to the Ballestas Islands, known as the “Galápagos of Peru.” These rocky formations host colonies of sea lions, Humboldt penguins, and thousands of seabirds. We will observe them closely while our guide explains the island’s importance to marine conservation. The combination of wildlife, sea, and rock formations will offer perfect photo opportunities.

After the boat tour, we will return to Paracas and enjoy some free time at the pier. We can relax, enjoy a coffee, or explore local handicraft shops.

Next, we will visit the Paracas National Reserve, one of the most stunning coastal deserts in South America. We will drive through arid landscapes, red beaches, and turquoise ocean views. At Playa Roja, we will take time to admire the striking contrast between the red sand and the deep blue sea.

Throughout the reserve, we will stop at several viewpoints to capture the natural beauty of the Paracas desert. We will learn about the region’s biodiversity and how its dry environment supports unique flora and fauna.

In the afternoon, we will return to Ica or Huacachina. The drive back will allow us to relax and reflect on this unforgettable journey along the Peruvian coast.

Details

Total distance traveled

150 km (round trip)
Highest altitude

406 meters above sea level (Ica)
Lowest altitude

0 meters / sea level (Paracas)
Route

Ica – Paracas – Ballestas Islands – Paracas National Reserve – Ica

Important note: Schedules are for reference only. One day before the tour, our operations team will contact you to reconfirm the schedules.

Inclusions

What’s Included

Hotel pickup from Huacachina or Ica.
Round-trip transportation: Ica – Paracas – Ica.
Seat on a speedboat for the Ballestas Islands tour.
Life jackets and complete safety equipment.
Guided visit to the Paracas National Reserve.
Entrance tickets to all sites included in the itinerary.
Professional bilingual tour guide (English / Spanish).

Meals and beverages not mentioned in the itinerary.
Tips or personal expenses during the trip.

Recommendations

Before Booking:

Choose the shared group service for an authentic experience.
The tour operates in English and Spanish for all travelers.
The service depends on weather conditions for safety.
If bad weather prevents departure, we will visit Islas Blancas or the Paracas National Reserve, or give a refund of 25 PEN.

Legal and safety requirements before traveling

Frequently asked questions

Where does the Ballestas Islands tour start?

We will start the Ballestas Islands tour from El Chaco Pier, where the boat departs for the excursion.

How long does the Ballestas Islands tour last?

The Ballestas Islands Peru tour takes about 2 hours and may extend to 3 hours if sea conditions require.

Where is El Chaco Beach located?

The Ballestas Islands Peru tour takes about 2 hours and can last up to 3 hours if sea conditions change.

What is the tour’s cancellation policy?

If we cancel 30 days or less before departure, 100% of the tour cost is non-refundable. If we cancel 31 days or more before the travel date, cancellation fees may vary depending on the tour and departure. Please contact our travel agent for details.

Is it possible to see wildlife during the tour?

Yes, during the Ballestas Islands tour, we will see sea lions, penguins, pelicans, and many marine bird species.

What should we bring for the Ballestas Islands Peru tour?

We should bring a windbreaker, hat, sunscreen, and camera to capture the beautiful marine landscapes.

Can’t find the answer to your question?

Get in touch with the experts at Machu Picchu Peru Tours for your inquiry.

Ask a question

Inquire about this tour

Ballestas Islands Perú – Ica Paracas Huacachina

Leave us your details and tell us what you would like to customize. We will get back to you shortly.

First name * Last name * Email * Phone *

Country * Preferred travel dates *

Number of participants * How should we contact you? *

Message or questions

Your data is only used to reply to your inquiry.

ON SALE

From

$ 217 USD $225

4% discount

Passengers

Date —

Service Group

Services —

Total —

Consult via WhatsApp

Traveler Experiences

Hear from Those Who Have Experienced the Magic of Our Tours

4.9 out of 5 based on

+1200

reviews

See all reviews on TripAdvisor

Andrey S.

October 14, 2025

Punctuality, very attentive guide and perfect organization. From the hotel exit, transit by train, lunch schedule and guided tours.

Maria R.

October 12, 2025

A very enriching experience, a lot of history, although it rained that day, was a good for nothing our tour. Our guide was very attentive and professional.

Alejandra C.

October 12, 2025

The tour starts very early type 3-4 am, how good you can sleep on the way, we breakfast in a very good buffet and then depart for the mountain. Here the height is the problem, you can walk up but it requires a lot of condition, the good thing is that there are horses that you can pay and for 90 suns they leave you 15-20 minutes from the top. Wear layered clothes as you can warm up when climbing. We already walk down and the road is much easier. On horseback you go up in 40 minutes, you are on the mountain an hour to take pictures and the return is about 1 hour or so. In the end we still had lunch in the same very rich buffet!

Salvador M

September 19, 2025

I liked the Service and attention I received, plus the quality of the guide who touched us to know the sacred valley on the way to Machu Picchu was first class, with extensive knowledge of the Inca culture and with very good explanation, I highly recommend them.

Sarah E.

October 12, 2025

They were exceptional! Everything very organized, took care of all the details, we hired all the tours, lodging and transfer, we do not regret!

Veronica L.

October 12, 2025

Recommended 💯💯💯
What a beautiful place!!! Most of us went up there on mules. Important to clarify if the person weighs more than 110 kg he will not be able to carry it and will have to walk up . . . It is still very expensive, to have proper footwear

Andrey S.

October 14, 2025

Punctuality, very attentive guide and perfect organization. From the hotel exit, transit by train, lunch schedule and guided tours.

Maria R.

October 12, 2025

A very enriching experience, a lot of history, although it rained that day, was a good for nothing our tour. Our guide was very attentive and professional.

Alejandra C.

October 12, 2025

Ballestas Islands Perú – Ica Paracas Huacachina

Itinerary

Day 01 Ballestas Islands Tour and Paracas National Reserve

Details

Total distance traveled

Highest altitude

Lowest altitude

Route

Inclusions

What’s Included

What’s Not Included

Recommendations

Before Booking:

Frequently asked questions

Where does the Ballestas Islands tour start?

How long does the Ballestas Islands tour last?

Where is El Chaco Beach located?

What is the tour’s cancellation policy?

Is it possible to see wildlife during the tour?

What should we bring for the Ballestas Islands Peru tour?

Can’t find the answer to your question?

Hear from Those Who Have Experienced the Magic of Our Tours

Related Tours

Picnic with Llamas

Pisco Route Tour – Pisco Route Ica

Cusco City Tour – City Tour in Cusco

Ballestas Islands – Huacachina Oasis

Dune Buggy Tour – Ica Dune Buggy Private Tour

Huacachina Peru – Picnic in Huacachina Oasis Peru