This natural paradise is a sanctuary for sea lions, Humboldt penguins, and guano birds, all framed by the deep blue of the Pacific Ocean and the mysterious landscapes of the coastal desert.
During the boat trip to the Ballestas Islands, you will marvel at rock formations, sea caves, and the enigmatic "Candelabro," a geoglyph etched into the sand that has defied time and mystery. But the adventure doesn't end there: you will also explore the Paracas National Reserve, where the desert meets the sea in a spectacle of red sands and turquoise waters. This tour offers the perfect balance of wildlife, landscapes, and adventure.
We start our adventure by picking you up directly from your hotel to head to the El Chaco pier in the picturesque bay of Paracas. There, we will board a speedboat that will take us out to sea to discover one of Peru's most spectacular marine sanctuaries: the Ballestas Islands.
During the ride, you will see the enigmatic "Candelabro of Paracas," a gigantic 170-meter geoglyph carved into the coastal desert sand. For about two hours, we will explore the islands, observing exuberant local fauna up close: sea lions, Humboldt penguins, boobies, pelicans, and other species.
After the boat tour, you will have a brief moment to relax or explore the artisanal boardwalk of El Chaco.
Next, we head to the Paracas National Reserve, a protected area combining desert and ocean. We will visit its main viewpoints, such as "La Catedral" (rock formation), Punta Santa Maria, and the famous Red Beach (Playa Roja), known for its intense sand color contrasting with the blue sea. Note: The source mentions an ATV ride here, adding an exciting twist to the reserve exploration.
Later, we will pause at Lagunillas Beach to enjoy lunch by the sea (not included) and relax. Our final stop will be La Mina Beach, one of the most beautiful and tranquil spots, perfect for ending the day among turquoise waters before returning to your hotel.
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To make the most of your day, departures from Lima are usually between 4:30 and 5:00 AM. This guarantees arriving on time for the first boat departure to the Ballestas Islands, when the ocean is calmest and the wildlife is most active.
Yes! While sailing toward the Ballestas Islands, the boat stops in front of the enigmatic Candelabra geoglyph. Your guide will explain the fascinating theories regarding its origin before continuing to the sea lion habitat.
It includes the ATV rental, safety equipment (helmet), and an expert guide who leads the tour through the reserve's stunning dunes and cliffs. This route allows you to reach spectacular viewpoints, such as the famous Red Beach (Playa Roja).
Yes, our boats are modern and very stable. However, if you are prone to motion sickness, we highly recommend taking a preventive pill (such as Dramamine) at least 30 minutes before boarding. We also suggest sitting at the back of the boat, where the impact of the waves is minimal, to ensure a smooth and pleasant ride.
It is essential to bring a windbreaker jacket for the boat ride (the ocean breeze can be quite cold), sunscreen, sunglasses, and a camera with plenty of memory to capture the thousands of native birds and sea lions.
If the port is closed due to high tides, we will reschedule the activity or replace the boat ride with a comprehensive land tour of the Paracas National Reserve. Everything is handled with prior coordination to ensure your AndeXperience Travel adventure remains unforgettable.
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