Ballestas Islands & National Reserve of Paracas from Ica
Active
7h - 8h
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Instant confirmation
Mobile or paper ticket accepted
About this experience
Come and visit the Ballestas Islands in Paracas, know the National Reserve and enjoy its incredible beaches, where you can take excellent photographs. Our professional tour guides will provide you with all the information on the history of the place.
Available options
Grupal Paracas Tour Full Day
Pickup included
Private Paracas Tour Full Day
Private Paracas Full Day Tour: The private tour will visit the same places as the group service but will be more personalized and with more patience without<br/>Private Tour<br/>Duration: 8 hours: The duration of the tour will be approximately 7 to 8 hours.<br/>Car or Van: Car service will be from 02 to 03 pax. The Van service will be from 04 to 08 pax.<br/>Pickup included
What's included
Guía Oficial de Turismo
Tour Islas Ballestas
Transporte Turístico
Tour a la Reserva Nacional de Paracas
Detailed itinerary
1
Stop 1
El Tour de Paracas & Islas Ballestas & Reserva Nacional de Paracas inicia desde Ica y termina en Ica. Los recojos son en hoteles centro del cercado de Ica o en todo caso en el centro de Ica (plaza de armas o terminal de bus). Al finalizar el Tour, en el retorno a Ica, si algún pasajero desea quedarse en Paracas, lo puede hacer bajo su propia responsabilidad.
2
Stop 2
Una vez terminado el Tour a las Islas Ballestas, procederemos a continuar con el Tour a la Reserva Nacional de Paracas, la cual incluye:
- Movilidad Terrestre hacia la Reserva Nacional de Paracas.
- Visita al Mirador Istmo de la Península.
- Visita a Playa Roja.
- Visita a la Playa Lagunillas.
- Tiempo libre para Bañarse y Almorzar en la Playa Lagunillas.
- Visita a la playa La Mina.
- Todos los Impuestos y Entradas.
- Traslado de Retorno a la Ciudad de Ica.
3
Stop 3
Una vez lleguemos al distrito de Paracas, haremos el check in y nos embarcaremos directo hacia las Islas Ballestas, lo cual incluye:
- Embarcación Moderna Turística de 40 Pax.
- Guía Oficial de Turismo (bilingüe).
- Tickets for seats on the tourist boat to the Ballestas Islands.
- Observación del misterioso geoglifo gigante "El Candelabro", ubicado en la falda de un cerro, no se borra con el pasar del tiempo.
- Deleitaremos espectaculares Islas con formas de arcos o portales, podremos observar diversa variedad de fauna marina, entre ellos lobos marinos, pingüinos, moluscos, pelicanos, gaviotas, y varios tipos de aves productoras de "Guano" (fertilizante natural o abono).
- El recorrido en el mar tendrá una duración de 02 horas, 01 hora dentro de las Islas Ballestas y 01 hora en traslados ida y vuelta.
- Retorno al muelle turístico de Paracas.
What's not included
No Incluyen bebidas y alimentos. Pero sí les brindaremos tiempo para almorzar en las Playas de Paracas.
Hospedaje
Tickets de Bus Interprovincial (Lima/Ica)
Ticket turístico en Paracas S/22.00 soles por persona
Available languages
Guide guide
EN
ES
Reviews breakdown
Viator
3.4
9 reviews
5★
3
4★
1
3★
3
2★
1
1★
1
Tripadvisor
4.9
57 reviews
5★
53
4★
3
3★
0
2★
0
1★
1
Important information
Public transportation options are available nearby
Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
Not recommended for pregnant travelers
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Pregnant women cannot board tourist sliders.
In the case of bad weather on the day of the tour, and there is no departure to the Ballestas Islands, passengers will be offered a refund of S/40.00 soles per person. And the tour to the Paracas National Reserve will continue.
On holidays the pick up will be 30 minutes earlier than normal, and it will be at the Plaza de Armas and the Huacachina Oasis. The end of the tour will be in the Plaza de Armas.
The group option is in a minibus with natural ventilation (windows open), the private option is in an air-conditioned vehicle.
Meeting point
En caso los pasajeros no tengan hotel en Ica, pueden acercarse a nuestra oficina ubicada en urbanización Ciudadela Magisterial, calle Las Palmeras O-01 III etapa, Ica.
About Ica
Ica is a vibrant city located in the Ica Region of southern Peru, known for its sunny desert climate, rich history, and proximity to some of the country's most stunning natural attractions. The city is famous for its vineyards, producing some of Peru's finest wines and pisco, a popular grape brandy. Nearby, the Nazca Lines and the Paracas National Reserve offer unique and breathtaking experiences.
Top Attractions
Nazca Lines
The Nazca Lines are a series of ancient geoglyphs located in the Nazca Desert, about 400 km south of Ica. These massive drawings, created by the Nazca culture between 500 BC and 500 AD, depict various animals, plants, and geometric shapes. The best way to see them is by taking a scenic flight from Ica.
Historical
Half-day to full-day tour
Moderate to Expensive (flight included)
Paracas National Reserve
Paracas National Reserve is a protected area known for its diverse wildlife and stunning coastal landscapes. The reserve includes the Ballestas Islands, often referred to as the 'poor man's Galápagos,' where you can see sea lions, penguins, and a variety of seabirds.
Nature
Full-day tour
Moderate
Huacachina
Huacachina is a small oasis and resort town surrounded by sand dunes, located about 5 km west of Ica. It is famous for its adventure sports, including sandboarding and dune buggy rides. The town's lagoon is a popular spot for relaxation and swimming.
Adventure
Half-day to full-day
Budget to Moderate
Ica Cathedral
The Ica Cathedral, also known as the Cathedral of San Jerónimo, is a beautiful example of colonial architecture. Built in the 16th century, it features a striking facade and an impressive interior with ornate decorations and religious art.
Historical
1-2 hours
Free
Museum of the Wine and Grape
This museum showcases the history and importance of wine and grape production in the Ica region. Visitors can learn about the winemaking process, taste local wines, and explore the region's rich viticultural heritage.
Cultural
1-2 hours
Budget
Must-Try Local Dishes
Pisco Sour
A popular grape brandy cocktail made with pisco, lemon juice, simple syrup, and egg white. It is the national drink of Peru and a must-try in Ica, the heart of pisco production.
Drink
Contains alcohol and egg white
Ceviche
A fresh seafood dish made with raw fish cured in fresh citrus juices, typically lime, and spiced with ají or chili peppers. It is often served with sweet potato, corn on the cob, and plantain.
Lunch/Dinner
Contains seafood and citrus
Aji de Gallina
A creamy chicken dish made with a sauce of yellow aji peppers, garlic, bread, milk, and Parmesan cheese. It is typically served with rice and potatoes.
Lunch/Dinner
Contains dairy and chicken
Anticuchos
Grilled skewers of beef heart, often marinated in vinegar, garlic, and spices. They are a popular street food in Peru and can be found in Ica as well.
Snack
Contains beef
Popular Activities
Sandboarding
Dune buggy rides
Hiking in Paracas National Reserve
Swimming in Huacachina lagoon
Wine and pisco tasting
Beach relaxation in Paracas
Visiting Ica Cathedral
Exploring local markets
Best Time to Visit
May to October
This is the dry season with clear skies and minimal rainfall, perfect for outdoor activities and exploring the region's attractions. The weather is warm and pleasant, making it ideal for sightseeing and adventure activities.
15°C to 28°C
59°F to 82°F
Practical Information
Language
- Official: Spanish
- Widely spoken: Spanish
- English: Limited
Currency
Peruvian Sol (PEN)
Time Zone
GMT-5
Electricity
220VV, 60HzHz
Safety Information
Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe
Ica is generally safe for travelers, but petty crime can occur, especially in crowded areas and tourist spots. Exercise caution and take common-sense precautions to ensure a safe and enjoyable trip.
Important Precautions:
- • Keep valuables secure and out of sight.
- • Use reputable tour operators and taxi services.
- • Be cautious when using ATMs and avoid carrying large amounts of cash.
Getting there
By air
- Rodríguez Ballón International Airport • 5 km from city center
By bus
Ica Bus Terminal
Getting around
Public transport
Local buses are the primary mode of public transportation in Ica. They are affordable and cover most of the city and nearby attractions.
Taxis
Available • Apps: InDriver, Beat
Rentals
Car, Bike, Scooter
Neighborhoods
Ica City Center
Huacachina
Paracas
Day trips
Nazca Lines
400 km from Ica • Full-day tour
The Nazca Lines are a series of ancient geoglyphs located in the Nazca Desert. These massive drawings, created by the Nazca culture between 500 BC and 500 AD, depict various animals, plants, and geometric shapes. The best way to see them is by taking a scenic flight from Ica.
Paracas National Reserve
200 km from Ica • Full-day tour
Paracas National Reserve is a protected area known for its diverse wildlife and stunning coastal landscapes. The reserve includes the Ballestas Islands, often referred to as the 'poor man's Galápagos,' where you can see sea lions, penguins, and a variety of seabirds.
Huacachina
5 km from Ica • Half-day to full-day
Huacachina is a small oasis and resort town surrounded by sand dunes, located about 5 km west of Ica. It is famous for its adventure sports, including sandboarding and dune buggy rides. The town's lagoon is a popular spot for relaxation and swimming.
Festivals
National Pisco Sour Day • First Saturday of February
Festival of the Lord of Luren • January
Ica Grape Harvest Festival • March
Pro tips
- Visit the Nazca Lines early in the morning for the best visibility and fewer crowds.
- Book your Huacachina sandboarding and dune buggy tours in advance, especially during peak season.
- Try the local pisco and wine, as Ica is the heart of Peru's wine and pisco production.
- Bring plenty of sunscreen, a hat, and a reusable water bottle for desert adventures.
- Learn a few basic Spanish phrases to enhance your experience and interact with locals.
From $25
per person
Price varies by option
Secure booking
Free cancellation available
Instant confirmation
