Honest Paracas National Reserve & Ballestas Islands Tour Review (+ Map)
TL;DR
Wondering if the Paracas National Reserve & Ballestas Islands tour is worth it? We tried it ourselves, and here’s everything you need to know to see wildlife, desert landscapes, and stunning coastlines – all hassle-free.
If you’re planning a trip to Peru and wondering whether the Paracas National Reserve & Ballestas Islands tour is worth it, you’re not alone. Many travellers search for a way to experience both the desert landscapes and incredible wildlife of Paracas in a single, hassle-free day – without the stress of organising separate tours or transportation. Having recently taken the full-day tour ourselves, we’re here to share our honest experience, insider tips, and what to expect. Whether you’re a nature lover, wildlife enthusiast, or simply looking for a great-value day trip from Paracas, this review will help you decide if this popular tour deserves a spot on your Peru itinerary.
Paracas National Reserve & Ballestas Islands Tour Review
We opted for the 7-Hours Tour in Paracas National Reserve, which was both convenient and great value for money.
Itinerary
This is the itinerary of the exact Paracas National Reserve & Islas Ballestas tour we went on:
1. Boat Tour to the Ballestas Islands
This full-day tour is comprised of two parts. First, we walked the short way from the tour office to the pier to start our boat tour of the Ballestas Islands. These were the stops of our tour:
- Our first stop was the buoys right outside the harbour, as they seem to be a playground for sea lions. We circled the buoys a couple of times so that everybody on the boat could see the sea lions relaxing on the buoys and swimming in the sea.
- Our second stop was the Paracas Candelabra. The candelabra is a geoglyph cut 60 cm (~2 ft) into the soil and outlined with stones, which measures 170 m (~560 ft) tall by 60 m (~200 ft) wide. Pottery found nearby dates to around 200 BCE, linking it to the Nazca lines. We also visited the Nazca lines and thought the candelabra was a nice addition.
- The highlight of the boat tour was the Ballestas Islands. The group of rocky islets, known for their rich wildlife and striking landscapes, is often called the “Poor Man’s Galápagos.” They are home to sea lions, Humboldt penguins, pelicans, cormorants, Peruvian boobies, blue-footed boobies, and countless other seabirds. As is the case with wildlife, sightings are not guaranteed, but we were lucky to see all the major players.
2. Bus Tour of the Paracas National Reserve
As it’s possible to book only the boat tour, the full day tour was interrupted by a proper break in Paracas to rest and take lunch.
Afterwards, we met back up at the tour office to start our second part of the tour, a bus tour through the Paracas National Reserve. The desert-like landscape is breathtaking, and you can visit several viewpoints and beaches. These were the stops of our tour:
- Our first stop was the Cathedral Viewpoint, where a striking natural rock formation once stood. Sadly, it was heavily damaged during the 2007 earthquake. Today, the site still offers breathtaking views of the desert meeting the deep blue ocean, along with the chance to observe many seabirds.
- Our next stop was the viewpoint at the Isthmus of the peninsula, where we had plenty of time to take pictures.
- Next up was Playa Roja. True to its name, this beach is made of striking red sand. For preservation reasons, it’s prohibited to walk onto the beach. It was great to see it from above, though, and we were able to look back at our previous stop, the Isthmus viewpoint.
- Playa La Mina was our first long stop on this tour. We had plenty of time to relax on the beach (there was sun and shade) and swim in the sea. Beware that the water temperature can get pretty low (it’s max 23°C / 72°F in March and min 14°C / 59°F in September).
- Last but not least, we stopped at Lagunillas. There are plenty of fishing boats in the bay and a number of restaurants where you can enjoy the fresh catch. We were recommended La Tia Fela. You also have the option to relax at the small beach or take a short hike to the viewpoint overlooking the bay.
Our Honest Opinion
The tour was really well organised and the communication with the tour operator was seamless. We really enjoyed both our guides (on the boat and in the bus). They both offered bilingual explanations in Spanish and English and made sure that everybody had a good time. On the boat, they ensured that everybody could see the animals as well the the candelabra by circling the spots and changing the angles.
During the bus tour, our guide pointed out all the highlights, gave thorough explanations, and helped with photos where needed. The bus was a comfy van rather than a big bus, so the group was quite small and the stops never felt crowded. Just be aware that this tour is quite viewpoint / photo stop heavy, but really, this is probably the best way to see the beauty of the Paracas National Reserve.
Overall, we have nothing to complain about (which is the highest form of compliment from a German).
What Other Travellers Say About the Tour
⭐ Rating: 4.4 / 5 (42 reviews)
Has to be done if visiting Paracas
Was a fantastic trip split into two. Was very informative with the guides speaking in both Spanish and English. The wildlife seen on the boat trip was fantastic, penguins and sea lions being the highlight.
The trip into Paracas Nature Reserve was enjoyable. Several short stops learning about the landscape and wildlife. Then 2 longer stops; 1 at the beach so recommend appropriate attire (I was contacted with a list of things to bring so appreciated that) and then the last stop being lunch (not paid for). El Che is definitely recommended, great food and friendly staff.
– Claire (see more reviews)
What Does the Tour Include?
The tour we did includes:
- Transportation (bus and boat)
- Guides
- Entrance to the Paracas National Reserve and the Ballestas Islands
Conclusion: Is the Tour Worth it?
We absolutely think this full-day tour is worth it. The value for money and the convenience just can’t be beat.
A popular alternative to a bus tour is renting a bicycle. Beware that the total route is 30 km (18.6 mi) long (check out the stops on our map) and there is literally no shade (we have included a picture of the road below). We only recommend this option if you’re seriously fit and / or adventurous.
Another alternative, if you ‘re craving a bit more adventure, is booking the boat tour to the Ballestas Islands separately and touring the Paracas National Reserve with a quad. This is also a nice option if you have more time and want to split up the activities into two days or more.
Overall, we think that the full-day Paracas National Reserve & Ballestas Islands tour is the best option if
- You’re short on time.
- You’re on a tight budget.
- You value convenience over adventure.
Where We Stayed in Paracas
We stayed at Casa Mahulu. The owners were lovely, the location was great, the room was comfy, and the value for money was hard to beat.
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