About All ToursNational Reserve ToursFrom Lima ToursBuggy ToursBoat ToursBallestas Islands ToursParacas & Huacachina Directions Hours & Fees
Find Tours 
Explore Peru's southern coast with guided boat trips to see sea lions and Humboldt penguins in their natural habitat. Choose from quick 2-hour cruises to comprehensive multi-day excursions featuring sandboarding in Huacachina.
Free Cancellation Discover Peru’s heritage on a guided tour featuring comfortable transport and round-trip hotel transfers.
Free Cancellation See Ballestas Islands wildlife, Paracas National Reserve, and the Chincha Slave Tunnels on a full-day trip from Lima.
Free Cancellation A two-day journey exploring the wildlife of the Ballestas Islands and the desert dunes of Huacachina.
Free Cancellation Explore the Ballestas Islands by boat to see sea lions, penguins, and pelicans in their natural coastal habitat.
Free Cancellation Explore the Ballestas Islands' wildlife and the Huacachina dunes on a full-day trip from Lima.
Free Cancellation See the Candelabra geoglyph and local wildlife like sea lions and penguins on a boat tour from San Martín port.
Free Cancellation Explore the Ballestas Islands and Paracas Reserve with direct pier-side pickup and guaranteed on-time ship return.
Free Cancellation See sea lions at the Ballestas Islands and explore the coastal landscapes of the Paracas National Reserve.
Free Cancellation Discover the Ballestas Islands, Nietto winery, and Huacachina dunes on this guided tour through Paracas and Ica.
Free Cancellation See the Ballestas Islands with direct pick-up from San Martín Port, timed perfectly for your cruise schedule.
Read what travelers share about their experience visiting Paracas — from practical tips to personal highlights.
A tour of Paracas and the Ballestas Islands offers a thrilling combination of dramatic coastal desert landscapes and incredibly rich marine ecosystems. You can expect to speed across the Pacific Ocean to spot diverse wildlife, marvel at ancient geoglyphs, and explore the sprawling dunes of the Paracas National Reserve.
Often called the 'Poor Man's Galapagos,' these rocky outcroppings are teeming with lazy sea lions, thousands of seabirds, and adorable Humboldt penguins nesting in the cliffs.
View a massive, 180-meter-tall prehistoric geoglyph etched into the sandy hillside. Dating back over 2,500 years, this mysterious drawing is best seen from the water.
Marvel at the striking contrast of bright reddish-orange sands against the deep blue ocean waves, a unique beach colored by the erosion of nearby cliffs.
Visit the scenic viewpoint of this iconic natural rock formation. Despite partial destruction from a 2007 earthquake, the towering cliffs offer breathtaking panoramas of the untamed ocean.
Many full-day tours combine Paracas with a trip to this extraordinary desert oasis, where you can ride high-speed dune buggies and try sandboarding.
Explore fascinating archaeological artifacts and learn about the ancient Paracas culture's advanced mummification and cranial surgery techniques.
Planning your trip to Paracas requires understanding the logistics of boat departures, transport options from Lima, and what is actually included in your tour ticket.
You can book short 2-hour boat tours departing locally from El Chaco, full-day 17-hour mega-tours from Lima that include the Huacachina oasis, or dedicated shore excursions picking up directly from the San Martín cruise port.
Most tour prices do not include the local government taxes and entrance fees. You will usually need to purchase a promotional 2x1 ticket for 17 soles (approx. $5 USD) that covers both the National Reserve and the Ballestas Islands.
The Ballestas Islands boat tours are subject to ocean conditions. If there are severe winds or a storm, the port captain will close the dock for safety. Tour operators typically offer a partial refund (around $10) or an alternative land activity if this happens.
The 2-hour speedboat ride traverses choppy open ocean waters. If you are prone to seasickness, it is highly recommended to take medication at least 30 minutes before boarding.
The equatorial sun is intense, but the ocean winds are very chilly. Pack a windbreaker, a sunhat, sunglasses, and high-SPF sunscreen. Bring a waterproof bag, as the open-air speedboats often get splashed.
The boat tours are suitable for all fitness levels, and infants can ride on an adult's lap. However, if you book a combo tour with Huacachina, the dune buggy rides usually have a minimum age requirement of 7 years old.
If you are taking a full-day tour from Lima, expect a very early start. Pickups in Miraflores and Barranco typically happen between 5:00 AM and 6:00 AM to ensure you reach Paracas in time for the morning boat departures.
| 2-Hour Boat Tour | Full-Day Lima to Paracas & Huacachina | Cruise Shore Excursion | 2-Day Coastal Tour from Lima | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Duration | 2 hours | 17-18 hours | 2 to 4.5 hours | 48 hours |
| Best for | Travelers already staying in Paracas | Maximizing time on a tight schedule | Cruise passengers docking at San Martín Port | A relaxed pace to see all highlights |
| Includes | Speedboat ride, bilingual guide, lifejacket | Round-trip luxury bus, boat tour, dune buggies, sandboarding | Port pickup/drop-off, speedboat tour, guaranteed timely return | Hotel transport, Ballestas, Paracas Reserve, Slave Tunnels, Sandboarding |
| Price from | $20 | $71 | $50 | $134 |
The Paracas National Reserve is open daily to visitors from 09:00 to 16:00 via the main Santo Domingo Checkpoint.
If you are planning to visit the Ballestas Islands, note that the port operates on a much stricter schedule. Tourist boats are only permitted to run in the mornings from 06:00 to 13:00. The vast majority of group tours schedule their departures between 08:00 and 10:00 AM to take advantage of calmer ocean waters.
Paracas is located roughly 260 kilometers (162 miles) south of Lima. The most common way to arrive is by bus.
The absolute best months for warm, sunny beach weather are during the summer season from December to February. However, this is also peak domestic tourist season, so expect larger crowds, especially on weekends.
If your primary goal is wildlife viewing, plan your trip between April and November. This is the best window to spot migratory Humboldt penguins on the Ballestas Islands. Keep in mind that the winter months can be extremely windy, which sometimes causes choppy seas that can delay or cancel boat departures.
Accessibility in Paracas is a mixed bag. The main entrance plaza and specific viewpoints, such as the Guardhouse Viewpoint, feature paved, wheelchair-accessible pathways. You can also rent specialized all-terrain wheelchairs for rougher paths.
However, many of the natural beaches and the boat tours to the Ballestas Islands require navigating sandy, uneven, or rocky terrain. Boarding the speedboats can be highly challenging for visitors with limited mobility and usually requires personal assistance.
Tourist infrastructure is concentrated in the small town of El Chaco, which serves as the gateway to the reserve. Here you will find the main tourist dock, numerous restaurants, and tour operator offices.
Inside the Paracas National Reserve, facilities are more sparse to protect the environment. You can purchase tickets at the Santo Domingo Checkpoint. Restrooms are available at the main entrance and near the Julio C. Tello Museum, but you should not expect facilities at the remote beaches or viewpoints. Always bring plenty of drinking water with you.
To protect the fragile marine and desert ecosystems, strict rules are enforced within the reserve:
No, visitors are strictly prohibited from disembarking on the Ballestas Islands. They are protected marine sanctuaries, so you will observe the penguins, sea lions, and birds from the safety of your tour boat.
Usually, no. Most tour operators exclude the local government fees. You will need to buy a promotional 2x1 ticket at the port for 17 soles, which covers entry to both the Ballestas Islands and the Paracas National Reserve.
If the port captain closes the dock due to high winds or rough seas, tour operators will typically offer a partial refund (around $10 USD or 40 soles) for the boat portion, or they will propose an alternative land-based activity in the reserve.
The boat excursion takes approximately 2 hours round-trip from the El Chaco dock. This includes the ride out, a stop to view the Paracas Candelabra, and cruising around the islands to view the wildlife.
It is quite possible. The speedboats travel through choppy open ocean waters. If you are prone to motion sickness, it is highly recommended to take medication at least 30 minutes before boarding.
Yes, this is one of the most popular tour formats. These full-day excursions usually depart Lima around 5:00 AM, include the Ballestas boat tour, a visit to the Paracas Reserve, and afternoon dune buggies in Huacachina, returning to Lima by midnight.
While sea lions are present year-round, the Humboldt penguins are migratory. The best months to spot them nesting on the rocky slopes of the Ballestas Islands are from April to November.
Dress in layers. The sun is intense, but the ocean wind is very cold. A windbreaker, sunhat, sunglasses, and sunscreen are essential. Also, bring a waterproof bag for your phone, as the boats often get splashed.
The best and most common way to see the 180-meter-tall Paracas Candelabra is from the ocean during the Ballestas Islands boat tour. Land access around the geoglyph is strictly restricted to protect it.
Yes, the boat tours and reserve visits are great for kids, though infants must sit on an adult's lap on the boat and wear a lifejacket. Note that if you book a combo tour with Huacachina, the dune buggies usually require children to be at least 7 years old.
Browse verified tours with free cancellation and instant confirmation.
Find Tours
Our tours use modern vehicles equipped with reclining seats and onboard music to ensure a comfortable journey between sites. A professional bilingual guide accompanies you for the entire duration of the trip, sharing insights into local Peruvian traditions while managing all the logistics. We provide door-to-door service, picking you up from your hotel or a designated meeting point and returning you there at the end of the day. This full-day support ensures you can focus entirely on the experience while we handle the navigation and scheduling.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
English, Spanish
This full-day excursion begins with a drive from Lima to the coast for a guided boat tour of the Ballestas Islands. During the cruise, you can observe local marine life in their natural habitat, including sea lions, Humboldt penguins, and various seabird colonies nesting on the cliffs. After returning to shore, the tour continues into the Paracas National Reserve. You will visit several viewpoints where the coastal desert landscape meets the Pacific Ocean. The final stop is in Chincha for a guided tour of the historic underground slave tunnels, providing insight into the region's colonial history. Transport is provided throughout the day with hotel pickup and drop-off in Lima included. The itinerary covers boat fees, reserve entrance, and guided commentary at each location.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
English, Spanish
This two-day trip covers the main highlights of Peru’s southern coast. The first day begins with a boat tour to the Ballestas Islands, where you can see sea lions, Humboldt penguins, and dolphins in their natural habitat. Afterward, you will visit the Paracas National Reserve to see the coastal cliffs where the desert meets the Pacific Ocean. On the second day, the tour moves to the Huacachina oasis. The itinerary includes a dune buggy ride through the desert and a chance to try sandboarding, with an optional upgrade available for those who prefer an ATV. All transportation and entrance fees are included in the price to ensure the logistics are handled for you.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
English, Spanish
The tour departs from the El Chaco tourist dock, where you'll board a boat powered by two outboard motors for the trip to the Ballestas Islands. As one of the most significant wildlife sanctuaries on the Peruvian coast, these islands are home to a dense population of Humboldt penguins, pelicans, and boobies. Once at the islands, the focus shifts to the resident sea lions. Without natural predators in the immediate area, they are remarkably active and visible, often seen sleeping on the rocks or interacting with each other. The boat allows for close-up views of the animals in their natural environment while they go about their daily routines.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
English, Spanish
This full-day trip from Lima covers the coastal wildlife of Paracas and the desert dunes of Huacachina. The morning begins with a boat tour of the Ballestas Islands, where you can observe large colonies of sea lions and seals in their natural habitat. In the afternoon, the tour continues to the Huacachina oasis. Here, you will head into the desert for a dune buggy ride across the high sand peaks and have the opportunity to try sandboarding before returning to Lima.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
English, Spanish
Departing from the port of San Martín, this boat tour crosses Paracas Bay to reach the northern tip of the peninsula. The first stop is the Candelabra, a massive hillside geoglyph. Your guide will provide details on its dimensions and the various theories regarding its ancient origin while you take photos from the water. A 15-minute boat ride further out brings you to the Ballestas Islands. This protected area is known for its high concentration of marine life, including Humboldt penguins, boobies, pelicans, and cormorants. You will also get a close look at the large colonies of sea lions that inhabit the rocky outcrops before heading back to the mainland.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
English, Spanish
This shore excursion is designed specifically for cruise passengers docking at San Martín Port. We provide direct pickup and drop-off at the pier, coordinating the entire itinerary with your ship's arrival and departure times. By operating independently of the cruise line, we offer a more efficient experience that avoids the crowds of large-group tours while ensuring you return to the dock with plenty of time to spare. The tour begins with a boat trip to the Ballestas Islands, where you can observe sea lions, Humboldt penguins, and diverse seabird colonies. Afterward, you will visit the Paracas National Reserve to see the unique coastal desert landscapes and red sand beaches. Our guides are experienced in handling port logistics and will manage the schedule so you can focus on the wildlife and scenery without worrying about the clock.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
English, Spanish
The tour begins with a boat trip to the Ballestas Islands, home to sea lions, Humboldt penguins, and large colonies of seabirds. During the journey, you will see the Candelabra, a massive geoglyph etched into the desert hillside, while learning about the local ecosystem from your guide. Afterward, we head into the Paracas National Reserve to visit its desert beaches and dramatic cliffside viewpoints. You will have time to take photos at places like the Red Beach, where the volcanic sand meets the Pacific Ocean. Our guides provide historical context and geological facts about the region throughout the trip.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
English, Spanish
This trip takes you through the diverse landscapes of the Ica region, starting with a boat excursion to the Ballestas Islands to see the local marine life. After returning to shore, the tour heads inland to the Nietto winery, where you will learn about the production process and sample traditional Peruvian pisco and regional wines. The afternoon is spent at the Huacachina oasis for an adventure among the high sand dunes. To finish the day, you will visit Racimo de Uva to watch a live performance of Afro-Peruvian dances, highlighting the area's unique cultural history. Local guides accompany the group throughout the day to provide context and assistance at every stop.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
English, Spanish
This shore excursion is organized specifically for passengers docking at San Martín Port. We meet you directly at the pier and handle all transportation to and from the Paracas wharf. Because we coordinate our departures with your ship's arrival, you avoid the crowds of larger cruise-organized tours while ensuring you are back at the port in time for your departure. The tour includes a boat trip to the Ballestas Islands, where you can observe Humboldt penguins, sea lions, and diverse bird colonies. Along the way, you will also see the famous Candelabra geoglyph carved into the desert hillside. Our local team manages the logistics and timing so you can focus on the wildlife without worrying about local transport or pier schedules.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
English, Spanish