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Explore the striking desert landscapes and coastal cliffs of the Paracas National Reserve by ATV, buggy, scooter, or guided trek. Many of these tours also include boat trips to the nearby Ballestas Islands to spot sea lions and Humboldt penguins.
Free Cancellation See penguins and sea lions on the Ballestas Islands before exploring Paracas Reserve and the Chincha slave tunnels.
Free Cancellation Trek through the Paracas National Reserve to discover coastal wildlife and witness a golden desert sunset.
Free Cancellation Explore the national reserve on an active outdoor adventure led by professional local guides.
Free Cancellation Explore the beaches and viewpoints of Paracas National Reserve at your own pace with an independent scooter rental.
Free Cancellation Experience a silent tandem paragliding flight over the Paracas coastline with a professional pilot.
Free Cancellation Explore the marine wildlife of the Ballestas Islands and the coastal landscapes of the Paracas National Reserve.
Free Cancellation Explore the Ballestas Islands and Paracas National Reserve to see sea lions, penguins, and the Candelabra geoglyph.
Free Cancellation Explore the desert cliffs and red sand beaches of Paracas on a private, flexible tour with a local guide.
Free Cancellation Drive a two-person buggy through the red deserts and coastal cliffs of the Paracas National Reserve.
Free Cancellation Explore the Ballestas Islands' wildlife and the desert cliffs of the Paracas National Reserve in one day.
Read what travelers share about their experience visiting Paracas — from practical tips to personal highlights.
Visiting the Paracas National Reserve is a unique experience where one of the world's driest deserts plunges directly into the nutrient-rich Pacific Ocean. Tours here typically split into two distinct adventures: high-speed boat rides to teeming marine sanctuaries and overland explorations of the dramatic, wind-swept coastal dunes.
Often called the 'Poor Man's Galapagos,' these rocky outcrops are packed with thousands of seabirds, massive colonies of barking sea lions, and adorable Humboldt penguins waddling along the cliffs.
Visible only from the ocean, this massive 180-meter-tall geoglyph is etched into the northern ridge of the peninsula. It dates back over 2,500 years and its true purpose remains a mystery.
One of the most photogenic stops in the reserve, this beach features striking reddish-orange sands created by eroding coastal cliffs, offering a surreal contrast against the deep blue ocean.
Beyond the standard bus routes, many visitors explore the reserve's golden and ochre dunes via two-seater buggies or ATVs, getting up close to the stark, hyper-arid landscape.
Though partially destroyed by a 2007 earthquake, the remains of this iconic rock arch still provide breathtaking panoramic views of the untamed waves crashing against the desert shore.
The modern Julio C. Tello Museum sits near the reserve entrance, showcasing advanced textiles, elongated skulls, and artifacts from the ancient society that thrived here in 800 BCE.
Planning a trip to Paracas requires a bit of logistical foresight, especially when balancing ocean conditions with desert heat. Here is what you need to know before locking in your tour.
You can book comprehensive full-day tours departing directly from Lima (which take around 18 hours), or you can travel to Paracas independently and book shorter 2-to-7-hour excursions like boat trips, buggy rides, or guided treks.
Many budget tours do not include the mandatory SERNANP government entrance fees. Expect to pay S/ 11 for the National Reserve and S/ 18 for the Ballestas Islands, or ask at the gate for the promotional 2x1 combo ticket for S/ 17.
If you are heading to the Ballestas Islands, always aim for the 08:00 AM departure. The ocean is significantly calmer in the early morning, which drastically reduces the chances of seasickness and tour cancellations due to rough waves.
The two-hour speedboat ride to the islands navigates choppy open ocean waters. Even if you don't usually get seasick, it is highly recommended to take medication at least 30 minutes before boarding.
The equatorial sun is intense, but the coastal desert winds are notoriously strong and chilly. Bring high-SPF sunscreen, a windbreaker, a sunhat that won't blow away, and a light headscarf to protect your ears from the wind.
Open-air speedboats are prone to heavy sea spray, and the desert winds whip up a lot of fine sand. Bring a waterproof dry bag for your camera and a floating pouch for your phone.
If you hate rigid group schedules, you can rent a scooter in town for around $35 USD. This allows you to explore the vast reserve loop at your own pace, stopping at remote beaches like La Mina.
While the main visitor center and some viewpoints are paved, boarding the boats and navigating the sandy, uneven terrain of the beaches can be very difficult for wheelchair users without personal assistance.
| Full-Day Trip from Lima | Ballestas & Reserve Combo | Desert Buggy / ATV Tour | Independent Scooter Rental | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Duration | 18 hours | 7 hours | 2 hours | Flexible (Full Day) |
| Best for | Travelers short on time wanting a seamless day trip | Wildlife lovers already staying in Paracas or Ica | Thrill-seekers wanting an active, off-road experience | Independent travelers who want to avoid crowds |
| What's Included | Luxury bus transport, Ballestas boat, Reserve tour, guide | Boat ride, minibus transport, bilingual guide | Vehicle rental, helmet, guide, hotel pickup | Scooter, helmet, map, glasses |
| Approx. Price | $99 USD | $34 - $39 USD | $35 - $55 USD | $35 USD |
Paracas National Reserve: The main reserve is open to visitors daily from 09:00 to 16:00. Access is managed via the Santo Domingo Checkpoint.
Ballestas Islands: Boat tours operate strictly in the mornings from 06:00 to 13:00. However, the vast majority of tourist speedboats are scheduled to depart between 08:00 and 10:00 to take advantage of calmer morning waters.
Holiday Note: During major Peruvian holidays like Fiestas Patrias (July 28-29) and Easter weekend, many tours adjust their schedules and pick up passengers 30 to 60 minutes earlier than usual to beat the crowds.
Paracas is located about 260 kilometers (162 miles) south of Lima.
Summer (December to February): These are the most popular months, offering hot, sunny, and clear weather. It is perfect for photography, but be prepared for intense sun and larger domestic crowds, especially on weekends.
Wildlife Season (April to November): If you are coming specifically to see Humboldt penguins, this is the best window. Sea lions are visible year-round.
Winter Constraints: The winter months can be cool, very dry, and extremely windy. Strong winds occasionally cause choppy sea conditions that force the port captain to cancel Ballestas Islands boat tours for safety reasons.
Accessibility in Paracas is a mixed bag due to the rugged desert environment.
Inside the Reserve: Facilities are limited. The Julio C. Tello Museum offers restrooms and a deep dive into local history. There are a few designated parking areas and viewpoints, but very little shade. You must bring your own drinking water and snacks, as vendors are scarce past the entrance.
El Chaco (Paracas Town): The small tourist hub right outside the reserve has everything you need: restaurants, pharmacies, tour agencies, and scooter rentals. There are ATMs available, but for safety reasons, it is recommended to only use them during daylight hours.
Entrance Fees: Standard entry to the reserve is S/ 11.00 for adults and S/ 3.00 for minors (5-16). A promotional 2x1 ticket covering both the Reserve and Ballestas Islands costs S/ 17.00.
The journey from Lima to Paracas by road takes approximately 3.5 to 4 hours along the flat coastal Pan-American Highway. The total distance covered is about 260 kilometers (162 miles) south of the capital.
It depends on the operator, but many standard tours exclude the government entrance fees. Expect to pay 11 soles for the National Reserve and 18 soles for the Ballestas Islands, or ask for the 17-sole combined promotional ticket at the gate.
The two-hour boat ride passes through choppy open ocean waters that can trigger severe motion sickness. To mitigate this, book the earliest 08:00 AM tour when waters are calmest, and take motion sickness pills 30 minutes before boarding.
No, visitors are strictly prohibited from disembarking on the Ballestas Islands or swimming with the animals. Because they are protected marine sanctuaries, you can only observe the wildlife from the safety of an authorized tour boat.
The Paracas Candelabra is a massive, fork-like prehistoric geoglyph measuring nearly 600 feet (183 meters) tall etched into a desert hillside. It dates back over 2,500 years and is best viewed from the ocean during a boat tour.
While sea lions can be spotted in the hundreds all year round, Humboldt penguins are migratory. They are best viewed from April to November when they are highly active on the rocky slopes of the Ballestas Islands.
Yes, you can explore the reserve independently. A popular option is renting a scooter in Paracas town for around $35 USD, which gives you the flexibility to visit remote beaches and viewpoints at your own pace.
Because of the intense sun and strong, chilly desert winds, layering is key. Wear a windbreaker, a sunhat, sunglasses, and comfortable walking shoes (no flip-flops on treks). A light headscarf is also recommended to protect your ears from the wind.
Paracas is considered one of the safest destinations on the Peruvian coast with very low violent crime. However, you should watch out for petty theft in crowded bus terminals and strictly avoid walking near unstable, unmarked desert cliffs.
No, flying drones without official authorization is strictly prohibited. Commercial filming or photography requires permits that must be secured weeks in advance from the park authorities.
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This full-day trip departs from Lima and heads south for a boat tour of the Ballestas Islands. From the water, you will see sea lions, Humboldt penguins, and various seabirds nesting on the cliffs. After returning to shore, the tour enters the Paracas National Reserve to view the unique landscape where the desert coastline meets the Pacific Ocean. The final part of the day is spent at the Chincha Slave Tunnels, a historic underground site. This guided visit provides a look into the region's colonial history. The tour includes round-trip transportation with pickup and drop-off at your hotel in Lima.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
English, Spanish
This guided trek takes you through the diverse landscapes of the Paracas National Reserve. As you walk along the coastal trails, you will have the opportunity to observe the native plants and wildlife that thrive in this protected ecosystem. The tour concludes as the sun begins to set over the Peruvian desert. You will watch the light transform the dunes, casting long shadows across the sand and highlighting the unique geography of the region before the trek ends.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
English
This tour takes you into the heart of the national reserve for an active day of exploration. Led by a team of professional guides who know the terrain intimately, you will navigate the landscape while learning about the local environment firsthand. The experience is designed for those who enjoy a fast-paced adventure in the outdoors. Our guides prioritize both your safety and the quality of the route, ensuring you get the most out of your time spent in the protected wilderness area.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
English, Spanish
Explore the Paracas National Reserve on your own terms. This scooter rental gives you the freedom to set your own schedule and visit the park's most iconic spots without the constraints of a guided tour. You can ride to scenic locations like La Mina Beach, El Raspón, and Red Beach, or take in the views from the Itmos Peninsula and the Flamingo Viewpoint. The route also covers Lagunillas, Yumaque, Supay Beach, the Cathedral rock formation, and the local museum. Before you head out, we provide a detailed map of the reserve at our office to help you navigate. For peace of mind, your rental includes two emergency contact numbers reachable via call or WhatsApp if you need any assistance during your trip. Please note that scooters are provided with a full tank of gasoline and must be returned full at the end of the rental period.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
This tandem paragliding experience requires no prior training or flying knowledge. After a brief safety orientation, you will be strapped into a harness with a professional pilot who manages the equipment and navigation. To take off, you simply walk a few steps until the wind lifts the glider into the air. Flights take place from either the coastal mountains or the beach, depending on the day's wind conditions. Because paragliding relies on the wind rather than an engine, the flight is quiet and free of vibrations. This allows you to focus entirely on the panoramic views of the Paracas desert and the Pacific Ocean from a unique vantage point.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
English, Spanish
This tour takes you across the waters of Paracas to the Ballestas Islands, home to diverse marine species including sea lions, Humboldt penguins, and various guano birds. Along the way, you will see the "Candelabra," a massive geoglyph etched into the desert hillside. The journey continues into the Paracas National Reserve, where the desert meets the Pacific Ocean. You will visit several coastal viewpoints and beaches known for their unique rock formations and red sands, offering ample opportunities for photography. Throughout the trip, local guides provide historical context and ecological information about the region. The itinerary is designed to showcase the natural contrast between the ocean and the arid landscape of the Peruvian coast.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
English, Spanish
The journey starts with a boat trip through Paracas Bay, passing the largest peninsula in Peru. You will stop at the northern point of the peninsula to view the Candelabra geoglyph, where a guide provides details on its dimensions and possible origins. A 15-minute boat ride from the geoglyph brings you to the Ballestas Islands, home to sea lions, Humboldt penguins, and a variety of birds such as boobies, pelicans, and cormorants. The second part of the tour explores the Paracas National Reserve by modern vehicle. This protected desert area features a unique coastal landscape and provides a habitat for various seabirds. You will have the opportunity to see the flamingos that inhabit the reserve and view the dramatic terrain where the desert meets the ocean.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
English, Spanish
This private trip focuses on the stark landscapes of the Paracas National Reserve, where high desert cliffs drop directly into the ocean. Because you have a private vehicle and a local guide, you can set your own pace at stops like Red Beach and various coastal lookouts. The flexible schedule allows for plenty of time to take photos without the rush of a large group tour. The tour also covers the history and biology of the Ica region. You will visit the Interpretation Center to see exhibits on local wildlife and the Julio C. Tello Museum to view artifacts from the Paracas culture. Entrance tickets to the museum are included, making this a straightforward way for families or small groups to see the reserve’s most important natural and cultural sites.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
English, Spanish
Take the wheel of a two-seater buggy for a guided exploration of the Paracas National Reserve. Following a lead vehicle in an organized convoy, you and a companion will navigate the desert terrain to see the area's unique geography up close. The route covers the diverse landscapes of the reserve, specifically highlighting the vibrant reddish sands and coastal formations. This self-drive tour provides a direct way to experience the scale and color of the Peruvian desert.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
English, Spanish
The day begins with a boat trip to the Ballestas Islands, an archipelago known for its dense population of marine life. Along the way, you will pass the Candelabra, a massive hillside geoglyph etched into the desert sand. Once at the islands, you can observe Humboldt penguins, Peruvian boobies, and sea lions from the water. In the afternoon, the tour continues by land into the Paracas National Reserve. You will visit the coastal cliffs to see the remains of the La Catedral rock formation and stop at a scenic overlook to watch for flamingos and parihuanas feeding in the bay.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
English, Spanish