Paracas Tours

The Ballestas boat tour

Boats leave from the pier at Paracas, speed out across the bay and pause first at the Candelabra, a huge figure etched into the dune above the coast, whose origin is debated. They then reach the islands, weaving through arches and caves while a guide names the birds and animals. Typical sights include sea lions, Humboldt penguins, boobies, pelicans and cormorants.

Landing is not permitted, so you stay on the boat throughout. The sea is usually calmer in the morning, and afternoon tours, where offered, can be rougher and windier. Bring a jacket, sun protection and a camera with a strap, and keep seats near the middle of the boat if you are prone to seasickness.

The wildlife you can expect on the Ballestas Islands and how it changes through the year help you decide how much to rely on the guide's commentary and how much to simply watch.

The reserve by land

The Paracas National Reserve protects a stretch of desert coast with red cliffs, beaches and sea views. Tours by minibus or private car stop at a visitor centre, viewpoints and a beach with a small restaurant. Plan on two to three hours. The landscapes are stark and best in clear light, and the wind can be strong.

Cyclists and independent travellers can explore on their own, but distances are large and shade is rare, so take plenty of water.

A guide adds most value at the visitor centre, where the geology and the marine ecology are explained, and at the viewpoints, where sea birds nest on the cliffs. If you travel in your own vehicle or by bike, read the information boards and ask staff about any areas that are closed.

Combining the tours and sunset options

Many people take the boat tour in the morning, have a seafood lunch and use the afternoon for the reserve. A sunset visit to the cliffs works well for photography. Some operators also offer sandboarding, kitesurfing or buggy rides in the dunes, which are more typical of the Ica region. If you only have one day from Lima, the boat and the reserve are a realistic pair.

The route from the capital is covered in Lima to Paracas, and for a night in the resort area you can read where to stay in Paracas. A night is useful because the boats run in the morning, and an overnight stay avoids a very early start from Lima.

Responsible wildlife viewing

The islands protect colonies of birds and marine mammals, and visits are regulated. Choose a boat that keeps its distance, does not chase animals and has life jackets for every passenger. Do not buy food or souvenirs made from animal parts. Entry fees may be collected at the pier or as part of the tour price, so ask which applies.

Respect the rules on noise and rubbish: do not throw anything overboard, and keep quiet near nesting birds. Responsible travel has more general advice, and for the protected status of the coast, see reserve.

What to check in an operator

Compare departure times, boat size and whether a guide speaks your language. Ask whether the reserve and the island fees are included, how many passengers each boat carries and whether life jackets are provided. Be careful with promoters who approach you at the bus terminal in Paracas, and book through your accommodation or at the pier. In windy conditions the authorities can suspend departures, so keep time spare if you have onward transport.

Common scams lists the tricks that affect tourist hubs like this one, such as inflated fees that were not part of the original price and last-minute changes of itinerary.

Other excursions from Paracas

Beyond the two standard tours, travellers can add kitesurfing in the bay where winds allow, birdwatching on the shore and visits to fishing villages for seafood. The desert landscape lends itself to quad bikes and sandboarding, though these are more common near Huacachina. Ica and Huacachina describes the oasis and its dune activities, and the comparison of Paracas or Huacachina helps you choose if you only have time for one stop.

If you continue south, Nazca and its lines are a few hours further along the road, and the southern Peru loop itinerary shows how the coast fits into a longer route.

Timing, weather and seasickness

Mornings are usually calmer and clearer, which is why most boats leave early. Along this coast fog can hang over the sea, and the winter months may be cooler and greyer, so bring a warm layer even if the day looks sunny. On the boat, wind and spray chill quickly, and a windproof jacket is better than a woollen layer.

If you tend to feel seasick, sit in the middle of the boat, look at the horizon and avoid a heavy breakfast. Ask the operator whether tablets are advisable and speak to a pharmacist or doctor rather than guessing.