Ballestas Islands and Paracas Reserve Day Tour, El Chaco

This Ballestas Islands and Paracas Reserve day tour moves in three easy steps, from sea to town to desert. It opens with a boat trip past the Candelabro, a giant geoglyph etched into the cliffs of the Paracas peninsula, and on to the Ballestas Islands. There the guide explains the rock formations and their ecosystems while sea lions sunbathe, Humboldt penguins waddle along the shore and boobies, guanays, cormorants and zarcillos fly above.

Back on land you get about an hour of free time at El Chaco Boulevard, a lively waterfront with handicraft shops, to walk around before the group regathers.

• La Catedral, a rock formation sculpted by wind and sea
• Playa Roja, known for its crimson sand and ocean views
• Lagunillas, a small fishing cove with beachfront restaurants for fresh local seafood

The reserve part is done by vehicle, and you return to your starting point afterwards. The guides speak English, and transport, the boat ride and the reserve tour are included. Entrance tickets for the islands and the reserve, the dock ticket, meals, drinks and tips are paid separately. The tour is not suitable for babies under one year.