
Paracas National Reserve & Ballestas Islands Tour (Private)
Traveler rating
4.7/5
Based on 10 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Paracas National Reserve & Ballestas Islands Tour (Private) worth booking?
Paracas National Reserve & Ballestas Islands Tour (Private) is a 12-hour experience in Lima, Peru, from $195 per person. It scores 63 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Solid Choice”, based on a 4.7/5 rating across 10 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 63 / 100
- Rating
- 4.7/5 (10)
- Duration
- 12 hours
- From
- $195 per person
The marine wildlife of the Ballestas Islands is truly breathtaking — it’s almost hard to believe until you see it with your own eyes. Home to sea lions, seabirds, and Humboldt penguins, this natural paradise offers an unforgettable encounter with Peru’s coastal biodiversity. Your trip also features a visit to the Julio C. Tello Site Museum, where you can explore the ancient Paracas civilization through unique textiles, pottery, and archaeological discoveries from the area. The nearby Paracas National Reserve is equally stunning — a surreal landscape where golden deserts meet the deep blue Pacific Ocean, creating one of the most beautiful sceneries on the Peruvian coast. This experience is perfect for nature and wildlife lovers seeking awe-inspiring views and unforgettable memories. Book now and experience the magic of Paracas and the Ballestas Islands!
What you get
About this experience
The marine wildlife of the Ballestas Islands is truly breathtaking — it’s almost hard to believe until you see it with your own eyes. Home to sea lions, seabirds, and Humboldt penguins, this natural paradise offers an unforgettable encounter with Peru’s coastal biodiversity. Your trip also features a visit to the Julio C. Tello Site Museum, where you can explore the ancient Paracas civilization through unique textiles, pottery, and archaeological discoveries from the area. The nearby Paracas National Reserve is equally stunning — a surreal landscape where golden deserts meet the deep blue Pacific Ocean, creating one of the most beautiful sceneries on the Peruvian coast. This experience is perfect for nature and wildlife lovers seeking awe-inspiring views and unforgettable memories. Book now and experience the magic of Paracas and the Ballestas Islands!
What's included
Included
- Knowledgeable Tour Guide
- Guided tour & boat excursion to The Ballestas Islands
- Pick up and Drop off from Lima: Miraflores, Barranco, San Isidro or Lima Center.
- Private Air-conditioned Transport - (shared activities)
- Guided tour to The Paracas National Reserve
Not included
- No meals included: breakfast, lunch or dinner
What you'll see and do
Las Islas Ballestas
After picking you up from Lima, we’ll travel to Paracas, where you’ll board a speedboat to the Ballestas Islands Reserve, a protected area rich in marine life. Here, you’ll observe sea lions, seabirds, and even adorable Humboldt penguins in their natural habitat. On the way, marvel at the mysterious Candelabro Geoglyph, an enormous figure etched into the desert sand by the ancient Paracas civilization around 2,000 B.C. — a fascinating symbol whose meaning remains unsolved to this day.
120 minutes here · Admission included
Museo De Sitio Julio C Tello De Paracas
You will discover the Julio C. Tello Site Museum, where you can learn about the fascinating Paracas culture, one of the oldest civilizations on the Peruvian coast. The museum exhibits ancient textiles, ceramics, and archaeological remains found in the Paracas area, providing a deeper understanding of the region’s rich history and heritage.
30 minutes here · Admission included
Paracas National Reserve
After your tour around the islands, your expert guide will explain the fascinating formation of the coastal desert and its unique ecosystem. You’ll also have the opportunity to admire the landscapes where migratory birds stop along their journey. The highlight of this visit is the breathtaking contrast between the golden desert and the deep blue ocean, creating some of the most spectacular scenery on Peru’s southern coast. After this unforgettable experience, we’ll return to Lima City and drop you off safely at your hotel.
120 minutes here · Admission included
Where it starts and ends
Hotel pickup
Pickup is included for all travelers. Pickup begins about 15 minutes before departure.
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Languages
- en, es
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun
- Group size
- Up to 14 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Lima Highlights Tours
Know before you go
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Photos






What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 10 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
The guide
9 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Photo opportunities
4 mentionsThe views and photo stops come up again and again.
Food and drink
4 mentionsThe tastings and food stops are a highlight for most reviewers.
Knowledge and storytelling
3 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Small groups
3 mentionsThe group size is repeatedly described as intimate rather than packed.
Organization
2 mentionsPickup, timing, and logistics are described as running smoothly.
Traveler reviews
10 verified traveler reviews for Paracas National Reserve & Ballestas Islands Tour (Private). Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
A unique day in the company of the Leidy and Jherson Guide
A wonderful tour from start to finish. Our guide showed knowledge of Peruvian history and sociocultural issues that made the journey very enjoyable and cordial. The driver also behaved very friendly and concerned at all times for our safety.
Response from the operator: Estimado cliente, Muchas gracias por compartir su excelente comentario. Nos complace saber que disfrutó de un día tan especial en la Reserva Nacional de Paracas y las Islas Ballestas, y que tanto la guía Leidy como Jherson contribuyeron a que la experiencia fuera amena, informativa y segura. Valoramos especialmente sus palabras sobre el conocimiento, la cordialidad y la atención brindada durante todo el recorrido, así como el profesionalismo del conductor, siempre enfocado en la seguridad de nuestros pasajeros. Agradecemos su confianza en Lima Highlights Tours y será un gusto recibirle nuevamente en una próxima visita. Atentamente, Lima Highlights Tours
via Tripadvisor (translated)
Wonderful day trip with a great guide!
We did a day trip to Ballestas and Paracas with our guide Alvaro and driver Jherson. We were 3 girls and we did a private tour. It was well coordinated with great communication from the beginning. Alvaro made us feel very safe and patiently catered to all our needs including our vegetarian/ vegan dietary preferences. We saw wonderful sights at the Paracas reserve and penguins, birds and sea sea lions (although we would have seen more in-season). Our driver made the 3 hr drive feel like nothing. Overall fantastic and highly recommended!
Response from the operator: Hello! Thank you very much for sharing your comment about your experience with us. It is always a pleasure to show our city to travelers from all over the world. Best wishes
via Tripadvisor
Our day at the Ballestas and the Paracas national reserve.
Our day started very early . Our guide Lady was at our hotel to pick us up in a 4X4 drive. It was a very long drive so it was a bit uncomfortable as we wetre sitting for almost 3 hours with one stop for some refreshments and toilets. We were very dissapointed as there was not much to eat in terms of breakfast and also the toillets were very basic. Definitely if Lima expects so many tourists they need to make those better and useable. Then we drove to Ballastas Islands our first stop. We bought tickets for the ferry and joined the other tourists in the boat to see some of the islands. We saw sea lions ,penguins, mussel covered rocks and some red crabs on it. We saw many birds that popular in this region. I was desperately trying to take pictures but since i was not sitting on the side facing the island it was very difficult.So i gave up and just enjoyed the moment. On the way back we also saw some Dolphins and wish we could have spent more time there. Then we mat Lady and choose aplace to eat breakfast as we were starving. Then with Lady our guide we went towards the Reserve and saw some fossils of sea shells and also saw some birds like the oyster collector and the red neck beak bird and vultures. WE also managed to see some Flamingos but they were too far for me to take some good pictures. Then we stopped at a nice place for lunch and thankgod the bathroom was fine. Then we were back to our long drive and we did stop to take a few pictures when the driver noticed a few Flamingos close by. All in all it was a nice day well spent.Our guide lady was pleasant so that made a good trip.
Response from the operator: Dear Guest, Thank you for taking the time to share such a detailed review of your experience. We are delighted to hear that you enjoyed visiting the Ballestas Islands and the Paracas National Reserve, and that Lady's friendly service helped make your day a memorable one. We also appreciate your comments regarding the facilities and services available during the journey. While some of these aspects are managed by third-party providers, your feedback is valuable and helps set realistic expectations for future travelers while encouraging continuous improvements throughout the destination. Thank you once again for choosing us. We hope to have the pleasure of welcoming you back for another unforgettable adventure during your next visit to Peru. Kind regards, Lima Highlights Tours
via Tripadvisor
Highly recommend
Arrived promptly at 4 am to pick us up. Impeccable SUV. Cristian was a careful driver. Alexandra was very knowledgeable. She was also flexible and considerate of our needs, interests and time schedule. Highly recommend.
Response from the operator: Hello! Thank you very much for sharing your comment about your experience with us. It is always a pleasure to show our city to travelers from all over the world. Best wishes
via Tripadvisor
Great driver and guide
Went on this tour back in May so the review is long overdue. Had an early start, which is to be expected given how far the destination is from Lima. We were able to take turns sleeping on the way to Paracas, however, so overall the day trip was pretty manageable. Driver and guide were both great, but the reserve itself was a bit underwhelming for us, and in retrospect we would personally have enjoyed spending the day in Lima or Cusco or on another day trip more.
Response from the operator: Dear Arifa, Thank you for taking the time to share your experience with us. We are delighted to hear that you found the journey well organized and that both your driver and guide contributed to making your day enjoyable. We also appreciate your honest feedback regarding Paracas National Reserve. Every traveler has unique interests, and while many visitors are captivated by its dramatic coastal scenery and abundant wildlife, we understand that each destination offers a different experience and may appeal differently to each guest. Thank you once again for your thoughtful review. We truly appreciate your feedback and hope to have the opportunity to welcome you on another tour experience during your next visit to Peru. Kind regards, Lima Highlights Tours
via Viator
Good to know
- Duration
- 12 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun
- Hotel pickup
- Included for all travelers
- Booked in 30 days
- 4
- Verdict
- Solid Choice
Who runs this experience
Operated by Lima Highlights Tours, who run 5 experiences we rank across 1 city, with an average Outty Ranking of 70.7.
See everything Lima Highlights Tours runsWhy this scores 63
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Paracas National Reserve & Ballestas Islands Tour (Private): questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Lima.
How much does Paracas National Reserve & Ballestas Islands Tour (Private) cost?
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Prices start at $195 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Lima usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.
How long does Paracas National Reserve & Ballestas Islands Tour (Private) take?
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Plan for about 12 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Lima is not rushed.
Is Paracas National Reserve & Ballestas Islands Tour (Private) worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 63 out of 100, which we label "Solid Choice". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.7/5 across 10 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in Lima, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule Paracas National Reserve & Ballestas Islands Tour (Private)?
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Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.
Is Paracas National Reserve & Ballestas Islands Tour (Private) suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 12-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Paracas National Reserve & Ballestas Islands Tour (Private)?
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Around 4 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Lima can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.
What should I bring or wear?
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Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Lima and add a light layer if any part of the 12-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Paracas National Reserve & Ballestas Islands Tour (Private) start and how do I get there?
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The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Lima within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.
What are the best things to do in Lima?
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On Outty we rank every Lima experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Premium Paracas & Huacachina Day Trip from Lima with Sunset Toast, Discover Lima: Love Park, Historic Center, and its Catacombs., Paracas & Huacachina Premium Experience from Lima. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.
When is the best time to visit Lima?
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Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.
How many days do you need in Lima?
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Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.
Do I book through Outty or through the operator?
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Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.
What is included in Paracas National Reserve & Ballestas Islands Tour (Private)?
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Included: Knowledgeable Tour Guide; Guided tour & boat excursion to The Ballestas Islands; Pick up and Drop off from Lima: Miraflores, Barranco, San Isidro or Lima Center; Private Air-conditioned Transport - (shared activities); and Guided tour to The Paracas National Reserve. Not included: No meals included: breakfast, lunch or dinner. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Does Paracas National Reserve & Ballestas Islands Tour (Private) include hotel pickup?
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Yes, pickup is offered for every traveler from 92 listed pickup locations in and around Lima. Be ready about 15 minutes before the start time. You can also enter a custom pickup address when booking.
What languages is Paracas National Reserve & Ballestas Islands Tour (Private) offered in?
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It is offered in English and Spanish. Pick your language when choosing a date and time, as not every departure runs in every language.
Will I get instant confirmation and a mobile ticket for Paracas National Reserve & Ballestas Islands Tour (Private)?
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Confirmation is sent by the operator after booking, usually within 48 hours; if it is not confirmed you are not charged. Mobile tickets are accepted, so you can show the voucher on your phone.
What happens to Paracas National Reserve & Ballestas Islands Tour (Private) if the weather is bad?
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It generally runs rain or shine, so dress for the forecast in Lima. Standard cancellation terms apply: free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start.
What do travelers say about Paracas National Reserve & Ballestas Islands Tour (Private)?
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Across 10 reviews averaging 4.7 out of 5, recurring themes include the guide, photo opportunities, food and drink. Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
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