Paracas National Reserve & Ballestas Islands Tour (Private) in Lima
Lima, Peru

Paracas National Reserve & Ballestas Islands Tour (Private)

Outty Ranking 63 4.7 · 10 traveler reviews12 hoursFrom $125
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Outty Ranking

63/100

Solid Choice. Our proprietary evaluation. How we score

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 $125 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
$125 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 un

What you get

  • 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

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

  1. 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

  2. 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

  3. 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

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Good to know

Duration
12 hours
Free cancellation
Up to 24h before
Minimum age to book
5+
Availability
Bookable today
Runs on
Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun
Price range
$125 to $195
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 runs

Why this scores 63

The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.

Traveler sentiment (30% weight)84
Review evidence (18% weight)31
Booking momentum (14% weight)24
Value for money (12% weight)63
Listing quality (10% weight)100
Local standing (8% weight)45
Booking flexibility (8% weight)100

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 $125 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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The operator sets a minimum age of 5. Older children generally do well here, and families should factor in the 12-hour running time when deciding.

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 Peruvian Cooking Class, Local Market Tour & Exotic Fruit Tasting, The Complete Lima Experience: History, Culture & Flavors, #1 Rated Lima Cooking Class: Make Ceviche, Causa & Pisco Sours!. 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.

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