Ballestas Islands (Islas Ballestas) Attractions & Things to do

The Number 1 Thing to do in Lima with the Most Reviewed Tour Operator in Peru!

This MUST-DO tour with Peru Hop includes the following:

1.⁠ ⁠A once-in-a-lifetime visit to Huacachina Desert Oasis with free time to explore the Oasis

2.⁠ ⁠Dune Buggy up & Sandboard with a spectacular Sunset in the middle of the Desert.

3.⁠ ⁠A trip to the Mini-Galapago’s in Paracas! Boat out to The Ballestas Islands to see Sealions, Penguins and more in their natural habitat.

4.⁠ ⁠Try Ceviche with a view of the Pacific Ocean or maybe Pisco Sour at the Oasis

5.⁠ ⁠LUXURY Bus with onboard Restrooms (no other company offers this), free popcorn and classic movies for the way back to Lima!

6.⁠ ⁠Onboard local Peruvian team, fluent in English, to give you insider tips and advice

This is a long day so ensure you travel with a company with the most comfortable buses.

Peru Hop is owned by 2 Irish guys who moved to Peru for love, and with their Peruvian partners, created an amazing way to discover Peru!
Duration: 16 hours.

An incredible Day Trip from Lima that includes the following:
1. Ballestas Islands 2 hour tour: Go to the middle of the Pacific Ocean to see sealions, penguins and more in their natural habitat
2. Dune Buggy and Sandboarding in Huacachina Oasis, a once in a lifetime experience
3. Watch the Sunset over the incredible Desert Oasis
4. Delicious Peruvian Lunch Available in local award-winning restaurants at local prices

We limit the amount of passengers on our tour for a small group experience.
Duration: 18 hours.

Enjoy the full experience of what’s just outside of Lima with this 2-day tour and get the best out of Paracas, Huacachina, and Nazca. Spot marine life in their natural habitat at the Ballestas Islands, speed through the biggest sand dunes in South America, and fly over the mysterious Nazca Lines etched on the desert floor.
Duration: 2 days.

We will leave the traditional way of visiting sculptures, old houses, city, to live an experience in nature. We will have a day full of landscapes, ecosystem, marine fauna and adrenaline that are not lived in other places of the capital. It will be very important to relax and forget about the classic to enter a panorama of full fun. The best thing is that your camera will be filled with funny photos and videos and we will interact with all the people who go with us, we will make new friends. You cannot miss the opportunity to know the south of Lima and visit the great Oasis of America and the great Ballestas Islands. This tour has it all!!
- Enjoy the great marine view that Paracas offers
- Forget everything by sliding on the sandboard boards
- Try more than 15 types of Peruvian liquors
- Dare to live this beautiful adventure
Duration: 16 hours.

Don't let time constraints in Lima stop you from visiting Huacachina and Paracas. See the desert oasis and natural sights on a full-day excursion, ideal for travelers short on time.

In one day you will be able to embark on a tour of the Ballestas Islands, often compared to the Galapagos Islands, to see colonies of sea lions and seals & explore the Huacachina desert in a dune buggy and go sandboarding.

Duration: 14 to 15 hours.

The adventure starts early in the morning on the Panamerican highway. Around 300 km. on the South of Lima is located Paracas Bay, a very important place for Peruvian history and full of wildlife.

First thing to do in Paracas is the boat tour to Ballestas Islands place full of birds, sea lions, dolphins, penguins, etc.

After the majestic Ballestas, is time to go to the local Airport to do the flight over the enigmatic Nazca Lines.

The next adventure is at the Huacachina Oasis, where there is some time for lunch and walk around, or just enjoy free time with Pisco Sours.

At the end of this experience, is time to go back to Lima through the same way.

* The Nazca Lines flight schedule is given by the airline 24 before the tour. This could affect the order in which the other activities are done. Example: first Ballestas Islands, then Huacachina Oasis and at the end the flight.

Duration: 14 to 16 hours.

In this one-day tour they will live a unique experience in the Ballestas Islands where they will appreciate a great variety of marine fauna, they will also meet in the Oasis of America located in the Ica desert where they will practice adventure sports such as buggies and sanboarding
Duration: 16 hours.

If your cruise dock at San Martin Port, don't miss this great opportunity and visit the Ballestas Islands and Paracas National Reserve in our exclusive small group tour.
Duration: 5 hours.

Must-visit destinations and unforgettable activities are located just a short distance from Lima. On this 3-day tour, travel stress-free to the beach town of Paracas, the sunny Huacachina, and the mysterious Nazca. See the marine wildlife of the Ballestas Islands, sandboard down huge sand dunes, and fly over the mysterious Nazca Lines. A perfect mix of nature and adventure!
Duration: 3 days.

Discovering the enigma of the Nazca lines is something you cannot miss and you will love combining it with a visit to the Ballestas Islands.
Duration: 16 hours.

Live the adventure by visiting the Oasis of Huacachina and Paracas, we will enjoy a lot of adrenaline in the desert dunes and we will observe marine fauna, all this in a whole day. In Paracas we will board to the Ballestas Islands, seeing a variety of sea lions, dolphins, guano birds and penguins. Finally we will go to the famous Oasis of America HUACACHINA, where we will do adventure sports on Buggies (sand cars) and sandboarding on the dunes of this beautiful desert.

Visit the Oasis of America: Huacachina
Experience the adventure inside a buggy and practice sandboarding in the desert, Admire the marine fauna in Paracas and the enigmatic figure of the Candelabra, Try our national drink Pisco, Enjoy a personalized experience in small groups, One-way transfers are included and return to your accommodation
Duration: 16 hours.

Get to know on 2 days the highlights of Ica, Paracas and flight over the Nazca Lines!

Day 1: The Ballestas Islands boat tour + Paracas National Reserve.

Day 2: The Nazca Lines Flight from NAZCA airport (farther located) + Huacachina Oasis & Dune buggy in the desert.
Duration: 2 days.

Imagine an unforgettable experience in Ica, starting with an exciting tour to the Ballestas Islands in Paracas. You will sail on a boat across the Pacific Ocean, marveling at the vibrant spectacle of seabirds, sea lions, and the iconic Candelabro, an enigmatic geoglyph in the sand.
Then, you will head to an artisanal winery where you can learn about the process of making local wines and piscos. You will enjoy a tasting that highlights the unique flavors of the region.
Finally, the tour will take you to the Huacachina desert for an exciting buggy adventure. Feel the adrenaline as you cross the impressive dunes and, at sunset, watch a spectacle of colors as the sun sets behind the desert horizon, creating a magical atmosphere that will be the finishing touch to your day.
Duration: 18 hours.

Embark on an unforgettable adventure through the southern coast of Peru with our tour that combines three unique experiences. Discover the natural wonders of the Ballestas Islands, a paradise of marine life and exotic birds in their natural habitat. Sail between impressive cliffs and see sea lions, penguins and cormorants in their wild surroundings.

Then, immerse yourself in the magical atmosphere of the Huacachina Oasis , an oasis in the middle of the desert that will leave you breathless. Discover the golden sand dunes and feel the thrill of an exciting buggy ride through the sand hills. If you are an adventure lover, you can even try sandboarding in the dunes and admire the stunning sunset!

A day full of natural beauty, adventure and culinary exquisiteness awaits you on this exciting tour that combines the Ballestas Islands, the Huacachina Oasis and the Culturpisco Winery. Don't miss it!
Duration: 17 hours.

Travel in comfort and have an experience like no other to the outskirts of Lima to visit breathtaking destinations with this 2-day tour to Paracas and Huacachina. You will go on unforgettable tours to the Ballestas Islands, Paracas National Reserve, and a thrilling dune buggy and sandboarding adventure.
Duration: 2 days.

If your cruise dock at San Martin Port, don't miss this great opportunity and visit the Ballestas Islands . This tour is for all visitors who are landing at San Martin Port where you can enjoy a half day trip around the beautiful Islands. You will be able to spot thousands of marine species such as, penguins, sea lions, sea birds, dolphins and many other species.
Duration: 2 hours.

Embark on an unforgettable adventure through the southern coast of Peru with our tour that combines three unique experiences. Discover the natural wonders of the Ballestas Islands, a paradise of marine life and exotic birds in their natural habitat. Sail between impressive cliffs and see sea lions, penguins and cormorants in their wild surroundings.

Then, immerse yourself in the magical atmosphere of the Huacachina Oasis , an oasis in the middle of the desert that will leave you breathless. Discover the golden sand dunes and feel the thrill of an exciting buggy ride through the sand hills. If you are an adventure lover, you can even try sandboarding in the dunes and admire the stunning sunset!

A day full of natural beauty, adventure and culinary exquisiteness awaits you on this exciting tour that combines the Ballestas Islands, the Huacachina Oasis and the Nietto Winery. Do not miss it!
Duration: 17 hours.

Many adventures lie just outside of Lima waiting to be discovered but are missed by many due to time or difficulty getting there. With this stress-free 3 day tour, travel in comfort to the must-visit destinations of Paracas, Huacachina and the Pisco Vineyard. Enjoy the best of all, like the Ballestas Islands, the thrilling sandboarding and more. The perfect round-trip escape from the city of Lima!

Duration: 3 days.

On this incredible adventure tour, you will connect with the marine fauna in the Ballestas Islands, delight in the exquisite Peruvian wines and pisco, and enjoy the adrenaline of the buggies in the desert. This trip is ideal for those who are looking for a perfect combination of adventure, relaxation, and cultural discovery.
Duration: 18 hours.

Enjoy this daytrip around the peruvian coast, it is a long (1900 mi) and narrow strip parallel to the Pacific Ocean, characterized by a flat and low-altitude geography. The landscape is very arid, interrupted by 53 rivers that come from the Andean zone and that form the fertile coastal valleys, also has a very rich history because of the remains of some of the pre-columbian civilizations.
Let's explore the Islands in Paracas and enjoy the Huacachina Oasis with the buddy ride in the sand dunes.
Duration: 16 hours.

Wondering what to do in Lima, escape the city day on this tour from Lima. This tour allows you to escape the city to the beach of Paracas, where you’ll boat out to the Ballestas Islands, known as Peru’s Galapagos, and visit the Paracas National Reserve, in just 1 single day.

This full-day tour includes hotel pick up and transportation from Lima to the islands by coach.

This tour is good for couples, good for solo travelers, and good for big groups.

Please make sure to review the itinerary properly.
Duration: 18 hours.

We sail through the bay of Paracas and see the largest peninsula that we have in Peru. We then stop at a point north of the Paracas peninsula to look at, photograph and film the Chandelier where the tour guide will briefly explain the measurements, materials from the area and their possible origin. The navigation continues and after approximately 15 minutes from the Chandelier you will arrive at the Ballestas Islands. Bird watching lovers will find a large number of these such as: seagulls, terns, boobies, cormorants, pelicans, vultures and Humboldt penguins. Definitely the highlight of the tour are the sea lions.

Paracas National Reserve, relax as you travel by modern transportation through the Reserve, which protects a desert coastal landscape favored by seabirds, including flamingos. Dramatic scenery and the opportunity to see these striking pink birds attract photographers and bird lovers alike.
Duration: 7 hours.

The Tour to the Ballestas Islands begins at the craft and tourist dock of El Chaco. We will board our boat with 02 outboard motors that will take us to the wonderful Ballestas Islands, the most important wildlife sanctuary on the Peruvian coast, where we will observe sea lions, silly birds, pelicans, penguins and other seabirds.

Definitely the highlight of the Tour to the Ballestas Islands are the sea lions or sea lions who steal everyone's attention due to their curious behavior (they sleep, "pose for the cameras", or simply socialize and live without problems since occupy the top of the food chain in the area without natural predators).
Duration: 2 hours.

This tour makes the trip to Peru have another meaning, coming to know Ica from the hand of experts who speak English and Spanish in the same way, will greatly facilitate the enjoyment of each one, security, trust and dedication to service are our values .
And we put them into practice to make you live the best experience of your life from learning about the marine fauna of the Pacific in Paracas until you scream like never before venting all the adrenaline that the Buggies will generate in the huacachina.
Definitely a day that, although it is very long, is worth every second, if you come, you will not regret it.
Duration: 14 to 16 hours.

Pick up from Lima and head to Paracas to embark to the Ballestas Islands. Once on the boats we will enter the wonderful marine world for two hours. We begin by stopping at the figure on the sand known as “El Candelabro” . We continue sailing with the refreshing sea breeze on us until we reach the Islands and surround ourselves with abundant marine life. Sea lions, Humboldt penguins, an infinity of guano birds.

Then we head to the restaurant “Cultura Pisco” in Ica, here we will have our lunch, we will tour its vineyard
and we will have an exquisite and fun tasting of wines and piscos.

Huacachina Oasis. Here we will board the tubulars or buggies that will take us up and down the endless dunes.
of Ica. We will also slide down with sandboards from the highest point of the desert. After this adrenaline-pumping
experience you will have enough time to walk around the oasis, take pictures and do some last-minute shopping.

After a day full of emotions we begin the return to Lima.
Duration: 12 to 14 hours.

We will leave the traditional way of visiting sculptures, old houses, city, to live an experience in nature. We will have two days full of landscapes, history, culture, ecosystem, marine fauna and adrenaline that are not lived in other places of the capital. It will be very important to relax and forget about the classic to enter a panorama of full fun. The best thing is that your camera will be filled with funny photos and videos and we will interact with all the people who go with us, we will make new friends. You cannot miss the opportunity to visit the south of Lima and visit the great Oasis of America, the great Ballestas Islands and the enigmatic Nazca Lines. This tour has everything being unique !!

- Enjoy the great marine view that Paracas offers
- Forget everything by sliding on the Sandboard boards
- Admire the famous Nazca Lines
- Watch the sunset at the Huacachina Oasis
- Try more than 15 types of Peruvian liquors
- Dare to live the adventure

Duration: 2 days.

Nasca Lines – The Sacred Landscape

The lines are known as geoglyphs – drawings on the ground made by removing rocks and earth to create a “negative” image. The rocks which cover the desert have oxidized and weathered to a deep rust color, and when the top 12-15 inches of rock is removed, a light-colored, high contrasting sand is exposed. Because there’s so little rain, wind and erosion, the exposed designs have stayed largely intact for 500 to 2000 years.

Scientists believe that the majority of lines were made by the Nasca people who flourished from around A.D. 1 to 700. Certain areas of the pampa look like a well-used chalk board, with lines overlapping other lines, and designs cut through with straight lines of both ancient and more modern origin.
Duration: 10 hours.

This is a 4-day tour from Lima to the Pacific beach town of Paracas, the stunning desert oasis of Huacachina, and the mysterious desert of Nazca.

In Paracas, boat out to Peru’s “Mini-Galapagos” and visit the stunning coastal National Reserve.

In Huacachina combine Sandboarding/Dunebuggying followed by a flight over the mysterious Nazca Lines the next day. A perfect 4-day escape from Lima!
Duration: 4 days.

If your cruise dock at San Martin Port, don't miss this great opportunity and visit the Ballestas Islands, Pisco town and the amazing Inca fortress of Tambo Colorado in our unique group tour.
Duration: 5 hours.

Enjoy a delicious pisco, ride in tubulars and surf on the sand.
Visit 1 winery and enjoy the best piscos and wines in Peru.
Enjoy in the Huacachina, you can do adventure sports such as sandboarding and ride at full speed in buggies over the dunes.
Duration: 16 to 17 hours.

Live a unique experience in a single day visiting the TOP places in Ica. Live the experience of seeing sea lions, tasting good wine and enjoying the oasis of America.
Duration: 18 hours.

Explore the beach town of Paracas and the oasis of Huacachina with hotel transfers on a day trip from Lima. Experience sandboarding in the desert and take a boat tour of the Ballestas Islands.

The highlights of this tour are experiencing a thrilling speedboat ride to the Ballestas Islands, witnessing hundreds of penguins and sea lions in their natural habitat, enjoying a dune buggy ride and sandboarding down huge dunes, exploring Huacachina, a unique desert oasis, and taking advantage of the bilingual guide who will accompany you in the trip.
Duration: 12 hours.

PARACAS! Ballestas Islands + Paracas National Reserve + Candelabra

We will pick you up from your hotel to begin the tour to the Ballestas Islands + Paracas National Reserve

1.- First visit:
Arrival at Puerto del Chaco.
We board the gliders heading to the Ballestas Islands.

We will visit:
The candelabrum.
Rocky formations.
Profile of Christ.
Arc of the three wishes.
Sea lion maternity.
Guano birds (Tarcillo, Boobies, Humboldt penguins).

2.- Second Visit:
Land circuit to the Paracas National Reserve.
Paracas interpretation room (Marine flora and fauna).
Punta Santa María.
Red Beach (deep red sands).
Lagunilla Beach (turquoise waters)
Spa.

Return: To the Plaza de Armas of Ica.
Duration: 10 hours.

Explore the amazing wildlife of the Ballestas Islands, an unmissable experience upon disembarking at the port of San Martín.
We sail through Paracas Bay and see the largest peninsula we have in Peru. We then stop at a northern point of the Paracas peninsula to look at, photograph and film the Candelabra where the tour guide will briefly explain the measurements, materials from the area and its possible origin. The navigation continues and after approximately 15 minutes from Candelabro you reach the Ballestas Islands. Bird watching lovers will find a large number of these such as: seagulls, terns, boobies, cormorants, pelicans, vultures and Humboldt penguins. Definitely the highlight of the tour are the sea lions.
Duration: 2 hours.

Come to Paracas and enjoy the tour of Ballestas Islands Tour and its marine fauna in a fantastic excursion by speedboat, you will also see a mystery symbol called Candelabro which was carved in the cliff of the Paracas peninsula centuries ago by an unknown tribe.

Paracas has approximately 5000 dwellr and has a hot climate has a desert geography, rocky, sandy, with a contrast of colors for the minerals found there and its beautiful beaches to enjoy a relaxing bath in the Pacific Ocean;
in the peninsula of Paracas also a civilization was developed 2500 years ago behind which bears the name The Paracas Culture this civilization developed in the textile in its famous Paracas mantles this culture also performed the cranial trepanaciones, the lengthening of heads (long heads), Paracas and its peninsula is a coastal desert unique in the entire coast of Peru therefore it is considered as a National Reserve of Paracas a place protected by the Ministry of the Environment.

Duration: 2 to 3 hours.

Embark on an exciting day trip to Paracas and Huacachina! We will start by exploring Paracas Bay, where you can observe Humboldt penguins, pelicans and sea lions in their natural habitat. Enjoy stunning rock formations and the enigmatic geoglyph that fascinates everyone. Then, we will taste delicious Peruvian wines and piscos to celebrate the local culture. In the afternoon, we will move to the oasis of Huacachina, where the adventure continues with an exciting ride in sandy cars through the desert dunes. Do not miss this unique opportunity to connect with nature and live an unforgettable experience.
Duration: 16 hours.

Come and visit the Ballestas Islands in Paracas, know the National Reserve and enjoy its incredible beaches, where you can take excellent photographs. Our professional tour guides will provide you with all the information on the history of the place.
Duration: 7 to 8 hours.

We will carry out all our tourist tour with our tourist mobilities with reclining seats, music and with a bilingual guide who will accompany you throughout the trip, providing a special service until your return from the starting point or the hotel. You and your companions will live an unforgettable adventure with all our Peruvian tradition.
Duration: 17 hours.

Full day Adventure from Lima: Discover Huacachina Oasis , Ballestas Islands, and pisco,wine vineyard”.
Embark on an unforgettable adventure in the Ica desert! Our tour will take you to explore the breathtaking Huacachina oasis sand dunes, where you can sandboard down the slopes and enjoy an exhilarating buggy ride. Additionally, you'll sail through the Ballestas Islands, home to a diverse array of marine wildlife. A day filled with excitement and natural beauty awaits!"
Duration: 11 hours 30 minutes.

Take a boat tour to see the impressive Candelabra geoglyph, Peruvian boobies, Humboldt penguins, and abundant marine life at the Ballestas Islands archipelago. Visit the pristine Paracas Natural Reserve in the afternoon to see La Catedral rock formation and watch flamingos and parihuanas from a breathtaking scenic overlook.
Duration: 7 hours.

Get ready for a complete adventure in Ica and its surroundings! In addition to the excitement of the Huacachina dunes, your trip includes a visit to the stunning Ballestas Islands, in the beautiful Paracas National Reserve. Here you will embark on an exciting boat tour around the islands, where you will witness Peru's incredible marine biodiversity.

As you sail through the crystal-clear waters, you will be able to admire colonies of playful sea lions resting on the rocks, seabirds such as Humboldt penguins, and thousands of seagulls, pelicans, and boobies that make this place their home. Also, don't miss the iconic Candelabro, an enigmatic figure carved in the sand that dominates the coast and whose origin is still a mystery.

Book now and combine the best of the desert, ocean, and adventure in one spectacular adrenaline-filled trip!
Duration: 14 to 15 hours.

Wondering what to do in Lima, this is a 2-day tour from Lima visiting the Pacific beach town of Paracas as well as the desert oasis of Huacachina.

Enjoy seeing wildlife in their natural environment to a thrilling desert adventure with a professional guide. For this tour the pick up from your Lima hotel or hostel is included, as well as drop off. This tour is good for couples, good for solo travelers and good for big groups. The perfect 2-days escape from the city of Lima!
Duration: 2 days.

This tour is designed for a private small group or families that wish to visit the islands without other travellers. See the best of Ballestas marine wildlife and enjoy the beauty of this great paradise of sea bird and sea mammals in 2 hours boat trip with english speaking guide included.
Duration: 2 hours.

Live the experience of visiting Ica, the land of the eternal sun and enjoying our spirit drink Pisco.
Get to know our marine fauna on the Ballestas Islands
Travel through the desert in the sand carts and contemplate the beautiful oasis of America, Huacachina.
Duration: 16 to 17 hours.

Day 1: Ballestas Islands & National Reserve of Paracas

Come with us to the beautiful Port of Paracas and be part of a wildlife adventure that will make you fall in love with nature. Observe the sea lions and the humbolt penguins during an exicting boat trip in the Ballestas Islands. After the boat trip, we visit the National Reserve of Paracas, which is the continuation of the Atacama desert. Enjoy Nature, breath pure air, without doubts, this experience will connect you to Pachamama, our mother earth.

We arrive to our hotel in Nazca to overnight.

Day 2: Flight to Nazca Lines & Visit to Huacachina Oasis

Get ready to Flight over Nazca Lines. As soon as the plane trakes off, you will enjoy the magic of the Peruvian desert. Observe the 13 figures discovered in Nazca and get the best adventure and view from the air. After lunch, we go on a thrilling adventure on the buggy ride! We will also have our sandboarding equipment to slide down from the highest dunes in Huacachina Oasis.

Duration: 1 to 24 hours.