Ballestas Islands & National Reserve in One Day
Sea lions and penguins in the morning, Red Beach and desert cliffs in the afternoon: all of Paracas in a single day.
Book on WhatsApp- Pick-up 7:45 AM
- Daily 8:00 AM
- Full Paracas experience
- 6.5 Hours
- Ballestas + Reserve
- Sea & Desert Combo
- All ages welcome
- Easy
- Full accompaniment
- Bilingual Guide
- Lunch break included
- Small Group
- Per person
- S/ 120 (≈ US$ 33)
Adventure details
The Paracas Full Day is the favorite itinerary for travelers visiting Paracas on a day trip from Lima or passing through towards Ica: it combines the Ballestas Islands boat tour with the National Reserve land tour, with zero wasted time.
We start at 7:45 AM sailing to the Ballestas Islands to see sea lions, Humboldt penguins, and the Candelabra. Mid-morning we continue by land to Red Beach, La Catedral, and Lagunillas in the National Reserve.
Everything is coordinated by our local team: pick-up at your hotel or the bus terminal, bilingual guides, and free luggage storage at our office if you are passing through.
- Certified bilingual guides
- Free 24h cancellation
- Back in time for evening night buses
Full Day Itinerary
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7:45 AM - Boat Boarding
Boarding and navigation to observe the Candelabra geoglyph, rock arches, and marine wildlife.
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10:00 AM - Free Time
Return to El Chaco pier, time to grab a coffee or stroll around the bay Boulevard.
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10:45 AM - Reserve Tour
Start of the coastal land tour towards Red Beach, Cathedral viewpoint, and dunes.
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1:30 PM - Lunch & Return
Free time to lunch at Lagunillas fishermen cove, returning to Paracas town at around 3:00 PM.
Meeting point & bus connections
Free hotel pick-up: Complimentary pick-up from any hotel, hostel, or Airbnb in Paracas town / El Chaco area.
Central meeting office: If you are staying outside the center or arriving with luggage before the tour, meet us at our boardwalk office: SolyMar Paracas (Google Maps)
Catching an evening night bus?
All our day and afternoon tours are timed so you return with plenty of time for dinner or to catch your evening night bus (Cruz del Sur, Peru Hop) to Lima, Huacachina, or Arequipa. Free luggage storage is available at our office!
What to bring
Closed shoes or sneakers
Mandatory for traction on sand trails, dune climbs, and rocky cliff viewpoints.
Windbreaker jacket
Desert coastal winds pick up late afternoon; temperature cools rapidly at sunset.
Sunscreen & sunglasses
Strong sun reflection off desert sand. Essential UV protection for skin and eyes.
1 to 1.5 L of water
Stay properly hydrated throughout your desert adventure in the dry climate.
Cash for entrance fee
SERNANP reserve gate fee (S/ 11 adults) paid in Peruvian Soles cash on arrival.
Charged camera or smartphone
Spectacular desert and coastal panoramas perfect for wide-angle photos.
Loved by travelers worldwide
“Incredible experience with SolyMar! Booking was super easy, guides spoke great English, and the scenery was breathtaking. The best operator in Paracas!”
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does the Paracas Full Day cost in total?
The tour costs S/ 120 per person and includes the Ballestas boat trip, the Reserve land tour, and transfers. The combined SERNANP + pier tax of S/ 22 per adult is paid separately. Real total cost: S/ 142, with no hidden charges.
Can I join this tour if I arrive by bus from Lima in the morning?
Yes, this is the most common case. If your bus arrives in Paracas before 7:30 AM, we pick you up directly at the terminal and start the tour right away. Let us know your arrival time when booking.
How long is the tour and when does it end?
It starts at 7:45 AM and ends around 3:00 PM in Paracas, in time to catch an afternoon bus to Lima, Ica, or Huacachina.
Is lunch included?
No, but the itinerary includes a stop at Lagunillas cove, inside the Reserve, where you will find well-priced seafood restaurants right by the ocean.
Can I store my luggage during the tour?
Yes, we store your bags for free and safely at our Paracas office while you are out on the tours. Perfect if you are passing through between Lima and Ica.
What should I bring?
A windbreaker, sunscreen, a hat that straps on, sunglasses, water, and cash for the taxes and lunch. Mornings at sea are chilly and the midday desert sun is strong: dress in layers.
Why book with SolyMar Paracas
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Safety first
Modern equipment, certified guides, and complete passenger insurance for total peace of mind.
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Expert local guides
Friendly bilingual guides sharing historical facts, desert geology, and spotting hidden wildlife.
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Licensed operator
We are a formal registered tour operator recognized by Peruvian tourism authorities (MINCETUR).
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Flexible guarantees
Free cancellation up to 24h before or receive a 100% full refund if weather prevents departure.
Limited spots per departure
Ready to start your Paracas adventure?
Get in touch with us today to secure your seats. We confirm your booking in minutes with flexible options!
Pay by card via secure payment link or cash on arrival · Free cancellation up to 24h before