The Ballestas Islands are a group of rocky islands located off the coast of Paracas, in the Ica region. Considered one of the most striking natural tourism destinations in the country, these islands offer a spectacle of marine wildlife in its natural state, geological formations, and a protected environment within the Paracas National Reserve.
During the boat tour, visitors can observe the enigmatic geoglyph known as the Candelabra, visible from the sea, as well as colonies of sea lions, Humboldt penguins, and a variety of seabirds such as boobies, pelicans, and cormorants. Without a doubt, it is an ideal experience for nature lovers, photography enthusiasts, and those seeking a direct connection with the ocean and wildlife.
To visit the Ballestas Islands, you must first reach Paracas, located south of Lima. You can also take a bus with companies such as Cruz del Sur, Oltursa, or PerúBus, in a journey of approximately 3.5 to 4 hours. You can also drive via the Pan-American South Highway, taking the turnoff to Paracas.
Tours to the Ballestas Islands depart daily from the tourist dock at El Chaco in Paracas, and usually take place in the morning when the sea is calmer. Prices vary depending on the type of service and the season: shared tours cost around S/ 40 to S/ 60 per person, while private boat or yacht tours can exceed S/ 950 or $400 USD per group. These prices do not include tourist taxes and dock usage fees.
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The Ballestas Islands, located off the coast of Paracas, are one of the most fascinating nature destinations in Peru. During the boat tour, visitors can observe a great diversity of marine fauna and stunning landscapes.
One of the first visible attractions is The Candelabra, a huge geoglyph etched into the sand on a coastal hill. Its origin remains a mystery, but it is believed to be related to pre-Columbian cultures or maritime navigation.
As you approach the islands, you can see a large population of sea lions resting on the rocks or swimming around the boats. It is also common to spot Humboldt penguins, a vulnerable species that inhabits the area.
Seabirds are another natural spectacle: boobies, pelicans, cormorants, Inca terns, and gulls fill the skies and rocks. Additionally, the wind- and sea-carved rock formations create arches, caves, and tunnels that make the landscape truly unique.
Although landing on the islands is not allowed as they are part of the Paracas National Reserve, the boat ride allows you to enjoy all this natural wealth up close in its protected habitat.
To get to the Ballestas Islands, you must first head to the city of Paracas, located in the Ica region, south of Lima. From Lima, you can reach Paracas by bus with companies such as Cruz del Sur, Oltursa, or PerúBus, in a journey of approximately 3.5 to 4 hours. You can also drive via the Pan-American South Highway, taking the turnoff to Paracas.
Once in Paracas, tours to the Ballestas Islands depart from the El Chaco tourist dock. The tour is done by boat and lasts approximately 2 hours round trip. Departures usually take place in the morning, between 8:00 a.m. and 10:30 a.m., since the sea can become more unstable in the afternoon.
During the boat trip, there is a panoramic stop in front of the geoglyph known as The Candelabra, a figure etched in the sand of a coastal hill. Then, the boat continues toward the Ballestas Islands, where you can observe a wide variety of marine fauna such as sea lions, Humboldt penguins, pelicans, and other birds.
It is important to note that disembarking on the islands is not allowed, as they are part of the Paracas National Reserve, but the tour offers an excellent view of its biodiversity and rock formations.
Tour prices to the Ballestas Islands from Paracas vary depending on the type of service and the season.
Children under 5 years old can go for free, but children under 1 year are not allowed for safety reasons.
Daily between 8:00 a.m. and 10:30 a.m., from the tourist dock in Paracas. The tour lasts approximately 2 hours, including a stop to view the Candelabra geoglyph and a ride around the islands.
If you're planning a visit to the Ballestas Islands, it’s important to be prepared and bring what you need:
