Short itinerary
Day 1: Paracas – Ballestas Islands
- Depart to Paracas to enjoy beautiful views at Chaco Port, then board our boat heading to the famous Ballestas Islands.
- First, observe the Paracas Candelabra geoglyph.
- Continue to Ballestas Islands to admire rock formations such as the “Christ Profile” and the “Wishing Arch,” which you can pass under by boat and make a wish.
- Observe marine wildlife including pelicans, gulls, boobies, Humboldt penguins, and other guano birds during a 2-hour guided boat tour around the islands.
- After the islands tour, visit and explore the Paracas Chaco port area.
- Visit the famous Cathedral rock formation, shaped by sea and wind erosion, home to sea lions and marine birds.
- Tour beaches: Supay Beach (also called Devil’s Beach for its black sand), Red Beach, and Lagunilla Beach, where you’ll have one hour for lunch and relaxation.
- Return to Plaza de Armas in Ica or Paracas.
Detailed itinerary
Day 1: Paracas – Ballestas Islands
Depart early for Paracas and enjoy the stunning scenery at Chaco Port. Board a boat for a relaxing cruise to the Ballestas Islands. Your journey starts with a close look at the Paracas Candelabra, an ancient geoglyph etched into the desert hillside.
Next, explore the Ballestas Islands, known for their incredible rock formations including the “Christ Profile” and the “Wishing Arch.” Boats pass beneath the arch, where visitors often make wishes. During the two-hour boat tour, observe abundant wildlife such as pelicans, seagulls, blue-footed boobies, Humboldt penguins, and other guano birds that inhabit the islands.
After the boat tour, spend some time exploring the Paracas Chaco port. Then visit the Cathedral rock formation, an impressive natural sculpture formed by centuries of sea and wind erosion. This concave rock is reminiscent of cathedral domes and houses sea lions and marine birds.
Continue your coastal exploration with a visit to several beaches: Supay Beach (Devil’s Beach), known for its black sand and mysterious tidal patterns; Red Beach, and Lagunilla Beach, where you will have an hour to enjoy lunch and relax.
Finally, return to the Plaza de Armas in Ica or Paracas, completing a day full of natural wonders and wildlife encounters.
Included
- Departure from Ica or Paracas (hotel pick-up except during high season)
- Tour guide
- Tourist transportation
- Boat rides (deslizadores)
Not included
- Transportation Lima – Ica – Lima
- Return to hotel
- Meals (breakfast, lunch)
- Tourist entrance fees (S/.18.00 per person)
Recommendations
- The best time to travel is during the dry season.
- Bring sunscreen, sunglasses, hat, and water for protection under the sun.
- Wear comfortable clothing and footwear suitable for walking.
- Bring cash for optional purchases and entrance fees.
