By Equipo PAT
You can visit the Ballestas Islands from Lima on a day trip, but it makes for a long day. The road to Paracas takes three to four hours, and the boat ride lasts about two. Leaving early makes it work best. If you would rather not rush, spend a night in Paracas.
Can you visit the Ballestas Islands from Lima in one day?
Yes, and many travelers do. However, it helps to know what the day involves. Paracas lies about 260 km south of Lima on the Pan-American Highway. So the time on the road weighs more than the boat ride itself.
A typical day looks like this:
- Leave Lima before dawn, with about three and a half hours on the road.
- Board at the El Chaco pier in Paracas in the morning.
- Take a boat ride around the islands, lasting about two hours.
- Visit the Paracas National Reserve and stop for lunch.
- Return to Lima in the afternoon, with traffic on the way into the city.
The sea is also calmer in the morning. That is why the boats leave early, and why you should not save the ride for the afternoon.
What will you see on the Ballestas Islands?
The Ballestas are a cluster of rocky islets off the coast of Paracas. You cannot land on them, because they are a protected area. Instead, the boat passes close to the rocks and to the arches the sea has carved.
First you will see the Candelabra, a geoglyph etched into the hillside of the peninsula and visible from the water. Then the boat moves in toward the islands. A huge number of seabirds live there, such as boobies, cormorants and pelicans. You will also spot sea lions lounging on the rocks and, with luck, Humboldt penguins.
On the other hand, you will smell the guano from far away. That is normal, since for centuries these birds left layers of this natural fertilizer on the rocks. Bring a windbreaker, because the sea air feels chilly even on sunny days.
How much does the Ballestas Islands tour cost, and what does it include?
Our Ballestas Islands by Boat Full Day trip starts from $79 and is the one-day option. If you prefer a slower pace, the Paracas and Ballestas Islands 2 Days and 1 Night route costs from $129. This table sums up the differences.
| Option | Duration | From | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ballestas Islands Full Day | Full Day | $79 | Short on time, tight budget |
| Paracas and Ballestas Islands | 2 days and 1 night | $129 | Traveling slowly, seeing more of the reserve |
Our one-day trip includes round-trip transport from Lima, the boat ride, a bilingual guide and entrance to the attractions. However, lunch, tips and the Reserve tourist fee (USD 5) are extra. For that reason you should factor them into your budget.
Is one day or two better for Paracas?
One day is enough if you only want to see the islands. Two days, on the other hand, let you explore the reserve at a calmer pace. You also avoid two long drives back to back. For example, you can take the boat in the morning and spend the afternoon on the coast without watching the clock.
The reserve protects a strip of desert that runs down to the sea. It has cliff viewpoints and beaches of reddish sand. So if you enjoy photography, the afternoon light makes the extra night worthwhile.
Should you go on your own or on a guided trip?
On your own, you can take a bus to Paracas and buy the boat ride at the pier. However, you will have to coordinate schedules, fees and the return trip. And if the bus runs late, you miss the first departure. A guided trip, in contrast, bundles the transfer, boarding and lunch into one package.
That said, going on your own gives you more freedom if you already know the area. So choose based on your travel experience and your budget. Finally, keep in mind that the morning departures fill up fast in high season.
When is the best time to visit the Ballestas Islands?
You can go all year. However, summer, from December to March, brings more sun and more people. Between June and September, there is more fog but also fewer groups on the pier. In any month the wind picks up around midday, so always book the first departure.
Rough seas can close the port on some days. When that happens, the maritime authority suspends departures, so leave a buffer in your calendar in case you need to reschedule.
What should you bring for the boat ride?
- A windbreaker and layered clothing.
- A hat, sunglasses and sunscreen.
- Your passport or ID, because boarding staff ask for it.
- Motion-sickness medicine, if you need it. Take it before you leave.
- Cash in soles for fees and tips.
Also skip loose sandals. The pier gets wet, and the boats rock with the swell.
How can you combine Paracas with other stops on the south coast?
Paracas fits well into a route through Ica. For example, you can continue to the Huacachina oasis or to the Nazca Lines. If you are planning your whole trip, start with our guide to places to visit in Peru, and then decide how many days to give the coast.
For the reserve’s rules and current hours, check the information from SERNANP, the official protected-areas service.
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to get from Lima to Paracas?
On the Pan-American Highway South it is about 260 km, which takes three to four hours depending on traffic. Leave before dawn to reach the first boat departure.
How long is the boat ride around the Ballestas Islands?
It lasts about two hours, counting the trip from the El Chaco pier, the stop at the Candelabra and the tour around the islands.
Can you land on the Ballestas Islands?
No. They are a protected area, so you watch from the boat, which passes close to the rocks, sea lions and birds.
How much does the Ballestas Islands tour cost?
Our one-day trip starts from $79, and the two-day, one-night route from $129. Transport from Lima is included; the Reserve fee (USD 5) is extra.
What happens if the sea is closed?
The maritime authority can suspend departures because of swell. In that case, the trip is rescheduled for another departure or day, depending on availability.
