The Ballestas Islands and Paracas Reserve Tour from San Martín Cruise provides an enticing opportunity to explore Peru’s stunning coastal landscapes and wildlife. Travelers can expect to witness a diverse array of marine life, including sea lions, Humboldt penguins, and a vast array of bird species. Led by knowledgeable guides in both English and Spanish, this group tour offers a personalized experience, ensuring visitors gain a deeper understanding of the region’s natural wonders. With convenient pickups at the Terminal Portuario General San Martín, this tour presents an accessible and engaging way to discover the captivating beauty of Paracas. However, the true allure of this excursion lies in the promise of unforgettable encounters with the region’s captivating natural treasures.
About Your Stay
- A group tour visiting the Ballestas Islands and Paracas National Reserve from the Terminal Portuario General San Martín in Paracas, Peru.
- Tour includes transportation, a guide, and access to the Ballestas Islands and Paracas Reserve, but excludes personal travel insurance and food.
- Tour price starts from $100 per person, with a non-refundable booking policy.
- Tour not recommended for those with serious medical conditions, pregnant travelers, or children under 2 years old.
- Offers opportunities to observe diverse marine life, including sea lions, Peruvian boobies, and Humboldt penguins, along with dramatic coastal scenery.
Tour Overview
The tour encompasses a visit to both the Ballestas Islands and the Paracas National Reserve.
It’s a group service with an English/Spanish guide, accommodating a maximum of 46 travelers. The price starts from $100.00 per person, and there’s a non-refundable booking policy.
The tour includes the income tax of $6.30, but personal travel insurance isn’t included. Food options are available, though not mandatory.
This tour isn’t recommended for travelers with certain health conditions, and pregnant travelers and children under 2 years aren’t allowed.
You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Paracas.
Meeting and Pickup
Travelers meet at the Terminal Portuario General San Martín in Paracas, Peru.
Look for a sign with the company’s name to identify the meeting point. If arriving by bus, indicate the origin.
The activity ends back at the same location. Travelers should arrive on time, as the tour operates on a group schedule with a maximum of 46 participants.
An English/Spanish-speaking guide will lead the group throughout the experience.
This meeting point ensures a hassle-free start and end to the Ballestas Islands and Paracas Reserve excursion.
Inclusions and Exclusions
The tour package includes the income tax of $6.30. However, personal travel insurance is not included in the tour price. While food options are available, they are not part of the package. To help understand the inclusions and exclusions, here’s a table:
Included | Not Included |
---|---|
Income Tax ($6.30) | Personal Travel Insurance |
Group Service with Guide | Food Options |
Ballestas Islands & Paracas Reserve | – |
Transportation to/from Meeting Point | – |
Maximum 46 Travelers | – |
The tour has a non-refundable booking policy, so travelers should consider this when making their purchase.
Health and Safety
Not recommended for travelers with back problems, heart issues, or serious medical conditions.
Pregnant travelers and children under 2 years aren’t allowed on this tour. It’s also not wheelchair accessible.
However, the tour is near public transportation, making it accessible for most visitors. The strenuous nature of the hike and boat ride means participants should be in good physical condition.
Those with medical concerns should consult their doctor before booking. Safety is a top priority, and tour operators will screen participants to ensure they can handle the demands of the itinerary.
Wildlife and Scenery
Teeming with an abundance of marine life, the Ballestas Islands captivate visitors with their diverse wildlife and rugged coastal scenery. Traversing the islands, travelers are treated to breathtaking views of towering rock formations, dramatic cliffs, and diverse seabirds. From the comfort of their boats, they’ll spot colonies of sea lions, Peruvian boobies, and Humboldt penguins, among other species. The islands’ rich ecosystem provides a glimpse into the natural wonders of Peru’s coastal region.
Wildlife | Number |
---|---|
Sea Lions | 10,000+ |
Peruvian Boobies | 2,000+ |
Humboldt Penguins | 1,500+ |
Guano Birds | 150,000+ |
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Guide and Organization
Experienced and knowledgeable guides lead the Ballestas Islands and Paracas Reserve tour, ensuring an engaging and well-organized experience for travelers.
The tour is a group service, with a maximum of 46 participants, allowing for personalized attention. The English/Spanish-speaking guides provide insightful commentary on the fascinating wildlife and stunning desert landscapes.
Travelers are met at the Terminal Portuario General San Martín in Paracas, where they’ll look for the company’s sign. The tour ends back at the same meeting point, making the logistics straightforward.
With a non-refundable booking policy, the tour is efficiently managed, leaving more time for exploration and discovery.
Booking and Cancellation
The Ballestas Islands and Paracas Reserve tour has a non-refundable booking policy. This means that once you’ve made your reservation, you won’t be able to get a refund, even if your plans change.
The price for the tour is $100 per person, and it includes the $6.30 income tax. While personal travel insurance isn’t included, you can purchase food options if you wish.
It’s important to note that this tour isn’t recommended for travelers with certain medical conditions, and pregnant travelers and children under 2 aren’t allowed.
Traveler Reviews
One traveler has left a review for the Ballestas Islands and Paracas Reserve tour, awarding it a perfect 5.0 rating.
The review praises the excellent wildlife experience, with travelers spotting sea lions, Humboldt penguins, and other marine life.
The desert views are also highlighted as a major highlight.
Travelers recommend the tour for its knowledgeable and organized guides, who provide a seamless experience.
The overall feedback suggests this tour is an excellent way to explore the natural wonders of Paracas, Peru.
Questions About Your Stay
Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks?
The tour information doesn’t indicate whether bringing your own food and drinks is allowed. It’s best to check with the tour operator beforehand to confirm their policy on outside food and beverages.
Are There Any Age Restrictions for Children?
Children under 2 years old are not allowed on the tour. The tour is not suitable for young children as it is not wheelchair accessible and has health/safety restrictions that exclude pregnant travelers and those with certain medical conditions.
Do I Need to Bring Any Special Equipment?
No, you don’t need any special equipment for this tour. The tour company provides all the necessary gear, like life jackets. You can just bring your camera and sunscreen to make the most of the wildlife viewing experience.
Can I Take Photographs During the Tour?
Yes, visitors are encouraged to take photographs during the tour. The tour provides ample opportunities to capture the diverse wildlife and stunning desert landscapes of the Ballestas Islands and Paracas National Reserve.
Is There a Minimum Group Size Required?
The tour has a maximum group size of 46 travelers, but there’s no minimum group size requirement. The tour will operate as long as at least one person books the experience.
Final Verdict On This Stay
The Ballestas Islands and Paracas Reserve Tour offers an exceptional opportunity to witness Peru’s stunning coastal wildlife and landscapes. Led by knowledgeable guides, the tour provides personalized attention and insight into the region’s natural wonders. With convenient pickup and a range of inclusions, it’s a convenient and immersive way to explore the Paracas National Reserve and the Ballestas Islands.
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