Islas Ballestas and National Reserve Tour from Puerto San Martin - Paracas, Peru

Discover the marvelous National Reserve of Paracas in an exciting half-day tour that starts early in the morning, departing from Puerto San Martín. Our tour transport will take you to the picturesque traditional pier of El Chaco, where we will meet the rest of the group and board a speedboat.

Get ready for a fascinating adventure! We will sail towards the Ballestas Islands, first passing by the enigmatic Candelabro. This mysterious geoglyph, with a length of 180 meters and an age of approximately 2500 years, has puzzled experts, and its exact purpose remains unknown. Some studies suggest that it is related to the famous Nazca Lines.

Once on the beautiful Ballestas Islands, you will witness an impressive natural reserve with stunning geological formations and abundant wildlife. You will be able to spot boobies, pelicans, sea lions, and the adorable Humboldt penguins, among other species that inhabit this archipelago.

These islands host an extraordinary number of birds, including migratory birds, and are famous for being the home of the world`s best natural fertilizer: guano. You will have the opportunity to observe guano birds such as the Peruvian booby, the Peruvian diving-petrel, and the Guanay cormorant, among others, while marveling at their natural environment.

After returning to the pier and disembarking, we will continue our journey to the Paracas National Reserve. In the interpretation center, you will discover the secrets of flora and fauna of the reserve, as well as marine fossils that tell ancient stories.

We will traverse the spectacular Paracas desert until we reach a viewpoint from where you can admire the remains of the iconic rock formation known as the Cathedral, declared a World Heritage Site. Although it suffered damage in an earthquake in 2007, it remains an impressive testament to the force of nature.

Don`t miss the Red Beach, a unique place in the world with its surprisingly reddish sand, the result of ancient volcanic eruptions. We will also make a stop at the charming Lagunillas Beach, a picturesque fishing resort that will captivate you with its natural beauty.

After this incredible experience, we will take you back to Puerto San Martín so you can continue your journey on a cruise, carrying amazing memories of the Paracas National Reserve and its natural wonders.