A Wildlife Wonderland Just Hours from Lima
If your clients are looking for a breathtaking nature escape filled with marine life, stunning desert landscapes, and easy access from Peru’s capital, Paracas and the Ballestas Islands should top your list of recommendations. The Ballestas Islands offer an unforgettable wildlife spectacle that surprises travelers at every turn without needing to leave the mainland for days.
What Makes Paracas and the Ballestas Islands Special?
Located just three hours south of Lima, Paracas is a coastal town that serves as the launchpad for excursions to the Ballestas Islands, a cluster of rocky islets in the Pacific teeming with life. Think: colonies of sea lions sunbathing on rocks, flocks of seabirds swirling overhead, and even penguins waddling along the shores.
This region is part of the Paracas National Reserve, one of Peru’s most important marine-protected areas. It combines desert landscapes with turquoise waters, creating a surreal backdrop for adventure and relaxation.
Top Experiences to Enjoy
- Ballestas Islands Boat Tour: The signature experience, this 2-hour boat ride departs from Paracas harbor and cruises past the mysterious Candelabra geoglyph—an ancient symbol etched into the desert hillside—before reaching the islands. Along the way, travelers encounter sea lion colonies, dolphins, pelicans, Inca terns, and the iconic Humboldt penguins.
- Visit Paracas National Reserve. For clients who love photography, nature walks, or simply want to disconnect, a tour through the Paracas Reserve is a must. The desert meets the Pacific in dramatic cliffs and quiet beaches like Red Beach, known for its red sand and peaceful scenery.
- Adventure Activities: From sandboarding in nearby dunes to kite surfing, Paracas is becoming a hotspot for soft adventure. The calm waters of the bay also make it ideal for kayaking and paddleboarding.
- Discover more about the Paracas culture and pre-Columbian civilizations through its archaeological remains.
Tips & Recommendations
- How to get there? You can reach Paracas in a 4h drive from Lima by private transportation or bus while you admire breathtaking arid coastline landscapes.
- Best Time to Visit: The summer months from December to February are the best to enjoy blue skies and dry weather.
- What to pack? Light and comfortable clothing, light jacket or sweater, swimsuit, walking shoes, sandals. If sandboarding or engaging in dune activities, lightweight, closed-toe shoes are recommended. Also, bring sunscreen, insect repellent, sunglasses, a wide-brimmed hat, a daypack, and a reusable water bottle.
- Complement your travel to Paracas with Nazca Lines flights, Ica wine tours, or a stopover on the way to Arequipa or Cusco.
- This destination is great for all ages, ideal for families, seniors, and nature lovers alike.
- Accommodations and beachfront resorts make it easy to offer different options, from luxury hotels to mid-range hotels.
Looking to add a unique coastal twist to your itineraries in Peru? Paracas and the Ballestas Islands offer incredible wildlife, adventure, and relaxation in one extraordinary journey. Reach out to us to get tailored options for your client’s next travel to Peru.
Published in January 2026
