How to Plan Your Paracas: Ballestas Islands Morning Boat Tour
If you’re planning a trip to Paracas, we highly recommend taking a morning boat tour to Ballestas Islands. This tour is a must-do activity for anyone interested in wildlife and natural beauty. In this blog post, we’ll guide you through everything you need to know to plan your Paracas: Ballestas Islands morning boat tour, including experience, highlights, itinerary, and how to book.
Experience
The Paracas: Ballestas Islands morning boat tour is a perfect adventure for nature lovers who want to witness marine wildlife and learn about the history of the geoglyph in Paracas. If you’re lucky, you might spot sea lions, penguins, dolphins, and whales in their natural habitat. When you land on the Ballestas Islands, you’ll be mesmerized by the striking colors and different types of birds found on the island. The boat tour will be a perfect way to enjoy the beautiful view from the water.
Highlights
The following highlights are among the many exciting things you’ll experience during the Paracas: Ballestas Islands morning boat tour:
Discover the famous unique and enigmatic geoglyph in Paracas known as El Candelabro
The tour will commence with a visit to see the famous El Candelabro, also known as the ‘Candelabra of the Andes,’ a prehistoric geoglyph on the northern face of the Paracas Peninsula at Pisco Bay. Admire the imposing figure set into the landscape and learn more about the history of the geoglyph from your tour guide.
Admire the playful sea lions and the friendly penguins that live on the Ballestas Islands
The Paracas National Reserve is home to many sea lions and fur seals. The boat tour will take you to the islands where you can spot the playful sea lions as well as the friendly penguins that live on this beautiful island.
Sail around the rock formations and marvel at the many colors and types of birds that inhabit the islands
The boat tour around the Ballestas Islands will offer you a chance to see the variety of colors showcased on the rocks and the types of birds that live on the island. Look out for the Peruvian Booby, the Humboldt penguin, and the Guanay Cormorant.
Full Description
The Paracas: Ballestas Islands morning boat tour sets sail from the marina in the morning and heads out on to the vast and magnificent blue waters of the ocean. The first stop of the tour is the famous El Candelabro, also known as the ‘Candelabra of the Andes,’ a prehistoric geoglyph on the northern face of the Paracas Peninsula at Pisco Bay. This engrossing figure has been a mystery for many, and you’ll learn about the story behind it from your tour guide.
Afterward, the boat tour continues onto the Ballestas Islands, a series of biodiverse islets home to an array of protected and endangered animals and birds. From the boat, you’ll get a chance to marvel at the many marine species and learn from your knowledgeable guide about the ecological significance of the area.
The islands offer an opportunity to spot many different types of seabirds like pelicans, Inca terns, and gulls. Photographers will find a delight in shooting striking photos of the unique rocks and colors. While circling the island, you’ll see the Guanay Cormorant and the Peruvian Boobies in their nesting habitats perched on the rocks, along with the Humboldt penguins and sea-lions sunbathing on the shore.
The boat tour takes approximately two hours, and it is important to note that the sea can get rough at times. The boat staff will provide you with life jackets and rain ponchos in case of splashing water.
How to book
Ready to book the Paracas: Ballestas Islands morning boat tour? The easiest way to book your tour is through the GetYourGuide website. You can also find more TripAdvisor reviews on GetYourGuide. Simply click on the link below and book the tour by filling out the necessary details.
Conclusion
The Paracas: Ballestas Islands morning boat tour is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to witness the natural beauty and marine wildlife of Peru. From the mysterious geoglyph El Candelabro to the playful sea-lions and friendly penguins, the tour is nothing short of mesmerizing. Book your tour today and discover what makes the Ballestas Islands a destination not to be missed.
An Insider’s Guide to Paracas, Peru
Located about four hours south of Lima, the coastal town of Paracas is a hidden gem that is worth the journey. The small village is a perfect base for exploring the stunning Paracas National Reserve and taking a boat tour to the Ballestas Islands.
However, there is much more to Paracas than just these popular tourist attractions. Here, we will take a deeper dive and explore some of the city’s hidden gems and off-the-beaten-path experiences that are sure to make your trip unforgettable.
Discover Hidden Gems
While visiting Paracas, many people flock to the popular attractions, such as the National Reserve and Ballestas Islands. However, locals know that there are many other hidden gems that are worth exploring.
One such hidden gem is the El Catador winery. Located just outside of the town center, the winery offers a fantastic opportunity to taste some of the best wines made in Peru. While sipping on wine, visitors can take in the stunning views of the vineyards and the Andes mountains.
Another hidden gem that is often overlooked by tourists is the beautiful Playa Roja (Red Beach). This stunning beach features bright red sand and crystal clear waters. Visitors can swim and relax and take in the beauty of this unique beach.
Food Culture
Peru has gained worldwide recognition for its incredible cuisine, and Paracas is no exception. Visitors must try the famous ceviche, a dish made from fresh fish marinated in citrus juices and served with sweet potato and corn.
One of the best places to try this dish is at El Muelle, a casual seafood restaurant located on the pier. The restaurant has a cozy atmosphere with stunning views of the ocean and the fishing boats coming and going.
Locals also love to indulge in traditional Peruvian street food, such as Anticuchos, skewers of marinated beef hearts, and Chifa, a type of Peruvian-Chinese fusion cuisine.
Cultural Experiences
Paracas is steeped in tradition, and visitors can experience a rich cultural experience during their stay. The Paracas people have lived in the area for thousands of years, and their influence on the city can still be felt today.
Visitors can learn more about the Paracas culture by visiting the Julio C. Tello Museum. The museum features exhibits that showcase the Paracas people’s history, including artifacts, textiles, and ceramics.
Another cultural experience visitors must not miss is experiencing the lively traditional music and dance performances that take place at the local plaza. The colorful costumes and infectious rhythms are sure to get everyone up and dancing.
Local History
Paracas has a rich and fascinating history that dates back thousands of years. One of the most captivating stories is that of the ancient Paracas people who lived in the area from about 800 BCE to 100 BCE.
The Paracas people were known for their incredible textiles, which are believed to be some of the most sophisticated textiles in pre-Columbian South America. Visitors can learn more about the Paracas textiles at the Julio C. Tello Museum.
Another fascinating story from Paracas’s history is that of the Candelabra geoglyph, a massive figure of a candelabra etched into a hillside overlooking the ocean. The origins of this mysterious figure are still unknown, and visitors can only speculate about its meaning.
Off-the-Beaten-Path Suggestions
Finally, for those looking for unforgettable and unique experiences, Paracas has many off-the-beaten-path options to explore.
The first suggestion is a visit to the Tambo Colorado archaeological site. This well-preserved Incan adobe ruin served as an important administrative center during the Inca Empire and is well worth the trip.
Another off-the-beaten-path suggestion is a visit to the uninhabited beach of Lagunillas. This small fishing village is about an hour’s drive from Paracas and offers a secluded and peaceful experience with stunning views of the ocean and surrounding mountains.
Paracas is a hidden gem that offers so much to visitors beyond the popular tourist attractions. By exploring some of the city’s hidden gems, indulging in the local cuisine, experiencing the rich culture and history, and venturing off the beaten path, visitors can have an unforgettable and unique trip to this stunning coastal town.
Table of Contents
