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Introduction to Paracas National Reserve and the Islas Ballestas

About an hour north of Ica is a national park called Paracas, and it houses the famous Islas Ballestas, which are a marine wildlife sanctuary. These Ballestas islands and the Paracas national park constitute one of the 5 most popular destinations in Peru for tourists. Sometimes called the "Poor Man's Galapagos" because of the cheap price to visit them, the Islas Ballestas are full of wild animals such as sea lions, starfish, terns, zarcillos, and endangered Humboldt penguins. Occasionally, acquatic mammals such as whales and dolphins can be seen in small groups, playing in the water. In addition to the animal life, the islands and the Paracas coastline feature strange and beautiful rock formations, as well as a gigantic candleabra carved into the sand centuries ago for reasons unknown. One theory states that this mysterious candleabra was used as a nautical guide, to help ships find or avoid the bay. Bring your camera!

The Standard Boat Tour of the Islas Ballestas:

This is our most economical and popular way of seeing the Ballestas Islands. It is perfect for backpackers or anyone looking to have a great experience at a low price. Nature fans, wildlife fans, marine enthusiasts, etc will all enjoy this tour a lot. Due to environmental laws that we faithfully comply with, it is not permitted to actually step onto the islands - the tours are conducted entirely on the boat, but come very close to the animals. The sea lions don't mind the hundreds of gringo and peruvian tourists taking photos, they just sit on the rocks a few feet away and ignore the tourists, content to bask in the sunlight and hunt for fish. Length: from Pisco this is a 2-3 hour tour. From Ica, it will take up about 5-6 hours total, due to travel times and lunch (not included as part of the tour). Tours include: transportation from your hotel in Huacachina, to Paracas (we will leave Ica at around 6:30 AM), a boat ride on a high-speed fiberglass-bottomed boat to the islands where you will receive a guided tour lasting approximately 1 hour 30 minutes. Tour guides speak English and Spanish. Transportation from Paracas back to your hotel in Ica/Huacachina. Cost: 60 soles

The Premium Tour: Gourmet Breakfast, Islas Ballestas, and Paracas National Reserve

Description: This tour is perfect for tourists who are looking for a deeper experience of the region than a brief boat tour, and are willing to pay a bit more to see more sights, experience more nature, and enjoy a VIP level of personalized service. Tours include: Your premium tour will start with a healthy, delicious gourmet breakfast prepared for you with local ingredients, fruits, nuts, Peruvian coffee, cheeses and exotic jams such as guanabana and mango. Then you will be transported from your hotel to Paracas (we will leave Ica before 7 AM) in an air-conditioned van. In Paracas you will enjoy a guided boat tour lasting approximately 1 hour 30 minutes of the Ballestas Islands. Tour guides speak English and Spanish.. Afterwards, we will offer you a 3-hour tour of the Paracas National Reserve coastline (optional) for a small extra cost. At the end of the day you will be given an hour to swim on La Mina, the nicest beach in the region. Finally you will be transported back to your hotel Cost: 150 soles per person Minimum: 5 people