Peru · PARACAS TOURS

The 15 Best Paracas Tours & Day Trips

48 tours  ·  from $15

Paracas is a fishing town with a national reserve on one side and a guano archipelago on the other. These 15 cover the boat, the red beach, the desert road and the trips that run down from Lima, each priced and paced.

From Lima: Paracas and Huacachina Oasis Full Day Guided Tour - Ballestas Islands: Peru’s compact wildlife outing
Full-Day, Guided, Huacachina Oasis Tours, Huacachina Oasis Tours in Paracas, Paracas Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours

From Lima: Paracas and Huacachina Oasis Full Day Guided Tour

1.Paracas and Huacachina Oasis Full Day Guided Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 1,780 reviews · 18 hours · from $59Our pick

Leave Lima before sunrise for Paracas and Huacachina with a bilingual guide such as Franklin, Aymeth, Fio, or Diego. Ride a comfortable coach to Ballestas Islands, visit a pisco vineyard, then take an optional buggy and sandboarding run across Huacachina’s dunes before returning late at night.

“A day that is close to perfection to be honest. The value for money is incredible with having the boat tour into morning in Paracas finishing off with the headliner that is Huacachina. Huacachina is really a wonder in itself with the sand buggys on the dunes and sand boarding aswell with an incredible sunset. 10/10”

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From Paracas: Ballestas Islands & Paracas National Reserve - From hotel pickup to the Paracas pier
Ballestas Islands Tours, Ballestas Islands Tours in Paracas, Paracas National Reserve, Paracas Tours, Tour Reviews

From Paracas: Ballestas Islands & Paracas National Reserve

2.Ballestas Islands & Paracas National Reserve

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 356 reviews · 5 hours · from $60

From Paracas, ride a speedboat to Ballestas Islands with an English-Spanish guide, then explore Paracas National Reserve by van. You’ll see sea lions, penguins, seabirds, the Candelabro, Playa Roja, and Lagunillas Beach. Guides such as Olenka and Pablo are known for making the reserve tour personal and informative.

“the tour was well planning and very effective in schedule. the tour to ballestas was wonderful!”

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Paracas: Ballestas Islands Morning Boat Tour - Meeting the boat at Muelle El Chaco
Ballestas Islands Tours, Ballestas Islands Tours in Paracas, Cruises & Boat Tours, Morning, Paracas Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours

Paracas: Ballestas Islands Morning Boat Tour

3.Ballestas Islands Morning Boat Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 301 reviews · 2 hours · from $17

From Muelle El Chaco, you’ll cruise to El Candelabro and the Ballestas Islands with an English or Spanish guide. Expect sea lions, Humboldt penguins, seabirds, rock formations, life jackets, and a covered speedboat. Guides such as Daphne and Mario are especially helpful at spotting wildlife.

“Daphne and Mario were spectacular. Both very helpful in locating wildlife and to show us anything we may be missing. At first we were listening and they found us! Great English language too. Very personable. very organized and even chairs to sit on while waiting for the tour. The wildlife was phenomenal. The rock formations were more than we expected. This tour is priceless. Thank you so much. The boat was clean and each seat had a vibrant life jacket on it. . The drive out was well controlled. TheyThe boat is covered. Great viewing opportunity.”

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Ballestas Islands & Paracas National Reserve from Paracas - The Candelabro Appears Before the Wildlife
Ballestas Islands Tours, Ballestas Islands Tours in Paracas, Paracas National Reserve, Paracas Tours, Tour Reviews

Ballestas Islands & Paracas National Reserve from Paracas

4.Ballestas Islands & Paracas National Reserve from Paracas

★★★★★★★★★★4.4 · 228 reviews · 7 hours · from $34

Start with a boat ride past the Candelabro geoglyph to see sea lions, Humboldt penguins, and seabirds. After free time in El Chaco, ride through Paracas National Reserve to La Catedral, Playa Roja, a flamingo overlook, and Lagunillas Beach. English and Spanish guides lead the day.

“El tour se divide en 2 partes: primero fuimos en speedboat a las Islas Ballestas, donde vimos pingüinos y lobos marinos y El Candelabro. Tras volver a Paracas, nos recogieron para la segunda parte a la Reserva Natural de Paracas, donde hicimos paradas en varios spots para ver el paisaje. En la penúltima parada había opción de bañarse en el mar y en la última podías comer en un restaurante frente al mar. El tiempo para la parada de la comida fue muy limitado, debería ser algo más de tiempo. Andrea, la chica de la agencia fue muy amable con nosotros en todo momento, gracias!”

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From Paracas: Ballestas Islands tour all Inclusive - The first speedboat ride and port views
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From Paracas: Ballestas Islands tour all Inclusive

5.Ballestas Islands tour all Inclusive

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 143 reviews · 2 hours · from $17

Take a two-hour eco-friendly motorboat trip from Paracas to the Candelabro geoglyph and Ballestas Islands. You’ll see Humboldt penguins, sea lions, seabirds, and dramatic rock formations with an English or Spanish guide. Lucio has earned special praise for clear, enthusiastic guiding.

“It was incredible. Everything worked perfectly well and Lucio, our guide, was amazing! He is clearly passionate about his job and loves the Island. His English is also very good!”

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From Lima: Ballestas Islands and Huacachina Sunset Day Trip - The 4 a.m. start from Miraflores
1-Day Tours, Ballestas Islands Tours, Ballestas Islands Tours in Paracas, Evening Experiences, Huacachina Oasis Tours, Huacachina Oasis Tours in Paracas, Paracas Tours, Tour Reviews

From Lima: Ballestas Islands and Huacachina Sunset Day Trip

6.Ballestas Islands and Huacachina Sunset Day Trip

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 113 reviews · 17 hours · from $65

Join an English- or Spanish-speaking guide from Lima for a 17-hour day covering Paracas, the Ballestas Islands, a pisco winery, and Huacachina. Expect sea lions, penguins, desert buggies, beginner sandboarding, sunset views, and a very early start.

“Wonderful experience. Great value for the money. would do it over and over again. Best tour ever!”

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Mini Buggy GO KART in Paracas National Reserve - Setting off across the desert
Go-Karts, Paracas National Reserve, Paracas Tours, Sandboarding & Dune Buggy Tours, Tour Reviews

Mini Buggy GO KART in Paracas National Reserve

7.Mini Buggy GO KART in Paracas National Reserve

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 98 reviews · 2 hours

Take the wheel of a private mini buggy for two and cross the desert scenery of Paracas National Reserve. An instructor handles the safety briefing, then you stop at Yumaque Beach, Red Beach, and the reserve’s upper viewpoint. This is a driving adventure, not a cultural tour.

“Le premier départ du matin permet d'avoir le désert pour soi.”

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2-Hour Tour to the Ballestas Islands from Puerto San Martín - Around the Ballestas Islands with sea lions and seabirds
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2-Hour Tour to the Ballestas Islands from Puerto San Martín

8.2-Hour Tour to the Ballestas Islands from Puerto San Martín

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 96 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $49Top rated

From Puerto San Martín, you’ll ride a covered speedboat to the Ballestas Islands, stopping first at the Candelabra geoglyph. A guide explains its size, materials, and possible origin before you continue to sea lions, Humboldt penguins, pelicans, boobies, crabs, and other seabirds.

“Besides the very confusing information about the pick up location and time, we enjoyed the trip itself very much.”

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Paragliding Flight at Paracas National Reservation - Meeting in Paracas and riding to the flying zone
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Paragliding Flight at Paracas National Reservation

9.Paragliding Flight at Paracas National Reservation

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 84 reviews · 1 hour 30 minutes (approx.) · from $107

Meet at Paracas es Aventura in town, ride to the flying zone, and let your pilot handle the flight. You only need to walk, take off, and enjoy 5 to 10 minutes above the Paracas coast. The private format keeps things calm, with English and Spanish instruction, transfers, and accident insurance included.

“Great guys and great experience. Took my 58 year old mom and 14 year old son. Both enjoyed it. Great views”

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Ballestas island & Paracas reserve from PISCO CRUISESHIP TERMINAL - Wildlife Watching Without False Promises
Ballestas Islands Tours, Ballestas Islands Tours in Paracas, Paracas National Reserve, Paracas Tours, Pisco Sour Tastings, Tour Reviews

Ballestas island & Paracas reserve from PISCO CRUISESHIP TERMINAL

10.Ballestas island & Paracas reserve from PISCO CRUISESHIP TERMINAL

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 71 reviews · 4 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $100

From San Martín Port, your English-speaking guide takes you by modern bus and speedboat to the Ballestas Islands, then across Paracas Reserve. Look for sea lions, Humboldt penguins, seabirds, fossils, red beaches, and the Candelabra geoglyph. Guides such as Olenka and Brenda are praised for clear, friendly commentary.

“The company that ran the trip said that they had emailed us to start the trip at 8:00am instead of 9:15 which. Trip was not organized well.”

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Visit the Paracas National Reserve on a SCOOTER - Starting at PlayaRoja Tours in Paracas
Paracas National Reserve, Paracas Tours, Scooter Rentals, Tour Reviews

Visit the Paracas National Reserve on a SCOOTER

11.Visit the Paracas National Reserve on a SCOOTER

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 71 reviews · 1 to 10 hours (approx.) · from $35

Rent a scooter from Playa Roja Tours and follow a supplied map through Paracas National Reserve. You choose your pace and stops, with routes to Yumaque, Playa Roja, the Cathedral, the mine, and a lagoon. A license is required. Helmets, glasses, and the map are included.

“Flexible and let us change dates due to illness. Flexible about timings of starting. Good instructions on where to go.”

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Premium Trekking Golden Shades - Starting in Paracas at 2 pm
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Premium Trekking Golden Shades

12.Premium Trekking Golden Shades

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 59 reviews · 5 hours (approx.) · from $40

Start at 2 pm from Paracas for a five-hour tour through the National Reserve. Visit Playa Roja, La Catedral, Itmos viewpoint, and a pink lagoon, then walk 1 kilometer from El Playon to Mendieta Beach as the Golden Shadows appear. English and Spanish guides lead groups of up to 40.

“It was a great experience overall, the trekking was light, but the views were breathtaking! There was a bit of fog initially, but when the weather cleared everything was great”

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Paracas:Private Tours Paracas National Reserve all inclusive - A private start from your Paracas hotel
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Paracas:Private Tours Paracas National Reserve all inclusive

13.Private Tours Paracas National Reserve all inclusive

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 50 reviews · 3h 30m · from $43

Take a private 3.5-hour SUV tour through Paracas National Reserve with an English or Spanish guide. Visit the information center, flamingo area, Catedral viewpoint, Istmo, Playa Roja, and Lagunillas. Guides such as Lucio and Alberto add bird knowledge, local history, and flexible stops.

“We had a great afternoon trip through the National reserve. Lucio was a fantastic guide. Amazing experience!”

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7-Hours Tour in Paracas National Reserve with Pickup - Red Beach and the reserve’s best colors
Paracas National Reserve, Paracas Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours

7-Hours Tour in Paracas National Reserve with Pickup

14.7-Hours Tour in Paracas National Reserve with Pickup

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 48 reviews · 7 hours (approx.) · from $38

Start at 8:00 am in Paracas for a two-part outing: a fast boat to Ballestas Islands and a five-hour drive through Paracas National Reserve. Expect bilingual commentary, wildlife, the Chandelier geoglyph, Red Beach, and a group of up to 45 people. Lunch is not included.

“We were pleased with this operator. The speaker offered narration in both English and Spanish and was easy to understand in both languages. The tour operator explained each location we visited, answered questions from the audience, and provided multiple opportunities for pictures. I’d recommend bringing sunblock, a hat, and water since Paracas is typically very sunny and hot. We recommend this tour to anyone looking to explore the Paracas Peninsula and its natural beauty and history.”

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TREKKING GOLDEN SHADOWS - Starting at Playa Roja Tours at 3:00 pm
Hiking & Trekking, Paracas Tours, Tour Reviews

TREKKING GOLDEN SHADOWS

15.TREKKING GOLDEN SHADOWS

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 47 reviews · 4 hours · from $38

Spend four hours exploring Paracas National Reserve with an English-Spanish guide, visiting Salar de Otuma, Playón, and Mendieta Beach. The 1-hour-35-minute walk is relaxed rather than strenuous, with cliffs, wildlife, desert scenery, and a sunset. Pickup and return transport are included.

“what nobody mentions is the 2.5h ride trough the BUMPY AS HELL desert eith a shitty 12 oerson van. i have travelled a lot i took my fair share of rides but this was just awful. very beatiful place snd amazing walk across the coast but not worth the ride”

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New in Paracas Tours

★ 4.8VISIT THE NATIONAL RESERVE OF PARACAS BY ATVFrom $3723 reviews
★ 5.0Paracas National Reserve TourFrom $6030 reviews
★ 3.3PARACAS|| Sunset trekking in the Paracas National ReserveFrom $503 reviews
★ 4.5speedboat BALLESTAS ISLANDS TOURFrom $184 reviews
★ 4.8Mini Buggy Tour & Sandboarding at OasisFrom $837 reviews
★ 4.3Ballestas Islands Boat tour – Islas BallestasFrom $355 reviews
★ 4.6Ballestas Islands Guided Boat TourFrom $207 reviews
★ 3.9Ballestas Islands and Candelabra of Paracas BoatFrom $257 reviews
★ 4.7BALLESTAS ISLANDS AND NATIONAL RESERVEFrom $394 reviews
★ 3.0From Lima 2 days 1 night, Ballestas,Huacachina & Nazca linesFrom $5654 reviews
★ 4.4LIMA || 2D/1N: Paracas, Huacachina and Nazca.From $3105 reviews
★ 4.4FULL DAY PARACAS – ICAFrom $707 reviews
★ 4.4Paracas National Reserve Private TourFrom $485 reviews
★ 3.1From Paracas | Excursion to Ica and HuacachinaFrom $1153 reviews
★ 4.8Paracas and Huacachina Day Trip with Buggy RideFrom $1004 reviews

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