Lima: Paracas Reserve, Slave Tunnels & Ballestas Islands Full Day
Overview
Make the most of a full day from Lima: cruise the wildlife-rich Ballestas Islands on a guided boat tour to look for sea lions, Humboldt penguins, and soaring seabirds, then continue into the dramatic Paracas National Reserve where desert drops into the Pacific. Close the day with a powerful visit to the historic Chincha Slave Tunnels.
• Full-day tour from Lima: Ballestas Islands cruise & Paracas Reserve
• Wildlife viewing opportunities - sea lions, penguins, and seabird cliffs
• Iconic desert-meets-ocean viewpoints inside Paracas National Reserve
• Guided visit to the Chincha Slave Tunnels; hotel pickup and drop-off included
Gallery
What's Included
✓ Included
- Hotel pickup and drop-off in Miraflores, San Isidro, or Barranco
- Stay connected with high-speed onboard Wi-Fi (Only available through Peru Hop)
- Exclusive comfort - the only operator using luxury buses (others use small vans)
- All taxes and entrance fees included - no hidden charges
- Guided visit to the Chincha Slave Tunnels (Hacienda San José)
- Bilingual local host/guide throughout the day
- Round-trip transport by air-conditioned restroom-equipped luxury
- Guided tour of Paracas National Reserve
- 2-hour Ballestas Islands speedboat tour
✗ Not Included
- Food and drinks
Itinerary
1
Stop 1
Begin with an early pickup from your hotel in Miraflores, San Isidro, or Barranco. Board your Peru Hop bus with onboard high-speed Wi-Fi and settle into a premium, air-conditioned coach with reclining semi-bed seats and an onboard restroom. Your friendly Peruvian host shares stories and tips as you trace the scenic Pan-American Highway toward Paracas, a peaceful fishing town on the Pacific.
2
Stop 2
From 10:00 to 12:00, board a fast, comfortable boat for a 2-hour wildlife cruise. Skim past towering rock arches and the mysterious Candelabra geoglyph while watching for sea lions, Humboldt penguins, and a kaleidoscope of seabirds - and, with luck, playful dolphins. Skippers keep a respectful distance so you can enjoy natural behavior (wildlife sightings vary seasonally).
3
Stop 3
From 12:00 to 14:00, enjoy free time along the Paracas boardwalk. Stroll the marina, browse local craft stalls, or sit down for fresh ceviche or grilled catch of the day overlooking the ocean (lunch at own expense). Your host can point you to great local favorites.
4
Stop 4
Join a guided bus tour inside one of South America’s largest protected desert reserves. Photograph red-sand cliffs, wind-carved headlands, and sweeping Pacific views where dunes meet turquoise water. Short walks to lookouts are rewarded with unforgettable panoramas.
5
Stop 5
Travel north aboard your Peru Hop bus to a historic hacienda to explore its underground tunnels, once used during the slave-trading era. Your guide shares context and stories that bring this difficult history to life. Some passages are narrow and have low ceilings; guests should be comfortable with enclosed spaces.
6
Stop 6
Relax aboard your comfortable Peru Hop bus with onboard high-speed Wi-Fi for the drive back to Lima - ideal for sharing your best Ballestas and Paracas photos on the way. Enjoy direct drop-off at your hotel in Miraflores, San Isidro, or Barranco. Typical arrival is around 11:00 PM (traffic and sea conditions can affect timing; Downtown/Airport drop-offs may be slightly later).
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Good to Know
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
- The bus will arrive back in Lima around 11:30 pm - midnight
- The Only company with Luxury Buses for the long journey, others use small vans
- Minimum age: 8 years old – Must have parents permission
- Recommended: Treking or tennis Shoes (no flipflops allowed), Sunglasses, Hat, Sunscreen, Drinking water, Windbreaker jacket & warm clothes.
- The tour runs with slight adjustments during the following holidays: Easter weekend (April 2-5) and Peru's Independence Day celebrations (July 27-29). The pick-up time will be 1 hour before the usual time.
Known For:
Special Instructions
• Note: If staying outside of the pick up areas, at an Airbnb, or at a residential address then please consult by email at info@peruhop.com
• Bring sun screen
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