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Ica Region Birdwatching

Our most recommended Ica Region Birdwatching

From Paracas: Ballestas Islands & Paracas National Reserve

1. From Paracas: Ballestas Islands & Paracas National Reserve

After a convenient hotel pickup from either Paracas or Pisco, head to the Marina Turistica to start your adventure. Board a speedboat with your bilingual, Spanish and English-speaking guide, and jet out onto the sea towards the stunning Ballestas. Along the way, stop at the Paracas Peninsula to see the Candelabro, an enigmatic glyph carved into the side of the island — whose purpose, and creator, remain a mystery to this day. Afterwards, continue onwards towards the marine sanctuary of Ballestas. Gaze upon the rocky shores, filled to the brim with sunbathing seals, and penguins diving into the turbid waters to hunt underneath the surface — all alongside other beautiful specimens, like majestic pelicans, and colorful blue-footed boobies. You’ll then return to the Marina Turistica for a drive to Paracas National Reserve. An almost alien landscape, the Paracas National Reserve is composed of vast, sprawling deserts and high sandstone cliffs directly next to the bright, blue ocean. Driving through the reserve, see the Cathedral, an area where a vast rock formation once stood before being destroyed by a cataclysmic earthquake. Your tour caps things off with visits to Playa Roja and Lagunillas Beach, two stunning maroon-sand beaches that are truly one-of-a-kind. Having seen some of the world's most unique natural features, flora, and fauna, you'll hop back in the car for a convenient transfer back to your hotel.

Paracas: Ballestas Islands Morning Boat Tour

2. Paracas: Ballestas Islands Morning Boat Tour

Your Paracas coastline adventure departs from the marina in the morning and then heads out onto the open 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. Admire the imposing figure set into the landscape and learn more about the history of the geoglyph from your tour guide. The boat sails onto the Ballestas Islands next, a collection of biodiverse islets that are home to an array of protected and endangered animals and birds. From the boat, admire these beautiful islands and learn about the many marine species it houses, including the curious Humboldt penguins, the playful sea lions, and the exuberant colorful birds. Visitors to the islands are not permitted onto the land because it is a protected natural area, however there is plenty of time to see all that the islands have to offer from the comfort of the boat.

From Paracas: Scenic Boat Tour to Ballestas Island

3. From Paracas: Scenic Boat Tour to Ballestas Island

After a convenient hotel pickup from either Paracas or Pisco, head to the Marina Turistica to start your islands adventure. Board a speedboat with your bilingual, Spanish and English-speaking guide, and jet out onto the sea towards the stunning Ballestas. Along the way, stop at the Paracas Peninsula to see the Candelabro, an enigmatic glyph carved into the side of the island — whose purpose, and creator, remain a mystery to this day. Afterwards, continue onwards towards the marine sanctuary of Ballestas. Gaze upon the rocky shores, filled to the brim with sunbathing seals and penguins diving into the turbid waters to hunt underneath the surface — all alongside other beautiful specimens, like majestic pelicans, and colorful blue-footed boobies. A protected habitat for the wide swathe of birds and sea-life that call these islands home, Ballestas is truly one of Peru’s natural treasures — and a speedboat tour around their shores is the best way to see the islands, and all they have to offer, up close.

From Lima: Paracas National Reserve & Ballestas Islands Tour

4. From Lima: Paracas National Reserve & Ballestas Islands Tour

After pickup, head to the south to discover unique landscapes where the desert, the islands and the sea all meet. Make a brief stop for a delicious breakfast and continue the journey. Then, go to Paracas dock to take a speed boat to the Ballestas Islands. Explore the rocky islands and discover the rich marine fauna. Take photos of sea lions and many types of birds such as penguins. Don't miss the enigmatic Candelabro Geoglyph, used as a navigational guide by ancient cultures. After your tour of the island, visit the impressive and isolated Paracas National Reserve. This natural reserve is part of the Guinness World Record for the driest desert on earth. Admire the stunning landscape of the peninsula. Learn all about dessert formation from your expert guide. If you are lucky you might see the great pink flamingos. Then, return to your hotel in Lima.

From Huacachina: Ballestas Island and Paracas Reserve Tour

5. From Huacachina: Ballestas Island and Paracas Reserve Tour

Start with pickup from your hotel within Ica/Huacachina and drive towards the Marina Turistica to begin your adventure. Board a speedboat with your guide, and jet out onto the sea towards the stunning Ballestas. Stop at the Paracas Peninsula to see the Candelabro, an enigmatic glyph carved into the side of the island, whose purpose, and creator, remain a mystery to this day. Continue onwards towards the marine sanctuary of Ballestas. Gaze upon the rocky shores filled to the brim with sunbathing seals, and penguins diving into the turbid waters to hunt underneath the surface. See other beautiful specimens, like majestic pelicans, and colorful blue-footed boobies. Return to the Marina Turistica for a drive to Paracas National Reserve. Discover the almost alien landscape of the Paracas National Reserve, with vast sprawling deserts and high sandstone cliffs. Driving through the reserve, see the Cathedral, an area where a vast rock formation once stood before being destroyed by a cataclysmic earthquake. Visit the stunning maroon-sand beaches of Playa Roja and Lagunillas Beach. Having seen some of the world's most unique natural features, flora, and fauna, At the end of the tour drive back to your hotel in Ica/Huacachina or in Paracas.

From Lima: Full-Day Tour of Islas Ballestas and Huacachina

6. From Lima: Full-Day Tour of Islas Ballestas and Huacachina

Start your day bright and early at 4:00 AM with a convenient pickup from your accommodation in Lima City. From here, enjoy a scenic 4 hour trip to Paracas (Ballestas Islands). Once you arrive, you will board the 'sliders', from which, you'll be able to appreciate the iconic Candelabro de Paracas geoglyph. This tour will allow you to marvel at the diversity of marina fauna once you arrive at the National Reserve. Keep an eye out for Sea lions, Guaneras Birds, Humbolt Penguins, just to name a few. Continue on your tour and head into the city of Ica where you will visit the Haciendas Pisqueras, a place where they produce the National drink of Peru, "El Pisco". Here, you will be able to taste a diverse range of wines and Pisco, also in the Hacienda, you will get some time to stop for a bite to eat.  After you've eaten, proceed to the Oasis of Huacachina, a natural lagoon surrounded by palm trees and desert dunes. You'll also have the chance to partake in adventure sports such as buggy driving and sand boarding. This is a perfect place to take some truly memorable holiday photos, so don't forget to bring your camera. After this experience, head to the city of Lima for a convenient drop off back at your accomodation. 

From Paracas: Ballestas Island Cruise & Paracas Reserve Tour

7. From Paracas: Ballestas Island Cruise & Paracas Reserve Tour

The meeting point will be at Las Adventure to begin your adventure. Board a speedboat with your guide, and jet out onto the sea towards the stunning Ballestas. Stop at the Paracas Peninsula to see the Candelabro, an enigmatic glyph carved into the side of the island, whose purpose, and creator, remain a mystery to this day. Continue onwards towards the marine sanctuary of Ballestas. Gaze upon the rocky shores filled to the brim with sunbathing seals, and penguins diving into the turbid waters to hunt underneath the surface. See other beautiful specimens, like majestic pelicans, and colorful blue-footed boobies. Return to Las adventure for a drive to Paracas National Reserve. Discover the almost alien landscape of the Paracas National Reserve, with vast sprawling deserts and high sandstone cliffs. Driving through the reserve, see the Cathedral, an area where a vast rock formation once stood before being destroyed by a cataclysmic earthquake. Visit the stunning maroon-sand beaches of Playa Roja and Lagunillas Beach. Having seen some of the world's most unique natural features, flora, and fauna, In lagunillas beach there you will have time for lunch in local restaurants, later the bus will take you to huacachina and end of the services - you will get to huacacahina or ica at around 16:30

From Paracas: Ballestas Island Boat Tour with entrances

8. From Paracas: Ballestas Island Boat Tour with entrances

Your tour begins with pickup from your accommodation in Paracas from where you transfer to the public dock. From there, move around the island in a comfortable boat whilst receiving explanations on board from your professional guide. You can observe the beauty of the island with its impressive fauna, and can also see El Candelabro - a large geoglyph which serves as a beacon for sailors. This geoglyph is related to the lines and geoglyphs of Nazca and Pampas de Jumana. The arrival of tourists to these islands is forbidden in order to avoid disturbing the animals that live there. Boats however can venture close enough to allow their occupants to enjoy the beauty of these animals. Following the completion of your 2-hour round-trip circuit, travel back to the port, end of the tour.

From Paracas: Paracas National Reserve Private Tour

9. From Paracas: Paracas National Reserve Private Tour

Enjoy the convenience of the being picked up from your hotel in Paracas or Pisco and transferred to the Paracas National Reserve. The reserve was established in 1975 to protect the bird and marine of life of the Paracas Peninsula. Admire the stunning landscape of the peninsula, formed by a saline desert, islands, and the sea. See one to the largest sea lion colonies in the world. Marvel at the numerous birds along the coastline. Learn about the reserve by visiting the visitor center, which has exhibits about the local flora and fauna. Drive to an area where a great natural rock formation once stood known as the Cathedral. Unfortunately, the Cathedral was destroyed during a 2007 earthquake. Enjoy amazing views of the desert, the blue ocean, and thousands of sea birds. Visit Playa Roja and Lagunillas Beach. After your tour finishes, return to your hotel.

Ballestas Islands and Huacachina Oasis Half-Day Tour

10. Ballestas Islands and Huacachina Oasis Half-Day Tour

Begin your morning with a pickup from your hotel in Paracas or Piso and head to the Paracas Harbor. Here you'll board a speedboat to begin your adventure to the stunning Ballestas Island. On the way you will stop at the Paracas Peninsula to see a stunning design of the enigmatic El Candelabro drawn on the side of a hill on the peninsula. Afterwards, the speedboat will navigate towards to the Ballestas Islands, where you will see a stunning world filled with birds and sea lions. Visit up to three islands, depending on sea conditions, and explore their caves.  Head back to the port for a 40 minute break before boarding a vehicle to drive approximately one hour to go towards the city of Ica. On this portion of the tour you will visit a vineyard to have the opportunity to taste traditional wine and Pisco, the national drink of Peru. Learn about the history and production process of Pisco in one of the bodegas before heading to more sights. Later on you will visit the Cathedral of Senor de Luren, the main square and the Regional Museum of Ica, and an interesting building that houses the remains of the local ancient cultures. After spending time in Ica continue southwest towards the Huacachina Oasis, a beautiful lagoon surrounded by palm trees and huge sand dunes with a spectacular view of Ica Valley and desert. Here you will be able to climb the sand dunes and enjoy a dune buggy tour. After spending time in the sand you will return with a drop-off at your hotel.

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What people are saying about Ica Region

Una muy bonita experiencia, Las Adventure se hizo cargo de recogernos, guardar el equipaje y llevarnos al muelle. La comunicación y la ayuda fue excelente. El tour dura 2 hrs total (30mins ida y 30mins vuelta hasta las islas). No se vieron muchos pingüinos pero sí lobos marinos y muchas aves, la guía fue muy informativa. Importante llevar sombrero con amarre porque el viento es fuerte en el camino hacia las islas.

The tour started a little more than an hour after the reservation due to the fact that other passengers had not arrived, sometimes it complicates things if you have limited time for each activity.

Better impossible, thank you for this very pleasant experience. What beautiful landscapes, and Don Jorge, an excellent guide. We are happy, thank you very much!

We had a fabulous time! The day was long but so worth it! Mayer our guide was great! prepare yourself for the buggy ride, it’s is WILD!

Top Guide, top Captain, top Driver! And of course spectacular nature! A must!