Ballestas Islands & Paracas National Reserve by ATV
from US$ 61.35 per person
This half day puts the ocean and the desert into one morning. We pick you up at your hotel in central Ica and ride in group transport to Paracas. First you board a speedboat, life jacket on, to the Ballestas Islands, where you see sea lions and their pups, guano birds and, in season, Humboldt penguins up close.
Then you swap the boat for an ATV of your own. After the safety briefing, the guide-instructor leads you along the trails of the Paracas National Reserve. It is for travelers aged 18 and over with a valid driver's license. Bring a windbreaker for the boat, plus sunglasses, sunscreen and a neck gaiter for the desert sun and sand.
Highlights
- Ballestas boat trip and an ATV ride in the reserve in one morning
- One ATV per person, with protective gear and a guide-instructor
- Sea lions, guano birds and Humboldt penguins in season
- Pickup from your hotel in central Ica and group transfer Ica - Paracas - Ica
- Departs daily at 8:00 a.m.
Gallery
- Duration
- Half day
- Schedule
- Departure: 8:00 a.m.
- Capacity
- 1 person per ATV
- Minimum age
- 18 years (driver with a valid license)
- Service
- Shared
- Languages
- Spanish and English
Itinerary
A half day that starts at sea, with the boat trip to the Ballestas Islands, and ends in the desert, driving your ATV through the Paracas National Reserve.
- 8:00 a.m.
Pickup in central Ica
We pick you up at your hotel in central Ica and travel in group transport to Paracas.
Boat trip to the Ballestas Islands
From El Chaco pier you head out by speedboat, with a life jacket and a bilingual guide. On the way you pass the Candelabra, the geoglyph drawn on the hillside of the peninsula.
Island wildlife
Around the islands you see sea lions and their pups, guano birds and, in season, Humboldt penguins. The boat trip takes about 2 hours.
Gear and safety briefing
Back on land, the guide-instructor hands out your protective gear and explains how to drive the ATV.
ATV ride through the Paracas National Reserve
You drive your own ATV behind the guide-instructor along the reserve's desert trails, with views of the Pacific.
Return to Ica
When the ride ends, you return to Ica in the group transport.
Included
- Pickup from your hotel in central Ica
- Group transport Ica - Paracas - Ica
- Speedboat excursion to the Ballestas Islands, with life jacket
- Bilingual tour guide on the Ballestas Islands
- ATV ride through the Paracas National Reserve, one ATV per person
- Guide-instructor in the Paracas National Reserve
- Safety equipment
Not included
- Food and drinks
- Ballestas Islands and Paracas National Reserve tourist ticket
Safety
- Certified speedboats, with life jackets
- Certified ATVs with safety gear
- Full safety briefing before driving
- Specialized guide-instructor throughout the reserve ride
Important
- Each participant drives their own ATV and must be 18 or older with a valid driver's license
- Life jackets are mandatory on the boat
- Wildlife watching is done without flash and without feeding the animals
- Bookings are confirmed with a 50% deposit
- Cancellation up to 48 hours before: full refund
Frequently asked questions
What do I need to drive the ATV?
You must be 18 or older and hold a valid driver's license; every participant drives their own ATV. If you are traveling with children, on the minibuggy version they can ride as passengers of a licensed adult.
Where does the tour start?
It includes pickup from hotels in central Ica and round-trip group transport to Paracas. If you are staying in Paracas, ask us when you book.
What wildlife can I see on the Ballestas Islands?
Adult sea lions and pups, guano birds and many other seabirds. Humboldt penguins and dolphins depend on the season; photos are taken without flash and animals are never fed.
How long does the tour take?
It is a half-day tour leaving Ica at 8:00 a.m. The boat trip to the Ballestas Islands takes about 2 hours, followed by the ATV ride through the reserve.
When is the best time to go?
The tour runs year-round. The best season for wildlife is April to November.