Ballestas Islands & Paracas National Reserve by Minibuggy
from US$ 45.41 per person
The same morning of ocean and desert, but in a vehicle for two. We pick you up at your hotel in central Ica and travel in group transport to Paracas. On the speedboat to the Ballestas Islands you see sea lions, guano birds and, in season, Humboldt penguins.
Back on land, you drive the minibuggy with your companion beside you, following the guide-instructor through the Paracas National Reserve. The driver must be an adult with a valid driver's license; the passenger can be a child, so it works for couples and for a parent with their child. Babies under 1 year cannot board the boat. Bring a windbreaker, sunglasses and sunscreen.
Highlights
- Ballestas boat trip and a minibuggy ride in the reserve in one morning
- One minibuggy for two: you drive and your companion rides beside you
- Bilingual guide on the islands and a guide-instructor in the reserve
- 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
- 2 people per minibuggy
- Minimum age
- Driver: 18 years with a valid license; passenger: no restriction
- 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, in a two-seat minibuggy 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.
Safety briefing
Back on land, the guide-instructor explains to the driver how to handle the minibuggy.
Minibuggy ride through the Paracas National Reserve
You drive the minibuggy with your companion 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
- Minibuggy ride through the Paracas National Reserve, one minibuggy for two people
- Guide-instructor in the Paracas National Reserve
Not included
- Food and drinks
- Ballestas Islands and Paracas National Reserve tourist ticket
Safety
- Certified speedboats, with life jackets
- Certified minibuggies with safety gear
- Safety briefing before driving
- Specialized guide-instructor throughout the reserve ride
Important
- The minibuggy driver must be an adult with a valid driver's license; the passenger can be any age
- By SERNANP rules, children under 1 year may not enter the pier or take the boat trip to the Ballestas Islands
- 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
Can children ride in the minibuggy?
Yes, as passengers of an adult driver. The only exception is babies under 1 year, who SERNANP does not allow onto the pier or the boat to Ballestas.
How is this different from the ATV version?
On the ATV tour each person drives their own vehicle and the minimum age is 18. In the minibuggy two people share one vehicle: a licensed adult driver and a passenger of any age.
Who can drive the minibuggy?
The driver must be an adult with a valid driver's license. Before setting off they get a safety briefing from the guide-instructor, who leads the route.
What does the island boat trip include?
A speedboat excursion with life jackets and a bilingual guide. You will see sea lions, guano birds and, depending on the season, Humboldt penguins and dolphins.
What should I bring?
A windbreaker for the boat, sunglasses, sunscreen and a cap for the desert, and the driver's license of whoever drives. Food is not included, so bring water.
