Lima to Paracas: Ballestas Islands, Reserve & Slave Tunnels Day Trip

Summary

Sea lions, desert cliffs and hidden tunnels from Lima

You’ll leave Lima before sunrise for a day trip packed with wildlife, wild coastlines, and powerful stories—sea lions barking at Ballestas Islands, ceviche on the Paracas boardwalk, windswept desert views where sand meets Pacific surf, and a sobering walk through Chincha’s slave tunnels with a local guide who brings history close enough to touch.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I remember is the hum of the bus as we left Miraflores—too early for my usual brain, but somehow the city looked softer through the window. Our guide, Lucía, was already joking with us about Peruvian snacks before we’d even hit the Pan-American Highway. I tried to nap but kept peeking out at the ocean flashing up beside the road. It’s a long drive to Paracas but honestly, those semi-bed seats are better than most flights I’ve taken.

The air changed when we got off at the marina—sort of salty and sharp, with that cool wind you get near big water. The Ballestas Islands boat zipped out past this huge candelabra shape carved into the hillside (Lucía explained it’s older than anyone really knows), and then suddenly there were sea lions everywhere. They barked at us like grumpy old men while penguins shuffled along the rocks. Birds wheeled overhead and one guy next to me got pooped on—he took it well. You could smell fish and something briny; it felt wild in a way I didn’t expect.

We had free time for lunch along the Paracas boardwalk—ceviche so fresh it almost bit back, if that makes sense. I sat watching fishermen haul in nets while little kids chased each other around the benches. After that, our day trip to Paracas National Reserve kicked in: red cliffs dropping straight into blue-green Pacific water, sand so fine it slipped through my fingers. The wind was strong enough to steal your hat if you weren’t careful. Lucía pointed out flamingos in the distance; they looked like pink commas against all that space.

Last stop was heavier—the Chincha slave tunnels under an old hacienda north of Paracas. The air down there was thick and cool, walls rough under your hand if you touched them (I did). Our guide didn’t sugarcoat anything; she told stories about people who passed through those tunnels and I still think about that silence when we all came back up into daylight. On the ride home I watched lights flicker by outside and realized how much history sits just below everything here—you know?

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Ballestas Islands, Paracas Reserve, Slave Tunnels

• Early hotel pickup in Lima
• Travel to Paracas by bus
• Ballestas Islands wildlife boat cruise
• Free time at Paracas boardwalk
• Guided tour of Paracas National Reserve
• Visit historic Chincha Slave Tunnels
• Return to Lima by bus
• Hotel drop-off in Lima

Top questions

How long is the day trip from Lima to Paracas?

The tour lasts a full day, departing early morning from Lima and returning around 11:00 PM or later depending on traffic.

Is hotel pickup included for this Ballestas Islands tour?

Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off are included for Miraflores, San Isidro, or Barranco districts in Lima.

What wildlife can you see at Ballestas Islands?

You can spot sea lions, Humboldt penguins, various seabirds—and sometimes dolphins depending on season.

Is lunch included during this Paracas Reserve tour?

No, lunch is not included but you have free time to buy food along the Paracas boardwalk; guides can recommend places.

Are entrance fees covered on this day trip?

Yes—all taxes and entrance fees are included in your booking price.

How comfortable is the transport from Lima?

The tour uses luxury buses with semi-bed seats, air conditioning, onboard restroom and high-speed Wi-Fi.

Can children join this full-day tour?

The minimum age is 8 years old with parental permission required.

Do you visit both Ballestas Islands and Paracas National Reserve?

Yes—the itinerary includes both a boat cruise to Ballestas Islands and guided bus tour inside Paracas National Reserve.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup and drop-off from central Lima neighborhoods (Miraflores, San Isidro or Barranco), all entry fees for Ballestas Islands cruise and Paracas National Reserve tours plus guided visit to Chincha slave tunnels—with bilingual local host throughout and travel on a premium coach equipped with Wi-Fi and reclining seats for extra comfort on those long stretches between stops.