Paracas Minibuggy tour: Ballestas Islands and desert drive

You drive the minibuggy yourself across Peru's driest desert.

A five-hour Paracas activity that pairs a boat trip to Ballestas Islands (home to Humboldt penguins, sea lions and dolphins) with a self-driven minibuggy tour through the Paracas National Park desert. The day includes the Candelabro geoglyph, the rock formation La Catedral, Playa Roja (red beach), and flamingo viewing from Cerro Colorado. Pickup is included. A live guide speaks English or Spanish. Children from age 4 are welcome.

The experience

The morning starts on the water. A boat takes you out to the Ballestas Islands, where thousands of seabirds (Humboldt penguins, cormorants, pelicans and others) nest on the rocks. You'll also spot sea lions and dolphins in the water. On the way, the boat passes the Candelabro geoglyph, a three-pronged figure etched into the hillside similar to the Nazca lines. After a short break back on shore, the pace shifts entirely.

You get into a two-person minibuggy and drive it yourself through the Paracas National Park, one of the driest regions in Peru. The route takes you to La Catedral, a natural rock formation, and Playa Roja, a beach with red-colored sand. From Cerro Colorado, a high point in the park, you can see both of the bay's curves and watch flamingos in the shallows. The guide travels with you and provides commentary throughout, but the driving, and the adrenaline, is yours.

Bottled water is included. Pickup happens from your hotel or a central meeting point. The whole day runs about five hours. Children from age 4 can join, and infants sit on an adult's lap during the boat portion.

What’s included

• Boat trip to Ballestas Islands with wildlife viewing.
• self-driven minibuggy tour through Paracas National Park including La Catedral, Playa Roja and Cerro Colorado.
• live guide in English or Spanish.
• bottled water.
• all fees and taxes.
• hotel pickup.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 08:00

Book up to12h before

AgesAdult (18 and older) · Infant (4 to 17 years) · Under 4: can't be included in the booking

GroupUp to 15

Live guideEnglish and Spanish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup is optional; you can also go straight to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.You can choose from 17 pickup points.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 5 days ago

Good to know

Easy physical levelPublic transport nearbyInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Pisco Travel

Is this one for you?The guide speaks English or Spanish, so you can follow the commentary comfortably in either language. The minibuggy driving is the core of the experience. If you want to steer through the desert yourself rather than sit as a passenger, this is the activity for you.

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Top questions

What languages is the guide in?

Live guide in English and Spanish.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Infant (4 to 17 years). Under 4: they can't be included in the booking.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What birds and animals will I see on the Ballestas Islands boat trip?

Ballestas Islands are home to Humboldt penguins, cormorants, pelicans, sea lions and dolphins. Thousands of seabirds nest on the rocks, and you'll see them from the boat as it circles the islands.

Do I need a driver's license to operate the minibuggy?

Yes, a valid driver's license is required to drive the minibuggy yourself through the Paracas desert.

What is the Candelabro geoglyph?

The Candelabro is a three-pronged figure etched into a hillside near the Ballestas Islands, similar in style to the famous Nazca lines. You'll see it from the boat on the way to the islands.

How long does the minibuggy portion of the day take?

After the boat trip and a short break, you spend the remainder of the five-hour day driving the minibuggy through the Paracas National Park, visiting La Catedral, Playa Roja, Cerro Colorado and flamingo viewing areas.