Ballestas & Tambo Colorado
Ballestas Islands & Tambo Colorado: From Ocean Wonders to Inca Secrets
Embark on a thrilling full-day adventure that blends nature, history, and culture! Start your journey with a boat tour to the breathtaking Ballestas Islands, home to playful sea lions, curious Humboldt penguins, and stunning rock formations. Witness the enigmatic Candelabra geoglyph from the sea, then continue inland to explore Tambo Colorado, one of the best-preserved Inca archaeological sites along the Peruvian coast. This unique tour offers an unforgettable contrast between the rich marine wildlife of the Pacific Ocean and the architectural genius of the Inca Empire. Perfect for history lovers, nature enthusiasts, and travellers seeking authentic Peruvian experiences.
Top Highlights
- See sea lions, penguins, and the Candelabra geoglyph on a scenic Ballestas Islands boat tour
- Explore Tambo Colorado, one of the best-preserved Inca ruins on Peru’s coastal desert
- Enjoy a full-day cultural and wildlife experience from Paracas to the desert interior
- Ideal for history lovers and wildlife enthusiasts looking for an authentic Peruvian adventure
- Private or group options available with expert guides and flexible departure times
Tour Level: Easy – suitable for all ages and fitness levels.
Service: Mix Tour service, group and private tour.
Departure: From Paracas at 8:00am | 9:00am | 10:00am
Duration: 6 hours.
Tour Type: Cultural & Nature Expedition.
Your adventure begins with a hotel pick-up at the scheduled time, followed by a shared boat tour to the stunning Ballestas Islands, where you’ll admire the iconic Candelabra geoglyph, colonies of sea lions, Humboldt penguins, marine birds, and dramatic coastal rock formations during a two-hour guided excursion. Upon returning, enjoy 30 minutes of free time to relax or explore the Paracas waterfront. The journey then continues to Tambo Colorado in private vehicle, located around 1 hour away, through scenic desert landscapes. Along the way, we’ll make short stops at viewpoints and local sites. At Tambo Colorado, one of the most preserved Inca archaeological complexes on the Peruvian coast, you’ll explore ceremonial plazas, ancient adobe structures, Inca murals, and learn about the region’s cultural legacy. The tour ends with a comfortable return to your hotel, making this a perfect blend of nature, history, and culture in one unforgettable day.
Book now for an eco-tourism experience you won’t forget!
Included:
- Hotel pick-up and drop-off in Paracas.
- Shared boat tour to the Ballestas Islands.
- Professional bilingual tour guide (English/Spanish).
- Private transport to Tambo Colorado.
- Guided visit to Tambo Colorado.
- Scenic stops along the route.
- Bottled water on board.
- Travel assistance during the tour.
Not Included:
- Meals and personal snacks.
- Entrance fees to the Ballestas Islands and Tambo Colorado (22 soles or 7 USD per person)
- Tips for guides and drivers.
- Travel insurance.
- Extra activities not mentioned in the itinerary.
- Optional entrance to other nearby attractions.
Note:
The entrance fee to Ballestas Islands and Tambo Colorado is not included in the tour price and must be paid directly in cash or card at the control point, in Peruvian soles.
✅ Allowed:
- Photography and video for personal use.
- Bringing reusable water bottles and snacks.
- Wearing hats, sunglasses, and sunscreen.
- Comfortable walking shoes or sandals.
- Eco-friendly behaviour and respect for nature.
❌ Not Allowed:
- Littering or removing natural elements (e.g. shells, rocks).
- Drones (without prior permit).
- Loud music or disruptive behaviour.
- Smoking in protected areas.
- Feeding or disturbing wildlife.
🎒 What to Bring:
- Cash in soles for entrance fee.
- Sunglasses, hat, and high-SPF sunscreen.
- Comfortable clothes for warm and windy conditions.
- Refillable water bottle.
- Camera or smartphone.
- Light snacks (optional).
- Windbreaker or light jacket (optional – coastal breeze).
Pick up will be at your hotel, where our staff will welcome you and assist you. Please be ready at your hotel lobby at least 20 minutes before your selected departure time to ensure a smooth and timely start.
Please note that the Ballestas Islands boat tour is subject to weather and sea conditions. In the event of cancellation due to bad weather or port closure (as determined by the local harbour authorities), we will offer you the following options:
Reschedule the tour for another available day
Take an alternative land-based tour
Continue only with the Tambo Colorado land tour and receive a partial refund
Cancel the full tour and receive a full refund
Your safety is our top priority, and we appreciate your understanding.
All travellers must provide a valid WhatsApp number during booking or confirmation so we can stay in touch for any last-minute updates, meeting instructions, or emergencies.
This tour is not suitable for cruise ship passengers arriving at San Martín Port, as the timings and logistics do not match cruise schedules. Please note that this is a land-based tour with fixed departure times and we are unable to offer custom pickups from the port.
For the best experience, we recommend this tour for visitors who are staying overnight or arriving independently in Paracas.
Your tour is confirmed immediately upon booking, and you will receive an official confirmation by email or WhatsApp. We accept all major credit and debit cards and offer secure online payment options for your convenience.
You may cancel or reschedule your tour up to 24 hours before the scheduled departure time at no additional cost. If you fail to show up on the day of the tour (No Show), no refunds or rescheduling will be offered.
We are committed to providing flexibility and transparency, ensuring your experience in Paracas is enjoyable, safe, and fair under all circumstances.
Why Book This Tour
Why Book With Us?
To see more Tours in Paracas
To see more Tours in Peru
What Our Customers Say
Our clients consistently praise our tours for their professionalism, punctuality, and exceptional service. Many highlight the knowledgeable bilingual guides, the comfort and safety of our boats, and the unforgettable wildlife sightings. With thousands of positive reviews, travellers recommend us as the top choice for Paracas tours, ensuring a memorable and hassle-free experience every time.
Martina Nesti2025-08-16Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. We had a wonderful trip in Ballestas Islands and Paracas. The guide was very kind and expert and makes her job with passion. Thanks for this great experience! federico rota2025-08-13Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Giorgio Calisi2025-08-11Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Esperienza fantastica, super professionali e disponibili! José e i suoi colleghi sono stati super gentili, ci hanno dato la possibilità di lasciare i bagagli presso la loro struttura e fornito ottimi consigli per la visita di Paracas e della riserva. Massimiliano Sacco2025-08-11Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Tutto fantastico, super disponibili in tutto, esperienze da non perdere per visitare luoghi mozzafiato nel migliore dei modi!! Héctor Hernández González2025-08-07Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Decidimos hacer nuestro viaje a Perú con pocos meses de antelación, y cuando fuimos a comprar las entradas para Machu Picchu online, ya no quedaban. Al llegar al país empezamos a preguntar si había alguna posibilidad de conseguirlas, ya que con la nueva normativa es posible comprar tickets de forma presencial en Aguas Calientes. Nos encontramos con varias personas que ofrecían esa opción, pero con precios absolutamente desorbitados, así que las fuimos descartando… hasta que apareció en nuestras vidas José, con su agencia en Paracas: JD Adventure Travel. José es un tipo sensacional: serio, formal, sincero y muy amable. Le avisaron de que estábamos desayunando en una cafetería y se presentó directamente allí, se sentó con nosotros y nos explicó con total claridad cómo funcionaba el nuevo sistema y qué posibilidades reales teníamos. Nos transmitió mucha confianza desde el primer momento. De hecho, nos ofreció que pagáramos solo el 50% del tour por adelantado y que abonáramos el otro 50% una vez que tuviéramos las entradas para Machu Picchu en la mano. Y nos aseguró que, si no conseguíamos las entradas por algún motivo y el tour no se podía llevar a cabo, nos devolvería el dinero sin problema. Ese nivel de seriedad y compromiso fue clave para decidirnos. Desde ese momento, estuvo en contacto permanente con nosotros por teléfono, informándonos de los últimos cambios y novedades en el acceso a Machu Picchu. Siempre atento, siempre dispuesto a ayudar. Finalmente, por motivos personales no pudimos cuadrar la fecha para ir a Machu Picchu, y José, tal y como nos prometió, nos devolvió el dinero adelantado sin ningún tipo de rodeo. Estamos infinitamente agradecidos, y cuando volvamos a Perú, contaremos sin duda con él y con su agencia. Un ejemplo de profesionalidad y buen trato. Totalmente recomendable. Gabri “GabeStudio72” Pes2025-08-05Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Esperienza fantastica con JD Adventure a Paracas! Abbiamo trovato JD Adventure tramite GetYourGuide, ma vi consigliamo caldamente di contattarli direttamente: sono assolutamente affidabili e così riuscirete anche a risparmiare qualcosa! Jose è davvero in gamba: si può parlare direttamente con lui via WhatsApp, e questo rende l’organizzazione rapida, semplice e precisa, con informazioni sempre aggiornate in tempo reale. Con loro abbiamo fatto: • il volo sulle linee di Nasca, emozionante e ben organizzato, • la gita alle Isole Ballestas, proprio di fronte a Paracas, • e la visita al Parco Nazionale, che ci ha lasciato senza parole per la bellezza del paesaggio. La nostra guida Olenka è stata eccezionale: parlava un inglese perfetto e ci ha dato tantissime informazioni interessanti sia sul territorio che sulla cultura peruviana. Lo sapevate, ad esempio, che in Perù gli asparagi, i carciofi e le acciughe non piacciono quasi a nessuno e sono prodotti quasi esclusivamente per l’esportazione? Un’esperienza cool, facile e indimenticabile, che consigliamo a chiunque voglia vivere Paracas e dintorni in modo autentico e ben organizzato. Fabrizio Ghirardi2025-08-01Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Great experience with them, did the Ballestas and Paracas Reserva Nacional tour. The guide was great, super friendly, with perfect English and very professional. Max Hödl2025-07-30Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Very very nice Guide, helped us immediatly when there was a problem during our Tour. I would totally recommend Adventure Travels to everyone who visits Paracas. A huge THANK YOU to the owner of the business, you saved our day!!! Marit Simonetti2025-07-28Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Super goede plek om een scooter te huren voor het Paracas National Park. Netjes, duidelijk en verzorgd! Jasper Leijssenaar2025-07-27Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Sabrina C2025-08-17Verified Unmissable experience! A truly exciting and unforgettable experience, absolutely recommended! The explanations on the Nazca lines and their arrangement were clear and interesting. In addition, the pilot conducted the flight with great delicacy, allowing everyone to enjoy the show without any discomfort. Ainhoa D2025-07-23Verified Magique We had an amazing day.First, the tour of the islands was spectacular: sea lions, penguins, pelicans, whales... wonderful...Juan was a great guide, super passionate and with many interesting things to tell.The visit to the national park was also magical. In a smaller group, Olenka took us through landscapes that looked like they were from another planet, took the time to explain the history and particularities, show us the best points and let us enjoy ourselves without hurry, taking photos and admiring everything.We couldn't have asked for more! Daniele C2025-07-04Verified Penguin sighting beautiful speedboat excursion. beautiful views, many birds and penguins. definitely a recommended trip (especially when there is good weather) Michelle C2025-06-20Verified Fantastic Tour Provider JD Travel did an amazing job coordinating this Nazca flight/transfers. Jose went above and beyond to make sure we could participate in this activity. It did not disappoint! The flight time was moved by the airline and Jose made every effort to help us with this change. I could not recommend this activity or JD Travel more. Jose is the best! gabrielBZ2025-03-24Verified Precise islands full of pelagic birds and some, unique. Beautiful and essential visit to the Ballestas Islands, you sail 1/2 hour in a speedboat. First you visit the coastal area and see the spectacular “Candelabra” figure made on the ground of the pre-Inca era. Then you're headed to the islands. My interest was to see birds. And my interest was filled. I wanted to see the spectacular Inca terns. The boat handling is fabulous. You are in the Pacific and you have to know how to drive very well because they come very close to the islands. The seascape or rock formations are also unique and spectacular. It's a lovely ride. And absolutely recommended. Yris yaneth M2025-03-10Verified Nice experiences We were given a tour of the skies through the Nazca Lines this is a very important site of interest in Peru is company IZI organizes very well transfers to the airport and flights to see them independently this is a challenge that thrills the view from above the sky enjoying its beautiful landscapes the condor, hands, spider and tree among othersHERBERT SOLORZANO Linda B2025-01-04Verified Don’t miss this! Trip was fantastic and we had logistics issues on our end and they found a way to make the trip happen despite that! Wonderful customer service and the natural beauty of the islands was stunning!