Major city · Peru
Ballestas Islands
Half-day boat trip from Paracas: go for the wildlife (sea lions, penguins, boobies). Not a destination to sleep on; return to Paracas or Ica by afternoon.
The Ballestas Islands, 15 km off Peru's southern coast, are a protected archipelago teeming with sea lions, Humboldt penguins, blue-footed boobies and guanay cormorants. Access is by guided speedboat tours from Paracas only — no landing allowed. A single morning tour (about 2 hours on the water) covers the highlights; most travellers combine it with the Paracas National Reserve or a visit to Huacachina the same day.
More
More ways in
Local time, weather, currency, airports
- Weather
- see forecast
- Currency
- PEN
- Best months
- Dec–Mar (calm seas, warmer weather)
- avoid Jun–Aug (strong winds, rougher seas, fog)
- Airports
- PIO · LIM
- Nights
- 0
Not a trip line yet
Rules in force · 7Above 2,500 m (Bogotá, Quito, Cusco, La Paz) keep the fir…
- South America ↗Above 2,500 m (Bogotá, Quito, Cusco, La Paz) keep the first day light; sleep lower where you can (Sacred Valley before Cusco) and descend if headache comes with vomiting or confusion.
- South America ↗A yellow fever certificate is required on arrival in French Guiana, and asked for on some routes into Bolivia, Paraguay, Suriname and Guyana, or when arriving from Amazon areas — vaccinate at least 10 days before travel and carry the card.
- South America ↗Overnight buses are the norm in Argentina, Chile and Peru, but pick top-tier companies and keep valuables on your body; on-board thefts from overhead racks are the common loss.
- Peru ↗Check entry rules for your passport with Peru's migration authority (Migraciones) or a Peruvian consulate; keep the entry record you receive, as hotels may ask for it.
- Peru ↗Machu Picchu entry is by timed ticket for a named circuit, with daily caps; in high season tickets sell out weeks or months ahead. Buy tickets only from the official Ministry of Culture seller or a licensed agency.
- Peru ↗The classic Inca Trail needs a permit booked through a licensed operator, often months ahead; the trail closes every February for maintenance.
- Peru ↗Altitude sickness is common above 2,500 m: ascend gradually, rest on day one, and ask a doctor before travel if you have heart or lung conditions.
Entry rules depend on your passport. Full visa guide
What is in this basic guide9 covered · 4 not yet ▾
In this guide
Not in this guide yet
- Walking areas with bag rules
- Day plans checked against opening hours
- Airport-to-bed timings and the last safe connection
- Field-checked times and prices
Emergency numbers for Ballestas Islands105 ▾
Tap a number to call from your phone. These are the numbers listed in this guide; a row marked check has not been verified.
EssentialsQuick answers and what things cost
Essentials
Quick answers and what things cost
Quick answers
The questions people ask first about Ballestas Islands, one line each. Tap a card for the full answer.
- Cash or card?Currency is the Peruvian sol (PEN, S/).Peru-wide
- SIM or eSIMClaro, Movistar, Entel and Bitel sell prepaid SIMs; register with your passport at official shops.Peru-wide
- Tap waterNot safe from the tap; bottled or filtered.Peru-wide
- TippingRestaurants: About 10% if service is not included.Peru-wide
- Plugs & powerSockets A/C. US/Canada (A/B): fits · UK/Ireland (G): adapter · Australia/NZ (I): adapter. 220 V: US 120 V-only devices (hair dryers) need a converter; most chargers are dual-voltage.Peru-wide
- SafetyBallestas Islands tours are well-run and safe.
Show all 12 answers
- RestroomsPaper in the bin; carry tissue and coins for public toilets.Peru-wide
- Emergency numbers105 police · 116 fire · 106 ambulance (samu) (not 911, 999 or 000)
- Sundays & holidaysMany museums close Mondays; strikes can shut roads and shops.Peru-wide
- Your embassyFind your embassy's 24-hour line before you fly.
- AirportcheckPIO Capitán FAP Renán Elías Olivera Airport (Pisco) (About 20 min by taxi to Paracas; limited flights from Lima (check).).
- Getting aroundBoat tours from Paracas port are the only way to see the islands.
Cost cheat-sheet
Typical prices for the everyday things, as ranges. Your currency is shown next to the local price.
- Budget bedHostel dorm bed in Paracas, a night, per personPEN 30
- Mid-range bedDouble room in Paracas, a night, per roomPEN 150
- High-end bedDouble room in Paracas, a night, per roomPEN 300
A day, not counting the bed: Budget PEN 70 · Mid PEN 120 · High PEN 200
Local prices, with USD next to them (rates 2026-09 (approximate); change it in the header). Ranges are desk estimates: check locally. Every price and the budget calculator →
DecideWhat it is known for, and when the weather works
Decide
What it is known for, and when the weather works
At a glance
What the city is known for, how you fly in, and where to find the phrases.
- Airports
- PIO Capitán FAP Renán Elías Olivera Airport (Pisco) (About 20 min by taxi to Paracas; limited flights from Lima (check).) · LIM Jorge Chávez International Airport (Lima) (3.5 h by bus to Paracas; the most common entry.)
Best months at a glance
From the guide's best and avoid lists
Jan
Best
26°C (79°F)79°F (26°C)
Feb
Best
27°C (81°F)81°F (27°C)
Mar
Best
27°C (81°F)81°F (27°C)
Apr
not flagged
25°C (77°F)77°F (25°C)
May
not flagged
23°C (73°F)73°F (23°C)
Jun
Avoid
21°C (70°F)70°F (21°C)
Jul
Avoid
20°C (68°F)68°F (20°C)
Aug
Avoid
20°C (68°F)68°F (20°C)
Sep
not flagged
21°C (70°F)70°F (21°C)
Oct
not flagged
22°C (72°F)72°F (22°C)
Nov
not flagged
23°C (73°F)73°F (23°C)
Dec
Best
25°C (77°F)77°F (25°C)
Best: Dec–Mar. Avoid: Jun–Aug. Month by month →
Warmest Feb (27°C (81°F)81°F (27°C)), coolest Jul (13°C (55°F)55°F (13°C) low), wettest Jun (2 rain days), driest Jan (1). Averages, not a forecast.
Weather and climate
Ballestas Islands: next 7 days
Loading forecast…
Forecast: Open-Meteo (CC BY 4.0), model data for this point.
Air quality
Loading…
Model estimate (CAMS via Open-Meteo), not a street-level station; readings near busy roads run higher.
Jan
26°C (79°F)79°F (26°C)
18°C (64°F)64°F (18°C)
1 rd
Feb
27°C (81°F)81°F (27°C)
19°C (66°F)66°F (19°C)
1 rd
Mar
27°C (81°F)81°F (27°C)
19°C (66°F)66°F (19°C)
1 rd
Apr
25°C (77°F)77°F (25°C)
17°C (63°F)63°F (17°C)
1 rd
May
23°C (73°F)73°F (23°C)
15°C (59°F)59°F (15°C)
1 rd
Jun
21°C (70°F)70°F (21°C)
14°C (57°F)57°F (14°C)
2 rd
Jul
20°C (68°F)68°F (20°C)
13°C (55°F)55°F (13°C)
2 rd
Aug
20°C (68°F)68°F (20°C)
13°C (55°F)55°F (13°C)
2 rd
Sep
21°C (70°F)70°F (21°C)
14°C (57°F)57°F (14°C)
1 rd
Oct
22°C (72°F)72°F (22°C)
15°C (59°F)59°F (15°C)
1 rd
Nov
23°C (73°F)73°F (23°C)
16°C (61°F)61°F (16°C)
1 rd
Dec
25°C (77°F)77°F (25°C)
17°C (63°F)63°F (17°C)
1 rd
High / low, both scales · rd = rain days
Arrive & moveAirports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Arrive & move
Airports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Getting around
Boat tours from Paracas port are the only way to see the islands. In Paracas, everything is walkable; taxis and colectivos connect to Ica and Pisco.
Nearest full guides
Straight-line distance, not travel time
See & doDay-trips, door to door
See & do
Day-trips, door to door
Day-trips
Paracas National Reserve
goDoor to door: Half day
Taxi or tour from Paracas, 15 min
Combine with the islands for a full day: desert coast, red beaches, flamingos.
Huacachina
goDoor to door: About 1 h
Colectivo or bus from Paracas to Ica (40 min), then taxi to the oasis (10 min)
Sandboarding and dune buggies; best in the late afternoon.
Nazca
cautionDoor to door: About 3.5 h
Bus from Paracas to Nazca, about 3 h
A long day; better as an overnight stop.
Eat & sleepWhich area to sleep in
Eat & sleep
Which area to sleep in
Where to sleep
Areas, not hotels: pick the one that fits your arrival time and plans.
Paracas town
Closest base; all tour operators and most hotels are here. 5 min walk to the port.
Ica
40 min by bus; more accommodation options and closer to Huacachina.
PracticalWhat a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Practical
What a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Cost per day
- Tour only
- S/ 50–80 (check)
- Tour + transport from Paracas
- S/ 70–120
Trip budget
| Double room in Paracas1 × 1 night × PEN 150 | PEN 150 |
| Food, local transport, entries2 × 1 day × PEN 120 | PEN 240 |
| Ballestas Islands boat tour2 × PEN 65 · check | PEN 130 |
| Conservation fee (paid at port)2 × PEN 10 · check | PEN 20 |
| Buffer 10%Price creep, a taxi you did not plan, one splurge | PEN 54 |
| Trip total≈ PEN 297 per person per day, bed included | PEN 594 |
2026 estimate in soles; flights excluded.
Prices of common things
| Ballestas Islands boat tourcheck | S/ 50–80 |
| Conservation fee (at port)check | S/ 10 |
| Bus Paracas → Ica | S/ 8–12 |
| Taxi Paracas port → town centre | S/ 5–10 |
| Bottle of water | S/ 2–3 |
2026 estimate; check locally.
Watch out
Safety
- Tours depart around 08:00–08:30; arrive at the port by 07:45 to buy tickets and pay the conservation fee.Tours depart around 8:00 AM–8:30 AM; arrive at the port by 7:45 AM to buy tickets and pay the conservation fee.
- Seas can be rough June–August; take motion-sickness medication if you're prone.
- No landing on the islands — all viewing is from the boat.
- Sun protection: hat, sunglasses, sunscreen. The sun reflects off the water.
Emergency numbers
- Police
- 105
- Fire
- 116
- Ambulance (SAMU)
- 106
Pocket card
Fill in, then print or save as PDF
Stays in this browser only; nothing is sent anywhere.
Ballestas IslandsBallestas Islands
Pocket card · Voykit
My bed tonight
—
—
—
Al puerto, por favorTo the port, please
Emergency
- Police105
- Fire116
- Ambulance (SAMU)106
Embassy
My embassy: —
Fare anchors (2026 estimate)
- Ballestas Islands tour: S/ 50–80 per person, about 2 h (check)
- Paracas → Ica bus: S/ 8–12, 40 min
- Paracas → Lima bus: S/ 30–50, 3.5 h
Say or show
- Buenos días — Hello / Good morning (BWEH-nohs DEE-ahs)
- ¿Cuánto cuesta el tour? — How much is the tour? (KWAN-toh KWES-tah el toor)
- ¿Dónde está el puerto? — Where is the port? (DON-deh es-TAH el PWEHR-toh)
- Me mareo — I feel seasick (meh mah-REH-oh)
- Gracias — Thank you (GRAH-syahs)
Soles (PEN) are the local currency; US dollars are accepted at some tour operators but at poor rates.
Deep diveWhat this guide covers so far, and its sources
Deep dive
What this guide covers so far, and its sources
Not a trip line yet
This is a basic guide: no airport-to-bed contract, walking clusters or day plans are published for Ballestas Islands. Airport, fare and schedule details are unverified; check the operators before you fly.
What we know, and what is coming
On this page
- Best months: Dec–Mar (calm seas, warmer weather) · avoid Jun–Aug (strong winds, rougher seas, fog) · month by month →
- 2 airports and 2 areas to sleep in
- Weather: a 7-day forecast and monthly averages
- Cost per day in 2 bands
- 3 day-trips, door to door
- 4 things to watch out for, with emergency numbers
Coming as the guide grows
- An airport-to-bed path that says whether a late landing still works
- Walking clusters with bag rules
- Day plans checked against opening hours
- Field-verified times and fares
Sources
Ask about Ballestas Islands
Loading…
Was this useful?