Paracas 'mini Galapagos' and National Reserve trip

There's 2 great things to do in Paracas (and not much more), both can be done in a day. All hotels offer both in a day tour, but I recommend doing the National Reserve on your own. Islas Ballestas: a roughly 2 hour boat tour that goes out to the islands and gives a great view of sealife and the beautiful rocky islands. We saw penguins diving in the water, many flocks of birds flying about, and walruses lounging around. Whales can be seen, bit you need to be very lucky (we didn't see any 😭) so don't book expecting them. Go to the port before 8am and buy tickets for S50-60 and the port fee (S16). The boat tour can also be booked with most hotels or tour companies for a small premium (S5-10) but they will sort the boat tickets and also queue jump you so you don't have to wait. Paracas National Reserve: S11 gets you into this beautiful national park featuring otherworldly vistas, towering cliffs, and beautiful beaches. Tour companies offer guided van tours (which we did) but this was disappointing as they ferry you from photo spot to photo spot with no time to really enjoy this park. Instead I recommend renting a pushbike, motorbike, or quad bike and travel through on your own. This will give you more time to stay to do what you eat and the road makes it a stunning and interesting drive. Note, the only restaurants in the park are expensive and average, bring your own food to save money. #paracas #wildlife #adventure