Getting There: There are frequent buses up and down the coast from Lima to Arequipa, with stops in between. From Lima, frequent buses normally take between 3 and 4 hr. to reach Paracas. However, because the town is not directly on the Carretera Panamericana, not all coastal buses stop there. Be sure to confirm that the bus won't merely leave you on the side of the road en route to Ica (which would result in the hassle of getting a combi to town). Ormeño (www.grupo-ormeno.com.pe; tel. 01/472-5000), Soyuz (www.soyuz.com.pe; tel. 01/205-2307), and Cruz del Sur (www.cruzdelsur.com.pe; tel. 01/311-5050) all have direct service to Paracas from Lima, continuing on to Ica.

Tours: Most people visit the Paracas National Reserve and Ballestas Islands as part of organized tours. Guides, transportation, and entrance fees are all included in the price. Those who prefer to visit the reserve on their own must pay an entrance fee upon entering the reserve (S/5 for adults and students 14 and older; free for children 13 and under). You can enter the reserve without a guide, but it's highly recommended that you contract one in order to get the most out of a visit. Much that is unique about the area—its climate and conditions, and its migratory wildlife—is not always immediately obvious.

Nearly every Paracas travel agency, as well as those in Lima and Ica, offer a good-value half-day tour of the Islas Ballestas, as well as a half-day tour of the Paracas National Reserve, which are designed so they can be easily paired together. Among locally based operators, Paracas Explorer (www.paracasexplorer.com; tel. 056/531-487) offers standard day trips and half-day trips to the reserve and Islas Ballestas, as well as flyover trips of the Nazca Lines and ATV and bike trips into the desert. Additionally, most resorts will run trips directly.

Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.