Ballestas Islands and Huacachina Tour from Lima

Embark on an unforgettable journey along the southern coast of Peru with our Full Day Tour to the Ballestas Islands and Huacachina from Lima, a trip that combines marine life, unique natural landscapes, and extreme desert thrills in a single day.

Begin your adventure in Paracas, where you’ll sail by boat to the Ballestas Islands, known as the “Galápagos of Peru.” Here you can observe sea lions, Humboldt penguins, guano birds, and rock formations that impress with their natural beauty. En route, you’ll also have a privileged view of the mysterious geoglyph known as the Paracas Candelabra, an ancient figure etched into the sand of the coastal desert.

Next, you’ll continue to the city of Ica, famous for its winemaking history, gastronomy, and desert energy. Here, you’ll enjoy a regional lunch (not included) and have the opportunity to visit a traditional winery to sample Peruvian wines and piscos.

The route then leads to the incredible oasis of Huacachina, a mirage made real amidst towering dunes. Here, you’ll walk among palm trees and golden dunes, and an adrenaline rush awaits with the famous dune buggy ride, followed by a fun sandboarding session. Whether standing, sitting, or lying down, you’ll glide down the dunes like a true adventurer.

The day concludes with free time to enjoy the oasis, relax by the lagoon, or shop for souvenirs before returning to Lima with the feeling of having experienced a unique blend of nature, history, culture, and adventure all in one day.

🗺️ Itinerary

🚐 Pick-up and Departure from Lima

The tour begins early in the morning with pick-up from your hotel or meeting point in Lima. Aboard a comfortable, air-conditioned private tourist vehicle, you’ll head towards the southern coast, traveling along the Pan-American Highway South as you leave the urban bustle behind.

☕ Arrival in Paracas and Time for Breakfast

After picking you up, we’ll prepare for an approximately 3-hour drive. During the journey, we’ll stop at an artisanal bakery, where you’ll have free time to enjoy a freshly baked, hot breakfast.

🛥️ Boat Trip to the Ballestas Islands

We’ll begin the tour to the Ballestas Islands by arriving at the “El Chaco” pier, where we’ll board a speedboat for a journey of just over an hour. During the tour, we’ll see the famous Paracas Candelabra, as well as colonies of sea lions, Humboldt penguins, and a great diversity of guano birds.

🚌 Transfer from Paracas to Ica

After the boat excursion, you’ll continue by road to Ica, crossing coastal deserts and agricultural valleys. Along the way, your guide will share interesting facts about the region’s culture, history, and wine industry.

🍽️ Lunch on your own in Ica

We’ll arrive at a winery and restaurant, where you’ll have free time to optionally enjoy traditional Ica dishes. Afterward, we’ll visit the tasting room, where you can sample more than five varieties of wines, piscos, and liqueurs. You’ll also have time for shopping.

🌴 Visit to the Huacachina Oasis

After lunch, you’ll travel to the legendary Huacachina Oasis, a natural paradise surrounded by immense dunes, palm trees, and an emerald lagoon. This picture-perfect landscape is ideal for walking, relaxing, or taking panoramic photos.

🚙 Buggy Ride and Sandboarding

The most exciting part of the tour arrives. Aboard powerful buggies, you’ll race across the Huacachina dunes at full speed in an experience akin to a sand roller coaster. Then, you’ll try sandboarding, gliding down the golden hills on a board, either standing, sitting, or lying down, depending on your style and skill level.

🏞️ Free Time at the Oasis

After the adventure, you’ll have time to relax by the lagoon, shop for handicrafts, refresh yourself with a local drink, or capture some final photos in the golden light of the sunset.

🚌 Return to Lima

In the late afternoon, you’ll begin your return trip to Lima. The journey back is usually peaceful, perfect for sleeping, listening to music, or looking through the photos of a day that will be etched in your memory forever. Arrival in Lima is scheduled for the evening, concluding this coastal adventure filled with nature, history, and adrenaline.

✅ What’s Included in the Tour?

Everything you need for an unforgettable day exploring the sea, desert, and oases is included in this full-day tour:

🚐 Private Tourist Transportation (Round Trip)

Comfortable travel in an air-conditioned tourist vehicle from Lima to Paracas, Ica, Huacachina, and back. Includes pick-up from your hotel or meeting point in central districts.

🧭 Tour Guide on the Route

Accompanied by a professional guide who will share cultural, historical, and natural information about each destination.

🛥️ Boat Trip to the Ballestas Islands

Boat excursion on the open sea, with views of the Paracas Candelabra geoglyph and a cruise around the islands to observe sea lions, penguins, and guano birds.

🌴 Visit to the Huacachina Oasis

Free entry to the oasis, time to explore its surroundings, take photos, or relax by the lagoon.

🚙 Dune Buggy Tour

Extreme ride in dune buggies through the Ica desert, ideal for adrenaline junkies.

🏂 Sandboarding in the Desert

Use of boards to slide down the immense dunes of Huacachina, with basic assistance from a local guide.

🆘 Ongoing Assistance

Coordination and support from the organizing team throughout the tour, from pick-up to your return to Lima.

❌ What’s not included?

We’ve clearly detailed what’s not included in the base tour price so you can plan your budget without surprises:

☕ Breakfast in Paracas

Although you’ll have free time for breakfast, it is at your own expense. There are cafes and bakeries across from the pier.

🍽️ Lunch in Ica

A lunch stop is included, but the cost is not. You can choose from various restaurants or visit a local winery for a meal and wine/pisco tasting.

💰 Tips

Tips for the guide, driver, or support staff are not included. They are voluntary but appreciated if you wish to show your appreciation for good service.

🛍️ Personal Shopping

Additional expenses such as souvenirs, extra drinks, snacks, handicrafts, or purchases at local shops are not included.

🎫 Optional Activities Not Mentioned

Any activity outside the detailed itinerary is not included. If you would like to add an extra boat trip in Huacachina or an additional winery visit, please inquire in advance.

🌟 Recommendations

To fully enjoy this experience between the sea and the desert, keep the following suggestions in mind:

🧴 Bring sunscreen and sunglasses

The weather is usually sunny in Paracas and the Ica desert, even in winter. Protect your skin and eyes from the sun’s glare on the water and sand.

🎒 Use a light and comfortable backpack

Pack the essentials: water, a hat or cap, sunscreen, a camera, a change of clothes, and personal documents.

👟 Wear comfortable, closed-toe shoes

Especially for the dunes, where you’ll be walking on hot sand. Avoid sandals.

💧 Stay hydrated

Bring a water bottle, especially for the desert area. The dry climate can cause dehydration quickly.

📷 Bring your camera or cell phone with a fully charged battery

You’ll have spectacular views of the islands and the oasis, as well as the sunset over the dunes.

🧾 Bring cash in soles

Some shops, restaurants, or artisans don’t accept cards. Carrying small bills is recommended for purchases and tips.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

📍 Where is the pickup from?

Pickup is from centrally located hotels in Lima: Miraflores, San Isidro, Barranco, or agreed-upon locations. For private tours, pickup can be from any area.

⏰ What time does the tour start and end?

Pickup begins at approximately 4:00 a.m., and the return to Lima is estimated between 9:00 p.m. and 10:00 p.m., depending on traffic.

🛥️ Do we disembark at the Ballestas Islands?

No. Due to environmental conservation regulations, the tour is conducted entirely by boat, circling the islands. The wildlife is perfectly visible from the boat.

🏂 Is sandboarding mandatory?

No. You can participate if you wish, and the guide will show you the safest ways to slide down. You can also simply enjoy the buggy ride.

🍽️ Can I bring my own food?

Yes, although there are stops for breakfast and lunch. If you have a special diet or prefer your own snacks, you can bring them without any problem.

🧒 Is the tour suitable for children?

Yes, as long as they are accompanied by an adult. The boat trip and the oasis visit are family-friendly. The buggy ride and sandboarding are suitable for ages 6 and up.