Experience two completely different sides of Peru in just one day. Start along the Pacific coast in Paracas, where you’ll explore the Ballestas Islands and see marine wildlife in its natural environment. Then continue to Ica to learn about Peru’s wine and pisco traditions before heading to the Huacachina Oasis for an exciting dune buggy ride and sandboarding adventure. It’s a full-day experience that brings together nature, local culture, and desert adventure.
Overview
Experience the best of Peru’s coastal and desert landscapes in a single day. Begin your adventure with a speedboat tour to the Ballestas Islands, where you’ll encounter dolphins, sea lions, penguins, and diverse bird species. Afterward, explore Ica’s historic streets, tour an artisanal winery, and learn about the traditional production of wine and pisco. Conclude your day at the stunning Huacachina Oasis, where you’ll take an exhilarating dune buggy ride through towering sand dunes before returning to Lima in the evening.
Tour Highlights
- Explore the Ballestas Islands by speedboat: Look for sea lions, Humboldt penguins, and seabirds around the islands.
- See the Paracas Candelabro from the water: Observe the hillside geoglyph during the boat ride along the coast.
- Learn how Peruvian pisco is made: Visit Tres Generaciones winery in Ica for an introduction to traditional wine and pisco production, followed by a tas ing.
- Visit Huacachina Oasis: See the lagoon and palm trees surrounded by desert dunes before heading out into the sand.
- Ride a dune buggy and try sandboarding: Travel across the dunes, with stops to slide down the sand and take in the desert views.
Itinerary
Day 1:Ballestas & Huacachina Islands with sandboard & buggies - Full day
Early in the morning, at the scheduled time, we will pick you up and begin our journey south to Paracas. After approximately four hours on the road, we will arrive at the port and board a speedboat for our excursion to the Ballestas Islands.
During the boat ride, we will observe the Paracas Candelabro, a large geoglyph carved into the coastal hillside whose origin and purpose remain uncertain. We will then continue toward the Ballestas Islands, a protected marine ecosystem known for its abundant wildlife. Here, you may observe sea lions, Humboldt penguins, pelicans, boobies, cormorants, and other seabirds in their natural habitat.
After returning to the port, we will continue to Ica, a region well known for its desert landscapes, vineyards, and pisco production. We will make a brief visit to the city before heading to the Tres Generaciones artisanal winery, where you will learn about the traditional production of Peruvian wine and pisco and enjoy a tasting.
Our next stop will be the Huacachina Oasis, a lagoon surrounded by palm trees and towering desert dunes. Here, we will board a dune buggy, locally known as a "tubular", for an exciting ride across the desert.
During the excursion, we will make stops on the dunes where you can try sandboarding and enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding desert.
After visiting Huacachina, we will begin our return journey to Lima. The drive takes approximately five and a half hours, depending on traffic conditions. Upon arrival in Lima, we will transfer you to your hotel.
Included
What's Included
Day 1
- Transportation
- Guide
- Entrance Fees
Not Included
- Airplane tickets
- Drinks, except as mentioned
- Food, except as mentioned
- Snacks
- Phone calls
- Extra expenses
- Tips
- Travel insurance
Pricing
| Hotel Category | Travelers | Single |
|---|---|---|
| Group | Price per person | $150.00 |
- Passport with at least 6 months validity
- Light daypack
- Refillable water bottle
- Toilet paper
- Sunscreen and sunglasses
- Insect repellent
- Sunhat
- Clothing for hot and cold weather conditions
- Long-sleeved shirts, (due to there being mosquitos in Machu Picchu)
- Rain gear or poncho
- Extra memory stick and additional batteries
- Walking shoes/boots
- Extra Cash in soles and small denominations if possible
- Camera
- Personal medications (for headaches, anti-inflammatory´s etc).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I visit the Ballestas Islands and Huacachina in one day from Lima?
Yes. This itinerary combines a Ballestas Islands boat excursion, a winery visit in Ica, and dune buggy and sandboarding activities in Huacachina. It is a long day, with an early departure and a return to Lima that evening.
What time does the tour leave Lima?
Pickup takes place early in the morning. Your exact pickup time will be confirmed before departure. The drive to Paracas takes approximately four hours.
How do we visit the Ballestas Islands?
You will board a speedboat at the port in Paracas and observe the islands and their wildlife from the water. The itinerary does not include landing on the islands.
What wildlife might I see at the Ballestas Islands?
You may see sea lions, Humboldt penguins, pelicans, boobies, cormorants, and other seabirds. Wildlife sightings vary, so specific animals cannot be guaranteed.
Will we see the Paracas Candelabro?
The planned boat route includes a view of the Paracas Candelabro, a geoglyph on the coastal hillside. You will observe it from the boat rather than walk up to it.
Does this tour include the Paracas National Reserve?
A land tour of the Paracas National Reserve is not listed in this itinerary. The Paracas portion focuses on the boat excursion to the Ballestas Islands and the view of the Candelabro.
What does the winery visit in Ica include?
You will visit Tres Generaciones artisanal winery to learn about traditional Peruvian wine and pisco production. The visit also includes a tasting.
Are dune buggies and sandboarding part of the Huacachina visit?
Yes. The itinerary includes a dune buggy excursion with stops where you can try sandboarding and enjoy views of the desert.
Do I need sandboarding experience?
The itinerary offers an opportunity to try sandboarding during the dune stops. Let the activity staff know your experience level and follow their instructions on the equipment and riding position provided.
How long is the return drive to Lima?
The return journey takes approximately five and a half hours, depending on traffic. After arriving in Lima, you will be transferred to your hotel.
Is lunch included in this day trip?
Lunch is not specified in the itinerary provided. Confirm the meal arrangements with our team before booking.
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