Isla Ballestas and the Huacachina oasis are must-see destinations for visitors to Lima. Situated along Peru’s southern coast, the Ballestas Islands showcase a diverse array of marine life, from sea lions to Humboldt penguins. Meanwhile, the enchanting desert town of Huacachina offers thrilling activities like dune buggying and sandboarding amidst towering dunes. Travelers exploring this region won’t want to miss the chance to enjoy the natural wonders that make this area so captivating.
Key Points

- Tour includes private transportation from Lima to Ica, Huacachina, and Paracas, with activities like 4×4 dune buggies, sandboarding, and boat tour of Islas Ballestas.
- Tour starts at 7:00 AM with pickup at 5:00 AM from Lima hotels, with a maximum group size of 9 travelers.
- Inclusions cover entrance to Islas Ballestas, taxes, sandboarding boards, and buggy with instructor, while meals and personal expenses are excluded.
- Flexible booking options with free cancellation up to 24 hours before the tour, and child rate available when sharing with 2 paying adults.
- Tour has an overall rating of 5.0 based on reviews, with highlights including spectacular views, enjoyable activities, and knowledgeable and friendly tour guides.
Tour Overview and Details

The tour includes private transportation between Lima, Ica, Huacachina, and Paracas.
Enjoy private transportation between Lima, Ica, Huacachina, and Paracas on this adventure-filled tour.
Travelers will enjoy 4×4 dune buggies, sandboarding, and a boat tour of the Islas Ballestas.
The tour provides entrance to the Islas Ballestas, taxes, sandboarding boards, and a buggy with an instructor.
Excluded are tips, meals, and personal expenses.
The tour starts at 7:00 AM, with pickup at 5:00 AM from Lima hotels.
A maximum of 9 travelers can join.
Confirmation is provided at booking, and free cancellation is allowed up to 24 hours before the experience.
The tour is priced at $320.52 per person.
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Meeting and Pickup Information
Pickup is scheduled at 5:00 AM from hotels in Lima, and the tour commences at 7:00 AM.
This small-group tour has a maximum of 9 travelers. Confirmation is provided at the time of booking.
Customers can cancel the tour free of charge up to 24 hours before the experience starts. Plus, a "reserve now, pay later" option is available.
Children are welcome but must be accompanied by an adult, and the child rate applies only when sharing with 2 paying adults.
Booking Information

Confirmation is received at the time of booking.
The tour offers a flexible reserve now and pay later option.
There are free cancellations up to 24 hours before the start of the experience.
The maximum number of travelers per tour is 9.
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Confirmation is provided upon booking.
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Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours prior to the tour’s start.
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A reserve now and pay later option is offered.
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The tour has a maximum of 9 travelers.
Child Policy

Although the child rate only applies when sharing with 2 paying adults, children must still be accompanied by an adult on the tour. This policy ensures the safety and supervision of all participants.
The tour operator enforces this requirement to maintain a positive experience for all guests. Children are welcome, but adults are responsible for their care throughout the excursion.
This child policy aligns with the tour’s focus on providing a secure and enjoyable adventure for travelers of all ages. Families can appreciate the sights and activities together while adhering to the established guidelines.
Reviews and Ratings

The tour has an impressive overall rating of 5.0 based on a single review, which reflects ratings from both Viator and Tripadvisor.
This perfect rating suggests an exceptional experience for travelers. Some key highlights from the reviews include:
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Spectacular views of the Ballestas Islands and Huacachina desert oasis.
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Fun and thrilling activities like dune buggying and sandboarding.
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Knowledgeable and friendly tour guides.
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Seamless organization and transportation throughout the day.
The lack of any negative ratings further reinforces the quality of this tour, making it a high-value option for those seeking an unforgettable adventure near Lima.
Pricing

The tour is priced at $320.52 per person. This cost covers private transportation, 4×4 dune buggies, sandboarding equipment, and the Islas Ballestas boat tour.
The tour is priced at $320.52 per person, covering private transportation, 4×4 dune buggies, sandboarding equipment, and the Islas Ballestas boat tour.
The tour also includes entrance fees and taxes. However, tips, meals, and personal expenses aren’t covered.
Travelers can take advantage of the reserve now, pay later option. Plus, the tour offers a lowest price guarantee, ensuring customers get the best value for their money.
With a maximum group size of 9, the tour provides an intimate and personalized experience in the stunning Peruvian landscapes.
Exploring the Breathtaking Landscapes

Travelers embark on an unforgettable journey through the breathtaking landscapes surrounding Ica and Paracas.
The tour includes:
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Dune buggy rides through the golden sand dunes of Huacachina, a serene oasis in the desert.
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Exhilarating sandboarding experiences, as participants glide down the towering dunes.
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A boat tour of the Islas Ballestas, often referred to as the "Little Galápagos," revealing diverse wildlife including Humboldt penguins, sea lions, and an array of seabirds.
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Exploration of the arid coastal desert, showcasing the unique geography and ecosystems of the region.
Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Bring My Own Sandboard on the Tour?
The tour doesn’t allow you to bring your own sandboard. The tour provides sandboarding boards and an instructor for the activity. Bringing your own sandboard is not an option as part of the tour package.
What Types of Wildlife Can I Expect to See on the Islas Ballestas?
Travelers can expect to see a variety of seabirds like boobies, pelicans, and Humboldt penguins, as well as sea lions and occasionally dolphins and whales during the Islas Ballestas boat tour. The diverse wildlife makes for an engaging and memorable experience.
Is There a Minimum Age Requirement for the Dune Buggy Ride?
The tour doesn’t specify a minimum age for the dune buggy ride, but children must be accompanied by an adult. It’s recommended that participants be comfortable with high-speed off-road driving to fully enjoy the experience.
Can I Request a Specific Language for the Islas Ballestas Tour Guide?
Yes, you can request a specific language for the Islas Ballestas tour guide. The tour operator provides guides who speak multiple languages, and they’ll accommodate your preference if you make the request when booking the tour.
Are There Any Discounts Available for Students or Seniors?
The tour doesn’t offer any discounts for students or seniors. However, the package includes various activities and transportation, and the overall price is competitively priced according to the provided overview.
The Sum Up
Isla Ballestas and Huacachina offer a unique opportunity to explore Peru’s natural wonders. Visitors can witness the diverse wildlife of the "Galapagos of Peru" and enjoy the adventure activities around the stunning sand dunes. This combination of breathtaking landscapes and exciting experiences makes for an unforgettable trip for travelers exploring the Lima region.
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