Exploring the stunning Paracas Ballestas Islands and the picturesque Ica Oasis in a single day may seem daunting, but this tour from Lima promises an unforgettable experience. With a boat ride to observe marine wildlife, a visit to the famous Candelabro geoglyph, and thrilling activities like sandboarding, this tour offers a well-rounded glimpse into the natural beauty and cultural richness of these remarkable destinations. Whether you’re a nature enthusiast or an adventure seeker, this day trip is sure to leave you captivated and eager to discover more.
Good To Know
- Full-day excursion from Lima to Paracas Ballestas Islands and Ica Oasis, priced from $76 per person and includes round-trip transportation and boat ride.
- Activities include observing marine wildlife, visiting Candelabro geoglyph, enjoying a local lunch, and engaging in sandboarding at the Ica Dunes.
- Comprehensive itinerary featuring early morning pickup, Ballestas Islands boat tour, Ica Oasis visit, and Pisco tasting at a winery.
- Comfortable and efficient transportation provided, with hotel pickup and drop-off in Miraflores and San Isidro districts.
- Positive customer feedback highlighting organization, knowledgeable guides, and diverse experiences, with a high overall rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars.
Tour Overview
The tour provides a full-day excursion from Lima to the Paracas Ballestas Islands and Ica Oasis. Priced from $76 per person, the tour includes round-trip transportation, a boat ride to observe marine wildlife, a visit to the Candelabro geoglyph, lunch, and activities in the Ica Oasis like sandboarding and wine tasting.
A live guide is available in Spanish and English. Pickup is offered from select Lima hotels, and guests can take advantage of free cancellation up to 24 hours prior.
The tour is unsuitable for pregnant women, those with back/heart issues, or the visually impaired.
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Itinerary Details
Early morning pickup begins at 4:30 AM from Plaza Norte, followed by 5:00 AM from La Rambla de San Borja and 5:20 AM from Puente peatonal Próceres.
The Ballestas Islands excursion includes an 80-minute boat ride to observe marine wildlife like sea lions, penguins, and dolphins. Visitors will also see the El Candelabro geoglyph.
In Ica, guests enjoy a local lunch and free time. They visit a winery for a Pisco tasting and learn about wine production.
The tour concludes with free time at the Huacachina Lagoon and Ica Dunes for activities like tubing and sandboarding.
Transportation
Shared round-trip transportation from Lima is provided for this tour.
Participants will travel by bus/coach, which is included in the tour price. The journey takes 4 hours to reach Paracas, 1 hour to Ica, and 20 minutes to the vineyards.
Upon completion of the tour, guests will be dropped off at their hotels in the Miraflores and San Isidro districts of Lima.
The transportation is comfortable and efficient, allowing travelers to focus on the diverse experiences awaiting them throughout the day-long excursion.
Inclusions and Exclusions
The tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off, a professional certified guide, snacks on board, sandboard and buggy rental, boat transfers, a city tour in Ica, and taxes for each location.
However, the tour excludes additional services not mentioned, as well as tips, breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
It’s recommended to bring a sun hat, change of clothes, camera, sunscreen, cash, and ID.
The tour isn’t suitable for pregnant women, individuals with back or heart problems, or visually impaired persons.
Restrictions include no weapons, baby strollers, smoking, drinks in the vehicle, or unaccompanied minors.
The emphasis is on conserving marine biodiversity and offering adventurous activities.
More Great Tours NearbyImportant Information
Guests are recommended to bring a sun hat, change of clothes, camera, sunscreen, cash, and ID for the tour.
A sun hat, change of clothes, camera, sunscreen, cash, and ID are recommended for guests on this tour.
The tour isn’t suitable for pregnant women, individuals with back or heart problems, or visually impaired persons.
Restrictions include no weapons, baby strollers, smoking, drinks in the vehicle, or unaccompanied minors.
The tour emphasizes the conservation of marine biodiversity and adventure activities.
Guests can expect a well-organized excursion with knowledgeable guides, diverse experiences, and overall positive feedback from previous participants.
Customer Feedback
Based on reviews, customers have consistently given the Paracas Ballestas Islands and Ica Oasis Tour a high overall rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars from 6 previous participants.
Reviewers praised the tour’s organization, knowledgeable guides, and diverse experiences, including the Ballestas Islands boat ride, Huacachina Lagoon, and Pisco tasting.
Customers appreciated the convenient hotel pickup and drop-off, and the inclusion of activities like sandboarding.
The tour’s focus on conservation and adventure activities also resonated positively with travelers.
Tour Highlights
One of the highlights of the Paracas Ballestas Islands and Ica Oasis Tour is the 80-minute boat ride to observe the diverse marine fauna.
Travelers can expect to see sea lions, penguins, and dolphins up close. The tour also includes a visit to the enigmatic El Candelabro geoglyph.
Sea lions, penguins, and dolphins up close await on the Paracas Ballestas Islands tour. Explore the enigmatic El Candelabro geoglyph.
In Ica, guests enjoy a traditional Peruvian lunch and free time to explore the Huacachina Lagoon and surrounding sand dunes.
The tour includes a winery visit for a Pisco tasting, where visitors learn about the production of this iconic Peruvian spirit.
Preparing for the Tour
Before embarking on the Paracas Ballestas Islands and Ica Oasis Tour, travelers should prepare accordingly.
The tour involves several outdoor activities, so sunscreen, a hat, and layered clothing are essential. Bringing a water bottle, snacks, and cash for optional purchases is recommended. A change of clothes is advisable, as the boat ride may result in getting wet.
Visitors should also ensure they meet the physical requirements, as the tour isn’t suitable for pregnant women, those with back or heart problems, or the visually impaired.
With proper preparation, travelers can fully enjoy the diverse experiences the tour offers.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Type of Wildlife Can Be Expected on the Ballestas Islands?
The Ballestas Islands boat ride allows visitors to observe a variety of marine wildlife, including sea lions, penguins, and dolphins. These animals can be seen in their natural habitats along the rocky shoreline of the islands.
Are Photography Opportunities Available During the Tour?
The tour offers ample photography opportunities, as the boat ride to the Ballestas Islands allows visitors to capture images of diverse marine wildlife such as sea lions, penguins, and dolphins. Visitors can also photograph the El Candelabro geoglyph.
Can Gluten-Free or Vegetarian Meal Options Be Arranged?
The tour doesn’t mention specific dietary accommodations, but customers can likely request gluten-free or vegetarian meal options when booking. It’s best to inquire with the tour operator ahead of time to ensure your dietary needs can be met.
Is There a Minimum Number of Participants Required for the Tour?
The tour does not have a minimum number of participants required. The tour operates on a shared basis, so travelers can join the tour regardless of the group size.
Can the Tour Be Customized to Suit Individual Preferences?
The tour can’t be customized to suit individual preferences. It’s an organized group tour with a set itinerary. However, travelers can choose optional add-ons like private transportation or specialized guides for a more personalized experience.
The Sum Up
This day trip from Lima provides an unforgettable experience exploring the stunning Paracas Ballestas Islands and the picturesque Ica Oasis. The tour includes a boat ride to observe marine wildlife, a visit to the Candelabro geoglyph, a local lunch, Pisco tasting, and free time for thrilling activities like sandboarding. With transportation and multilingual guidance included, it’s an excellent way to discover the natural wonders beyond Lima.
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