Lima: ICA HUACACHINA, PARACAS AND BALLESTAS ISLANDS - 1 DAY

Set out on a thrilling one-day adventure from Lima to Ica, Huacachina, Paracas, and the captivating Ballestas Islands. This guided tour offers a chance to witness Peru’s stunning natural wonders, from the diverse marine life of the Ballestas to the adrenaline-pumping sandboarding in the Huacachina oasis. With personalized attention and expert local insights, you’ll uncover the rich cultural tapestry that weaves through these enchanting destinations. But the true highlight? You’ll have to discover that for yourself.

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Good To Know

Comprehensive 14-hour tour covering Paracas, Ballestas Islands, Ica, and Huacachina, with a mix of activities like boat tours, sandboarding, and pisco tastings.
Small group size limited to 15 participants for a personalized experience, with convenient pickups from Miraflores and multilingual tour guide.
Flexible "reserve now, pay later" booking option and full refund for cancellations up to 24 hours in advance.
Inclusion of transportation, guide services, visits to key attractions, and tastings of local specialties like sweets, wines, and piscos.
More immersive exploration compared to larger bus tours, with the guide tailoring commentary to group dynamics.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview and Pricing

The tour lasts 14 hours and costs from $78.00 per person.

Travelers can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. The tour also offers a "reserve now, pay later" option, allowing participants to book without upfront payment.

The small group size is limited to 15 people, and pickup is provided from hotels or Airbnbs.

While the itinerary is subject to change, it typically includes visits to the Ballestas Islands, Paracas, Ica, Huacachina Oasis, and Chincha.

Free tastings of local sweets, wines, and piscos are included, along with a tubular ride and sandboarding experience.

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Itinerary Highlights

4:00 to 4:20 AM marks the pickup time from two locations in Miraflores – Javier Prado 560. The first stop is the Ballestas Islands, where a 1.5-hour guided boat tour allows you to observe marine life like sea lions, Humboldt penguins, and seagulls. After that, you’ll visit Paracas to taste local sweets and see the Paracas Letters. In Ica, you’ll tour a wine cellar, learn about pisco production, and enjoy wine tasting. The tour also includes sandboarding and a tubular ride through the Huacachina Dunes. The final stop is Chincha for tasting typical sweets and wines.

| Highlights | Location | Duration |

| — | — | — |

| Ballestas Islands | Paracas | 1.5 hours |

| Paracas Letters | Paracas | – |

| Wine Tasting | Ica | – |

| Sandboarding | Huacachina | – |

Included Features

This tour includes several key features.

It provides tourist transportation between Lima, Paracas, and Huacachina. You’ll have the services of a live tour guide who speaks both Spanish and English.

The tour covers visits to the Ballestas Islands, Paracas Letters, and Huacachina Oasis. Free tastings of local sweets, wines, and piscos are included, as well as a tubular ride and sandboarding experience.

Tourist taxes for the Ballestas Islands and Huacachina Dunes are also covered. With a small group size limited to 15 participants, you’ll enjoy a personalized experience with pickup from your hotel or Airbnb.

Group Size and Personalization

A small group size, limited to 15 participants, ensures a personalized experience on this tour.

You’ll receive pickup from your hotel or Airbnb, with notification when the driver is on the way.

This intimate group setting allows the guide to better engage with travelers and address individual interests or needs.

Whether you have questions about the history, wildlife, or activities, the knowledgeable guide will tailor the experience to your group.

This small-group format provides a more immersive and exclusive exploration of Paracas, Huacachina, and the Ballestas Islands compared to larger bus tours.

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Pickup and Transportation

The tour begins with convenient pickup from two pickup locations in Miraflores between 4:00 and 4:20 AM.

This early morning departure allows for a full day of exploration. The transportation is by tourist bus, which will take you from Lima to Paracas, Huacachina, and back to Lima.

Throughout the day, the knowledgeable live guide will provide commentary in both Spanish and English. The bus is comfortable and equipped to ensure a pleasant journey.

Upon arrival at each destination, the guide will lead the group and provide all necessary information, making the experience seamless and informative.

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Ballestas Islands and Marine Life

After the early morning pickup, the first stop on the tour is the Ballestas Islands.

Guests board a 1.5-hour guided boat tour to observe the incredible marine life. They’ll see colonies of sea lions, Humboldt penguins, and various seabird species. The islands are known as the "Poor Man’s Galapagos" due to their diverse wildlife.

Guides provide commentary about the animals and their habitats. Visitors can snap photos of the rugged rock formations and wildlife.

This lively introduction sets the stage for the rest of the day’s adventures exploring the Paracas peninsula and beyond.

Paracas, Ica, and Local Tastings

After departing the Ballestas Islands, the tour makes its way to the Paracas peninsula.

Visitors will taste local sweets and visit the Paracas Letters, a scenic photo spot.

Next, they’ll tour a wine cellar in Ica, learning about pisco production and enjoying wine tastings.

The final stop is in Chincha, where they’ll sample typical sweets and wines.

Throughout the day, the small group size allows for a personalized experience with the live tour guide, who provides commentary in both Spanish and English.

The tastings and experiences provide an authentic glimpse into the local cuisine and culture.

Huacachina Oasis and Sand Activities

Arriving at the Huacachina Oasis, visitors embark on an exhilarating sandboarding experience.

They’ll glide down the towering golden dunes, feeling the rush of the wind as they carve turns through the soft sand.

Afterward, they’ll hop aboard a tubular ride, soaring through the scenic oasis while surrounded by the dramatic desert landscape.

This unique adventure offers a thrilling way to explore the unique environment of Huacachina.

With the guidance of the tour, travelers can make the most of their time in this picturesque desert destination known for its stunning sand dunes and lively atmosphere.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks on the Tour?

The tour doesn’t specify if participants can bring their own food and drinks. It’s best to check with the tour operator beforehand, as some may have restrictions or provide meals and refreshments as part of the experience.

Is There a Discount for Students or Seniors?

The tour does not offer any discounts for students or seniors. The price is fixed at $78 per person, regardless of age or student status.

Are There Any Free Hotel Pickup/Drop-Off Options Outside of the Listed Locations?

The tour offers free pickup and drop-off from select locations in Miraflores. However, there are no free hotel pickup or drop-off options outside of these designated areas. Guests should check the pickup points when booking.

Can I Request a Guide Who Speaks a Language Other Than Spanish or English?

The tour operator doesn’t offer guides in languages other than Spanish and English. However, they may be able to accommodate special requests for other languages if you inquire in advance and it’s feasible for them to arrange.

Is There an Option to Extend the Tour or Add Additional Activities?

Yes, you can extend the tour or add additional activities for an extra cost. The tour operator offers customizable options, such as visiting a marine wildlife reserve or private transportation, upon request when booking.

The Sum Up

This one-day adventure from Lima to Ica, Huacachina, Paracas, and the Ballestas Islands offers an action-packed and immersive experience. Witness incredible wildlife, indulge in local flavors, and try thrilling sand activities – all with the convenience of a guided tour and small group size. Whether you’re a nature lover or adrenaline seeker, this tour promises an unforgettable journey through Peru’s stunning landscapes.

You can check availability for your dates here: