From Lima: Ballestas Islands, Huacachina, and Wine Tour

Discover the diverse wonders of Peru‘s southern coast with this captivating day tour from Lima. Guests will marvel at the abundant marine life of the Ballestas Islands, savor the flavors of Ica’s renowned wineries, and embark on thrilling dune buggy rides at the stunning Huacachina Oasis. With a knowledgeable guide, round-trip transportation, and a carefully curated itinerary, this tour promises an unforgettable adventure. But what lies beyond the initial excitement? Let’s dive deeper into the details that make this experience truly exceptional.

Contents show

Good To Know

This tour departs from Lima and includes a boat tour of the Ballestas Islands, dune buggying and sandboarding at Huacachina Oasis, and a winery visit in Ica.
The tour is priced from $75 per person and includes round-trip transportation, guided activities, and live commentary in English and Spanish.
Highlights of the tour include observing marine life, seeing the El Candelabro sand figure, and enjoying a delicious lunch with wine/pisco tasting.
The tour may not be suitable for pregnant women, individuals with back problems, or those prone to seasickness, and comfortable clothing and shoes are recommended.
The tour has received an overall rating of 5/5 from travelers, who have praised the variety of experiences, the well-organized itinerary, and the engaging guide.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview and Pricing

The tour departs from Lima and takes visitors to explore the Ballestas Islands, Huacachina Oasis, and a winery in Ica. Priced from $75 per person, the 1-day tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.

Highlights include a 2-hour boat tour of the Ballestas Islands to see wildlife, a visit to the Huacachina dunes for dune buggying and sandboarding, and a lunch with wine/pisco tasting.

Round-trip transportation, guided activities, and live commentary in English and Spanish are included.

Travelers recommend this tour for its enjoyable experiences and upscale winery visit.

Ready for another glass? Here are more wine experiences we've reviewed in Paracas

Itinerary and Activities

Departing from Lima at 5:00 AM, the tour arrives at the Paracas pier around 9:30 AM, where visitors embark on a 2-hour boat tour of the Ballestas Islands.

The tour explores the diverse marine life, including sea lions, Humboldt penguins, and seabirds.

The tour explores the diverse marine life, including sea lions, Humboldt penguins, and seabirds.

After the boat tour, the group visits the intriguing El Candelabro sand figure and receives insights from the guide.

The tour then proceeds to Ica for lunch and a wine/pisco tasting.

The final stop is the Huacachina Oasis, where participants enjoy an exhilarating dune buggy ride and sandboarding experience before returning to Lima around 10:30 PM.

Included Features

The tour includes round-trip transportation from Lima, a boat tour of the Ballestas Islands, a visit to the Huacachina Oasis, an exhilarating dune buggy and sandboarding experience, a delicious lunch, and a pisco tasting.

You’ll be accompanied by a knowledgeable live tour guide who can provide insights in both English and Spanish.

The boat tour allows you to observe the diverse marine life, including sea lions, Humboldt penguins, and seabirds.

The Huacachina Oasis offers a thrilling adventure with the dune buggy ride and sandboarding experience.

Savor a tasty lunch and indulge in the local pisco tasting.

Preparation and Recommendations

When preparing for this tour, it’s recommended to bring a hat, camera, sunscreen, and water to stay hydrated.

The tour may not be suitable for certain individuals, such as:

Pregnant women
People with back problems
Those prone to seasickness

Comfortable clothing and shoes are essential, as you’ll be engaging in thrilling activities like dune buggy rides and sandboarding.

Be sure to bring your camera to capture the stunning wildlife and scenic landscapes you’ll encounter during the Ballestas Islands boat tour.

More Great Tours Nearby

Customer Feedback

Based on the overwhelmingly positive feedback from travelers, this tour seems to be a hit. As indicated by the 5/5 overall rating from a single review, guests were thrilled with the various activities and experiences. The highlights included the upscale winery for tasting, the generous lunch, and the thrilling dune buggy ride and sandboarding adventure. Travelers highly recommended this tour for its enjoyable itinerary.

| Feedback | Rating |

| ——– | ——– |

| Overall | 5/5 |

| Highlight| Upscale winery, generous lunch, thrilling dune buggy and sandboarding |

| Recommendation | Enjoyed activities and experiences |

There's plenty more to explore in Paracas

Exploring the Ballestas Islands

Though the tour begins with an early morning departure from Lima, the journey to the Ballestas Islands promises an unforgettable encounter with the region’s diverse marine life.

Commonly referred to as the "Poor Man’s Galápagos," this protected national reserve is home to:

Thousands of seabirds, including Humboldt penguins and cormorants
A bustling colony of boisterous sea lions sunbathing on the rocky shores
The mysterious El Candelabro, a massive ancient geoglyph etched into the sand.

With the help of a knowledgeable guide, visitors can admire this natural wonder and its wealth of wildlife up close during the 2-hour boat tour.

Indulging in Ica’s Culinary Delights

After exploring the breathtaking Ballestas Islands, the tour transports visitors to the picturesque city of Ica, known for its vibrant culinary scene. Guests are treated to a delectable lunch at a renowned winery, where they can indulge in a wine and pisco tasting experience. The menu features a delightful array of local Peruvian dishes, allowing travelers to savor the rich flavors of the region.

| — | — | — | — |

This culinary interlude sets the stage for the thrilling dune buggy ride and sandboarding adventure at the enchanting Huacachina Oasis.

Adrenaline-Fueled Adventure in Huacachina

The tour then whisks travelers to the enchanting Huacachina Oasis, a natural wonder surrounded by towering sand dunes.

This adrenaline-fueled adventure includes:

A thrilling dune buggy ride, where participants hold on tight as the vehicle speeds up and down the dunes, providing a heart-pumping experience.
The opportunity to try sandboarding, allowing adventurers to glide down the slopes of the sand dunes, capturing exhilarating moments.
Stunning vistas of the oasis and its surrounding landscapes, offering a unique and breathtaking setting for unforgettable memories.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Extend My Tour Itinerary to Include Additional Activities?

Yes, you can typically extend the tour itinerary to include additional activities. Many tour operators offer flexibility to customize the experience based on your interests and preferences. Speak with the tour provider to discuss potential add-ons or modifications.

How Flexible Is the Tour Schedule in Case of Unexpected Delays?

The tour schedule allows for some flexibility in case of unexpected delays. Participants are advised to plan for the full duration, but the tour provider will work to accommodate minor delays and ensure a positive experience.

Do I Need a Special Permit to Visit the Ballestas Islands?

No, a special permit is not required to visit the Ballestas Islands. The tour operator arranges the necessary permits and boat transportation as part of the tour package, making it a hassle-free experience for travelers.

Are There Any Dietary Restrictions or Special Menu Options Available?

The tour offers a standard lunch menu, but special dietary needs like vegetarian, vegan or gluten-free can be accommodated with advance notice. Travelers should inform the tour operator of any dietary restrictions when booking.

Is There an Option to Book Private Transportation for the Tour?

Yes, private transportation can be arranged for this tour. Customers can request a private vehicle and driver to provide a more personalized experience. This option may incur an additional fee that can be discussed with the tour operator.

The Sum Up

This captivating tour from Lima offers a diverse array of experiences. Witness the vibrant marine life at Ballestas Islands, savor the flavors of Ica’s renowned wineries, and embark on thrilling dune buggy rides and sandboarding at the picturesque Huacachina Oasis. With round-trip transportation and a knowledgeable guide, this adventure-filled day promises to leave you with unforgettable memories of Peru’s stunning landscapes.

You can check availability for your dates here: