From Lima: Ballestas Islands, Huacachina, and Wine Tour

Plunge into a day of nature, adventure, and cultural immersion as you explore the Ballestas Islands, Huacachina Oasis, and savor the region's renowned pisco.

This day tour from Lima showcases some of Peru’s most renowned natural wonders. Adventurers can marvel at the diverse marine life of the Ballestas Islands, sandboard down the dunes of the Huacachina Oasis, and savor the region’s renowned pisco. With an early morning departure and a packed itinerary, this tour offers an efficient and immersive experience for those seeking to explore beyond Lima’s city limits. However, the true appeal lies in the breathtaking landscapes and unique cultural elements that await those who join the journey.

Good To Know

  • One-day tour from Lima exploring Ballestas Islands, Huacachina Oasis, and local wine tasting, with round-trip transportation, guided tours, and lunch included.
  • Boat tour of Ballestas Islands to observe marine life, including sea lions and penguins, and a visit to the El Candelabro sand figure.
  • Dune buggy adventures and sandboarding activities at the Huacachina Oasis, a picturesque desert lagoon surrounded by towering sand dunes.
  • Lunch and tastings of local wines and pisco, Peru’s signature spirit, in the city of Ica.
  • Tour not recommended for pregnant women, people with back problems, or those prone to seasickness due to the boat tour and dune buggy ride.
You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview and Pricing

This tour from Lima offers the opportunity to explore the Ballestas Islands, the Huacachina Oasis, and enjoy local wine tasting.

Priced from $75.00 per person, the tour lasts one day with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance. Guests can reserve their spot and pay later.

The tour departs Lima at 5:00 AM, arriving in Paracas around 9:30 AM. Highlights include a boat tour of the Ballestas Islands, dune buggy adventures and sandboarding at Huacachina, and a pisco tasting.

Depart Lima at 5:00 AM, explore Ballestas Islands, dune buggy and sandboard at Huacachina, and enjoy a pisco tasting.

Round-trip transportation, guided tours, and lunch are included.

Itinerary and Activities

The tour departs from Lima at 5:00 AM, arriving in Paracas around 9:30 AM.

Guests will embark on a 2-hour boat tour of the Ballestas Islands to observe sea lions, Humboldt penguins, and seabirds.

After, they’ll visit the El Candelabro sand figure and learn about its historical significance.

The group will then head to Ica for lunch and a wine/pisco tasting.

The final stop is the Huacachina Oasis, where they’ll enjoy dune buggy adventures and sandboarding.

  • Discover marine life at the Ballestas Islands

  • Learn about the history of the El Candelabro sand figure

  • Indulge in local wines and pisco

  • Experience the thrill of dune buggies and sandboarding

Highlights

The tour offers a range of exciting highlights for visitors.

Discover the remarkable marine life at the Ballestas Islands, where you’ll spot sea lions, Humboldt penguins, and a variety of seabirds.

Thrill to the dune buggy adventures and sandboarding at the Huacachina Oasis, a stunning desert landscape.

Delight your senses with tastings of local wines and pisco, Peru’s signature spirit.

Indulge in the flavors of Peru’s renowned local wines and pisco, the country’s signature spirit.

Along the way, learn about the fascinating history and cultural significance of the sites visited, providing a well-rounded and enriching experience.

Inclusions and Transportation

Round-trip transportation from Lima is included in the tour package, allowing visitors to conveniently reach the Ballestas Islands and Huacachina Oasis.

The tour also includes:

  • A boat tour of the Ballestas Islands, where travelers can observe sea lions, Humboldt penguins, and seabirds.

  • A dune buggy adventure and sandboarding experience at the Huacachina Oasis.

  • A lunch and pisco tasting in Ica.

  • A live tour guide who provides insights in both English and Spanish.

Hotel pickup and drop-off ensure a seamless start and end to the day’s activities.

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Departure and Return Times

Departing from Lima at 5:00 AM, the tour allows visitors to reach the Ballestas Islands and Huacachina Oasis around 9:30 AM. The day-long adventure concludes with a return to Lima around 10:30 PM. This schedule provides ample time to explore the natural wonders and cultural highlights on the itinerary.

| Departure | Arrival |

| — | — |

| Lima: 5:00 AM | Paracas: 9:30 AM |

| Huacachina: After Lunch | Lima: 10:30 PM |

Guests should plan accordingly, packing essentials and considering motion sickness medication for the boat tour. With an early start and late return, this tour offers a comprehensive experience showcasing Peru’s diverse landscapes and attractions.

Suitability and Recommendations

This tour may not suit all travelers. It isn’t recommended for pregnant women, people with back problems, or those prone to seasickness. The boat tour and dune buggy ride could be challenging for some.

Visitors should come prepared with the following:

  • Hat, camera, sunscreen, and water to stay comfortable

  • Jacket for early morning or evening chill

  • Cash for personal expenses

  • Motion sickness medication for the boat tour

Departing Lima at 5:00 AM and returning around 10:30 PM makes for a long day. However, those seeking marine life, dune adventures, and local wine and pisco will find this tour highly rewarding.

Ballestas Islands Boat Tour

The Ballestas Islands boat tour offers visitors a unique opportunity to witness an abundance of marine life in its natural habitat.

During the 2-hour excursion, guests will observe colonies of sea lions lounging on the rocky shores, as well as Humboldt penguins and a variety of seabirds nesting along the cliffs.

The tour also includes a visit to the mysterious El Candelabro sand figure, whose origins have been debated for centuries.

Travelers will gain insights into the history and significance of this intriguing geoglyph from the knowledgeable tour guide.

Huacachina Oasis Adventure

Nestled amid towering golden dunes, the Huacachina Oasis beckons visitors with its serene lagoon and lush palm trees.

After a scenic drive, adventurers can hop aboard dune buggies and race across the undulating sands. The thrill continues as they sandboard down the steep slopes, gliding effortlessly on the soft dunes.

For a panoramic view, visitors can climb the nearby Huacachina Hill, offering a breathtaking vantage point over the enchanting oasis.

With its unique blend of natural beauty and adrenaline-fueled activities, Huacachina promises an unforgettable experience for all who venture into its captivating landscape.

  • Dune buggy rides across the golden sands

  • Exhilarating sandboarding down the towering dunes

  • Panoramic views from Huacachina Hill

  • Serene lagoon and lush palm trees of the oasis

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is the Dress Code for the Tour?

The tour recommends wearing comfortable clothes and a jacket for early morning and evening. Sunscreen, a hat, and water are also suggested to protect against the sun and stay hydrated during the outdoor activities.

Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks?

Guests are welcome to bring their own food and drinks for the tour. However, a lunch and pisco tasting are included in the tour package. Bringing extra snacks and water is recommended, especially for the boat ride and outdoor activities.

Is There an Age Limit for the Dune Buggy Ride?

There is no age limit for the dune buggy ride, but children must be accompanied by an adult. Participants should be able to sit comfortably and securely in the buggy for safety reasons.

Can I Bring My Pet on the Tour?

Unfortunately, pets are not allowed on the tour. The tour is focused on outdoor activities and experiences, and the presence of pets could disrupt the group or pose safety concerns. Guests are encouraged to leave their pets at home.

Is There a Designated Meeting Point in Lima?

Yes, the tour offers a designated meeting point in Lima. Travelers will be picked up from their hotel or a central meeting location in Lima before departing for the day’s activities.

The Sum Up

This exceptional day tour from Lima offers a unique opportunity to explore Peru’s diverse natural wonders. Witness the captivating wildlife of the Ballestas Islands, thrill in the adventure of Huacachina’s sand dunes, and savor the flavors of Ica’s wine region – all in a single, affordable package. Whether travelers seek culture or outdoor excitement, this tour provides an unforgettable experience that showcases the best of Peru’s stunning landscapes and attractions.

You can check availability for your dates here: