From Lima: Ballestas Islands, Winery, and Huacachina Tour

Embark on an unforgettable full-day adventure from Lima, exploring the Ballestas Islands, renowned for their vibrant wildlife. After marveling at the sea lions and Humboldt penguins, indulge in a delightful lunch and pisco tasting at the NIETO winery. Then, venture to the picturesque Huacachina Oasis, where thrilling dune buggy rides and sandboarding await. This tour promises an exciting blend of nature and adventure, making it a perfect choice for those seeking an unforgettable experience.

Contents show

Good To Know

This full-day tour from Lima showcases the Ballestas Islands, a local winery, and the Huacachina desert oasis, providing a diverse and immersive experience.
The tour includes a boat ride to observe wildlife like sea lions and Humboldt penguins, as well as a pisco tasting and lunch at a winery.
Adventurous activities like dune buggying and sandboarding in the Huacachina desert dunes are also part of the itinerary.
Hotel pickup and drop-off, along with professional guide commentary, are included to ensure a seamless and informative tour experience.
The tour is not recommended for those with certain medical conditions or who are prone to seasickness, as participants must adhere to safety guidelines.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview

This full-day tour from Lima provides an opportunity to explore the captivating Ballestas Islands, known as the "Poor Man’s Galápagos."

Priced from $75.00 per person, the tour lasts for one day and is available in both English and Spanish. Travelers can take advantage of the free cancellation policy up to 24 hours in advance, as well as the reserve now and pay later option.

The tour includes a boat ride to the Ballestas Islands, where visitors can observe a variety of wildlife, such as sea lions, Humboldt penguins, and seabirds.

After the wildlife viewing, the tour continues with a visit to a local winery for lunch and pisco tasting.

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

Itinerary Highlights

The Ballestas Islands tour offers an array of captivating highlights for visitors.

Set out on a boat ride to the Ballestas Islands, where you’ll witness the vibrant wildlife, including sea lions, Humboldt penguins, guanays, and a variety of seabirds.

Savor a delightful lunch and pisco tasting experience at the NIETO winery.

Afterward, explore the mesmerizing Huacachina Oasis and its scenic lake.

Thrill-seekers will delight in the dune buggy ride and sandboarding adventure across the desert dunes.

This full-day tour from Lima promises an unforgettable blend of natural wonders, culture, and adrenaline-fueled experiences.

Activities and Experiences

The tour begins with an early morning pickup from your hotel, ensuring a prompt start to the day’s activities.

The tour begins with an early morning pickup from your hotel, ensuring a prompt start to the day’s activities.

Along the way, you’ll stop at a local bakery for a delightful snack.

Once at the Ballestas Islands, you’ll embark on a boat ride to observe the diverse wildlife, including:

Sea lions lounging on the rocks
Humboldt penguins scurrying about
Guanays and other seabirds soaring overhead

Later, you’ll visit the NIETO winery for a pisco tasting experience, sampling the local varieties.

The adventure continues with a thrilling dune buggy ride and sandboarding experience in the stunning Huacachina Oasis.

Inclusions

A professional guide accompanies the tour, providing informative commentary throughout the day.

Transport is by a modern boat for the Ballestas Islands and a 4WD dune buggy for the Huacachina Oasis.

Lunch is included at the NIETO winery, along with a pisco tasting experience.

Sandboarding equipment is provided for the dunes.

Hotel pickup and drop-off ensure a seamless experience. Gratuities are also covered, so guests can fully enjoy the activities without worrying about extra costs.

This comprehensive tour package offers an unforgettable day exploring Lima’s natural and cultural highlights.

More Great Tours Nearby

Important Information

Certain restrictions apply for this tour. Participants must be mindful of the following guidelines:

Not suitable for pregnant women, individuals with back problems, or those prone to seasickness.
Prohibited activities include smoking, littering, and consuming alcoholic drinks in the vehicle.
Recommended items to bring include comfortable shoes, a hat, camera, snacks, sunscreen, and water.

Pisco tasting is limited to participants of legal drinking age only.

Adhering to these policies ensures a safe and enjoyable experience for all guests on the Ballestas Islands, winery, and Huacachina tour.

There's plenty more to explore in Paracas

Early Morning Pickup and Transport

As part of the tour, guests will be provided early morning pickup from their hotel in Lima.

Transportation will be via a modern, comfortable vehicle. The drive to the Ballestas Islands will take approximately 3.5 hours, with a snack stop at a local bakery along the way.

The tour includes a 3.5-hour drive to the Ballestas Islands in a modern, comfortable vehicle with a snack stop at a local bakery.

Once at the port, guests will board a boat for the scenic ride to the Ballestas Islands. The boat is well-equipped to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience.

After the wildlife viewing, the tour will continue to the NIETO winery and Huacachina Oasis, with transportation provided by a 4WD dune buggy.

Wildlife Viewing at Ballestas Islands

The Ballestas Islands, known as the "Peruvian Galapagos," offer an incredible opportunity to observe a diverse array of wildlife.

During the boat ride, visitors can spot:

Playful sea lions basking on the rocky shores and diving into the cool waters.
Flocks of Humboldt penguins, a unique species found only along the Peruvian and Chilean coasts.
Guanays, a type of cormorant, and other seabirds soaring overhead or nesting on the cliffs.

This intimate encounter with the islands’ abundant marine life is a highlight of the tour, providing a glimpse into the rich ecosystem of this dramatic coastal region.

Pisco Tasting and Lunch at NIETO Winery

After exploring the vibrant wildlife on the Ballestas Islands, the tour continues to the NIETO winery, where participants can indulge in a pisco tasting and savor a delightful lunch.

The pisco tasting experience allows guests to sample various local pisco varieties, learning about the rich history and production process of this Peruvian spirit. Accompanied by a knowledgeable guide, the tasting is an opportunity to discover the unique flavors and aromas of Peru’s national drink.

Following the tasting, the group enjoys a delectable lunch at the winery, pairing the local cuisine with the wines produced on-site.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is There a Minimum Number of Participants Required for the Tour?

The tour does not have a minimum number of participants. Travelers can book the tour as individuals or as part of a group, as the price is listed per person.

Can the Tour Be Customized for Private Groups?

The tour can be customized for private groups. Private tours offer more flexibility to tailor the itinerary to the group’s interests and preferences. Additional fees may apply for private group bookings.

What Is the Policy for Children Participating in the Tour?

Children are welcome on the tour, but they must be accompanied by an adult. Any child under 12 years old receives a discounted rate. Sandboarding and dune buggy rides have age and height restrictions for safety.

Are There Any Dietary Restrictions or Options for the Lunch at the Winery?

The tour’s itinerary includes lunch at the NIETO winery, but it doesn’t specify any dietary restrictions or options. Participants should inform the tour operator of any dietary needs when booking the tour.

Can Participants Choose to Skip the Dune Buggy Ride and Only Do Sandboarding?

Yes, participants can choose to skip the dune buggy ride and only do the sandboarding experience. This option is available for those who don’t want to ride the dune buggy but still want to enjoy the sandboarding activity.

The Sum Up

This full-day tour from Lima offers a thrilling and diverse experience. Discover the vibrant wildlife of the Ballestas Islands, indulge in a pisco tasting and lunch at a renowned winery, and embark on exhilarating dune buggy rides and sandboarding in the Huacachina Oasis. With convenient hotel pickup and drop-off, this tour is a perfect choice for nature enthusiasts and adventure seekers alike.