From Lima: Day Trip to Paracas and Huacachina Oasis

Explore the stunning natural beauty that lies beyond Lima’s bustling streets. This day trip to Paracas and Huacachina Oasis promises an unforgettable adventure, with a boat tour of the Ballestas Islands and thrilling dune buggy rides. From witnessing diverse marine life to soaring over the serene oasis, this excursion offers a thrilling escape from the city. Get ready to discover the captivating landscapes that make this region a must-visit destination.

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Good To Know

A day trip from Lima to Paracas and Huacachina Oasis, priced from $89 per person, includes round-trip transportation and a 2-hour boat tour of the Ballestas Islands.
The tour starts at 5:30 a.m. with a 4-hour drive to Paracas, followed by activities like buggy rides and sandboarding in the Huacachina Oasis.
The Ballestas Islands are home to diverse marine life, including sea lions and Humboldt penguins, and offer panoramic views of the cliffs and sea caves.
The Huacachina Oasis is a natural desert oasis nestled in the Ica Desert, offering a tranquil lagoon surrounded by palm trees and opportunities for adventure.
The tour includes a bilingual guide and roundtrip transportation, with local taxes covered in the overall cost and a full refund available for cancellations made 24 hours in advance.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Overview and Pricing

This day trip from Lima offers a chance to explore the stunning natural wonders of Paracas and the Huacachina Oasis.

Priced from $89 per person, the tour includes round-trip transportation, a 2-hour boat tour of the Ballestas Islands, and thrilling activities like buggy rides and sandboarding in the desert oasis.

Explore the Ballestas Islands and Huacachina Oasis with round-trip transportation, boat tours, and thrilling activities like buggy rides and sandboarding.

With no upfront payment required and free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, it’s a flexible and affordable way to experience these breathtaking destinations.

Local taxes are an additional 16 soles (about $4) in Paracas and 4 soles (roughly $1) in Huacachina.

Here are more experiences we've reviewed in Paracas

Itinerary and Duration

The day trip starts at 5:30 a.m. with direct transportation from Lima to Paracas, a 4-hour drive.

Once in Paracas, visitors embark on a 2-hour boat tour to the Ballestas Islands, a haven for sea lions, Humboldt penguins, and diverse birdlife.

After the boat tour, the journey continues to the Huacachina Oasis in the Ica Desert, where travelers can enjoy thrilling buggy rides and try their hand at sandboarding on the towering dunes.

The tour concludes with the return to Lima, with an estimated arrival around 11:45 p.m.

Exploring the Ballestas Islands

The Ballestas Islands, a natural wonder located just off the coast of Paracas, offer visitors a unique opportunity to witness an abundance of captivating marine life.

During the 2-hour boat tour, travellers will encounter a variety of seabirds, including Humboldt penguins, pelicans, and cormorants, as well as playful sea lions lounging on the rocky shores.

The panoramic views of the dramatic cliffs and sea caves are equally impressive. Visitors may even spot the famous "Candelabra" geoglyph etched into the side of a hill, adding to the mystique of this natural marvel.

It’s an unforgettable experience not to be missed.

Discovering the Huacachina Oasis

After exploring the Ballestas Islands, the day trip continues to the captivating Huacachina Oasis, a true natural wonder nestled in the heart of the Ica Desert.

Visitors can indulge in thrilling activities like dune buggy rides and sandboarding down the massive sand dunes. The tranquil lagoon, surrounded by palm trees, offers a serene respite from the desert landscape.

Guests can also explore the quaint town with its lively bars and cafes. This is an unparalleled opportunity to experience the only natural desert oasis in South America and create unforgettable memories.

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Thrilling Buggy Rides and Sandboarding

One of the highlights of the Huacachina oasis visit is the thrilling buggy rides and sandboarding activities. Participants climb into powerful dune buggies and soar up and down the towering sand dunes, enjoying the adrenaline rush.

For the more adventurous, the tour includes sandboarding, where guests can glide down the slopes on specialized boards. These activities offer an exhilarating way to explore the desert landscape and get your heart racing.

With experienced guides, the buggy rides and sandboarding are both safe and unforgettable experiences at the Huacachina oasis.

There's plenty more to explore in Paracas

Inclusions and Exclusions

Along With the thrilling buggy rides and sandboarding, the day trip to Paracas and Huacachina Oasis includes several other key inclusions.

The tour provides a guide who speaks both Spanish and English, as well as roundtrip transportation. Travelers will also enjoy a 2-hour boat tour to explore the Ballestas Islands.

While food and drinks aren’t included, the package covers local taxes in both Paracas and Huacachina. The tour doesn’t require any upfront payment, and travelers can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Local Taxes and Fees

The day trip to Paracas and Huacachina Oasis includes local taxes that travelers will need to pay.

These taxes cover the following:

16 soles (approximately $4 USD) in Paracas for the boat tour
4 soles (approximately $1 USD) in Huacachina for the sandboarding and buggy excursion

All local taxes are included in the overall tour price, so travelers don’t have to worry about paying them separately on the day of the tour.

These taxes help support the local infrastructure and conservation efforts in these unique destinations.

Key Highlights and Experiences

This day trip offers a captivating blend of coastal splendor and desert adventure. Witness the diverse wildlife of the Ballestas Islands, from playful sea lions to vibrant Humboldt penguins. Thrill-seekers can conquer the towering sand dunes of Huacachina with exhilarating buggy rides and sandboarding. Soak in the serene beauty of the only natural desert oasis in South America, where you can explore, relax, and create unforgettable memories.

| Coastal Splendor | Desert Adventure | Unforgettable Memories |

| — | — | — |

| Witness wildlife on Ballestas Islands | Conquer sand dunes with buggy rides | Explore the natural desert oasis |

| Admire stunning coastal landscapes | Experience the thrill of sandboarding | Create lasting memories in Huacachina |

| Explore the unique natural habitats | Immerse in the serene desert environment | Cherish the captivating blend of landscapes |

Frequently Asked Questions

How Experienced Are the Tour Guides Leading the Activities?

The tour guides have extensive experience leading activities in Paracas and Huacachina. They’re knowledgeable about the local wildlife, landscapes, and adventure sports, ensuring a safe and engaging experience for all participants.

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

Travelers can bring their own food and drinks on the tour, but meals and beverages are not included in the tour price. The tour provides a bathroom on board for convenience during the day.

Are There Any Additional Fees or Hidden Costs During the Tour?

There are no additional fees or hidden costs during the tour, except for the local taxes in Paracas (16 soles/4 USD) and Huacachina (4 soles/1 USD). All other inclusions, such as transportation and activities, are covered in the tour price.

Are There Any Age or Physical Requirements for the Activities?

There are no age or physical requirements for the tour activities, but participants should be able to handle moderate physical exertion, such as climbing sand dunes and boarding on them. Children under 5 may not be suited for the boat tour.

Can I Book This Tour for a Private Group or Family?

Yes, the tour can be booked for private groups or families. The tour operator offers flexible group sizes and booking options to accommodate different travel needs and preferences.

The Sum Up

This day trip from Lima to Paracas and Huacachina Oasis offers an unparalleled adventure. Travelers will witness diverse marine life on the Ballestas Islands, then enjoy the serene oasis, thrilling dune buggy rides, and exhilarating sandboarding. With breathtaking landscapes and unforgettable experiences, this tour promises an unforgettable day filled with discovery and excitement.

You can check availability for your dates here: