Escape the hustle and bustle of Lima for a thrilling day trip to Paracas, Ica, and the stunning Huacachina Oasis. This 17.5-hour adventure promises unforgettable landscapes and exciting activities, from a guided tour of the Ballestas Islands to exhilarating dune buggy rides and sandboarding. With prices starting at just $60.00 per person and a high customer satisfaction rating, this tour is an opportunity to discover the natural wonders that lie beyond Lima’s boundaries.
Good To Know
- This day trip from Lima takes visitors to Paracas, Ica, and the Huacachina Oasis, offering a range of activities including a Ballestas Islands excursion, wine/pisco tasting, and sand dune adventures.
- The tour lasts approximately 17.5 hours and can be booked with savings of up to 20%, with prices ranging from $75.00 to $60.00 per person.
- Highlights of the tour include a guided 2-hour Ballestas Islands boat ride, a visit to the Huacachina Oasis for dune buggy rides and sandboarding, and wine and pisco tasting in Ica.
- The tour includes transportation, a bilingual guide, and admission tickets, but does not include breakfast or lunch, which can be budgeted for around $4 and $10, respectively.
- Participants must select one of the designated pickup locations, as the tour does not provide direct hotel pickups, and the tour may not be suitable for wheelchair users.
Tour Overview and Pricing
This day trip from Lima to Paracas, Ica, and Huacachina Oasis offers savings of up to 20%, with prices ranging from $75.00 to $60.00 per person.
The 17.5-hour tour includes free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance and the option to reserve without upfront payment.
Highlights include visiting the Ballestas Islands, exploring the Ica region for wine and pisco tasting, and experiencing the Huacachina sand dunes by dune buggy and sandboarding.
Pickup is available from select locations in Lima, though the tour isn’t suitable for wheelchair users.
Here are more experiences we've reviewed in Lima
Itinerary Highlights
The day trip begins with a 5:00 AM departure from Lima.
The day trip begins with a 5:00 AM departure from Lima.
First, the tour explores the Ballestas Islands, observing sea lions, Humboldt penguins, and seabirds during a 2-hour guided excursion.
Travelers then drive to Ica for lunch and a wine/pisco tasting.
Next, the group visits the iconic Huacachina Oasis, where they embark on a thrilling dune buggy ride and try sandboarding for 1.5 hours.
The tour returns to Lima around 10:30 PM, after a full day of sightseeing and activities across Paracas, Ica, and the Huacachina desert oasis.
Inclusions and Exclusions
The tour includes pickup from selected locations, a bilingual tour guide fluent in both Spanish and English, transportation, a wine and pisco tasting, thrilling dune buggy rides and sandboarding activities, as well as all admission tickets.
However, breakfast and lunch aren’t included, so you will need to budget separately for those meals, which start at S/16 (US$4) and S/35 (US$10), respectively. Personal expenses are also not covered.
While the tour isn’t suitable for wheelchair users, participants are advised to bring a windbreaker to prepare for the weather conditions.
Pickup Locations
Although the tour includes pickup from several locations around the city, participants must select one of the specified meeting points when booking.
The pickup options are Casino Pachanga San Borja, Falabella Miraflores, National Bank, and Larcomar. These centrally located spots make it convenient for travelers to join the tour.
Noticeably absent from the list is any mention of direct hotel pickups, so you will need to make their way to one of the designated meeting points.
More Great Tours NearbyAccessibility Considerations
According to the provided information, the tour isn’t suitable for wheelchair users.
Accessibility considerations for this day trip include:
This day trip may pose accessibility challenges for wheelchair users due to uneven terrain, limited transportation, stair-only access, and lack of specialized assistance.
-
Uneven terrain: The itinerary involves exploring outdoor environments like the Ballestas Islands and the Huacachina Oasis, which may have unpaved and uneven surfaces challenging for wheelchair access.
-
Limited transportation: The tour includes transportation by bus, dune buggy, and potentially other vehicles that may not be equipped to accommodate wheelchairs.
-
Stair-only access: Some of the attractions, such as viewpoints or facilities, may only be accessible via stairs, posing difficulty for wheelchair users.
-
Lack of specialized assistance: The tour guide and staff may not be trained or equipped to provide dedicated support for wheelchair users.
Customer Reviews and Ratings
Customers have overall rated this day trip to Paracas, Ica, and Huacachina Oasis 4.7 out of 5 stars based on 31 reviews.
The tour guide received a 4.6/5 rating, while the transportation quality earned a 4.1/5 score. Reviewers highlighted the beautiful landscapes and attentive guide, though some had concerns about the quality of transportation and air conditioning.
The value for money was rated 4.5/5. This day trip provides an excellent opportunity to explore the stunning natural wonders of the region, with high customer satisfaction across key aspects of the experience.
Preparing for the Day Trip
To make the most of this day trip, travelers should plan ahead. Here are four tips to ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience:
-
Pack wisely – Bring a small backpack with essentials like sunscreen, hat, sunglasses, water, and snacks to fuel the adventure.
-
Wear comfortable clothing – Opt for lightweight, breathable fabrics that can handle the varying temperatures and environments.
-
Bring extra cash – Have soles or US dollars on hand for any additional expenses like meals, souvenirs, or tips.
-
Arrive on time – Be at the designated pickup location at least 15 minutes early to avoid delays.
Booking and Payment Options
Travelers can conveniently book their day trip to Paracas, Ica, and Huacachina Oasis through the provided reservation system. Save up to 20% with prices starting at just $60 per person. The tour can be reserved now and paid for later, with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.
| Booking Details | |
|—————–|–|
| Duration | 17.5 hours |
| Departure Time | 5:00 AM |
| Return Time | Around 10:30 PM |
| Pickup Locations| 4 options across Lima |
| Suitability | Not for wheelchair users |
The hassle-free booking experience and flexible payment options make planning this day trip to Peru’s stunning coastal region easy and convenient.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can the Tour Be Customized to Fit My Schedule?
The tour can’t be customized to fit individual schedules. It’s a set day trip with a fixed itinerary and departure time. However, travelers can request a private tour for more flexibility in scheduling.
Do I Need Any Special Equipment for the Sand Activities?
For the sand activities, you’ll need standard sandboarding gear like a wax board and protective clothing. The tour provides this equipment, so you don’t need to bring any special gear. Just wear comfortable, lightweight clothing that can get sandy.
How Much Time Do We Spend at Each Location?
The tour spends 2 hours at the Ballestas Islands, 1 hour for lunch and wine/pisco tasting in Ica, and 1.5 hours for dune buggy and sandboarding activities at the Huacachina Oasis. The total trip duration is 17.5 hours.
Is There a Minimum Group Size Requirement?
There is no minimum group size requirement for this tour. The tour operates with any number of participants, allowing solo travelers and small groups to join. Reservations can be made for an individual or a group.
Can I Request a Specific Language for the Tour Guide?
Yes, you can request a specific language for the tour guide. The tour offers a bilingual guide, providing both Spanish and English services. Simply make your language preference known when booking the tour.
The Sum Up
This day trip from Lima to Paracas, Ica, and Huacachina Oasis offers an exhilarating adventure. Highlights include a guided tour of the Ballestas Islands, wine and pisco tasting, and thrilling dune buggy rides and sandboarding. With a high customer satisfaction rating and affordable pricing, it’s an excellent choice for travelers seeking an unforgettable experience in Peru’s stunning landscapes.
You can check availability for your dates here:More Tour Reviews in Lima
- Lima: Food Tour with History, Culture, and Local Cuisine
- Lima: guided tour of a nature reserve on the Rimac River
- Lima: Magical water and laser show
- From Lima: 16-DAY Tour of Peru and Bolivia With Accomodation
- Tour 9D: Lima – Machu Picchu – Lake Titicaca – Nazca – Ica
- From El Callao Port Lima: Tour to Machu Picchu
Still browsing? Here are more Lima experiences we've covered recently
- Lima: Food Tour with History, Culture, and Local Cuisine
- Lima: guided tour of a nature reserve on the Rimac River
- Lima: Magical water and laser show
- From Lima: 16-DAY Tour of Peru and Bolivia With Accomodation
- Tour 9D: Lima – Machu Picchu – Lake Titicaca – Nazca – Ica
- From El Callao Port Lima: Tour to Machu Picchu
- From Lima: 13-Day Tour to Machu Picchu and Uyuni Salt Flats
- From Lima: 10-Day Tour to Machu Picchu and Lake Titicaca
- From Huaraz/Lima: Huayhuash Mountain 11-Day Circuit Trip
- From Lima: Ballestas Islands, Nazca Line and Ica Tour 1 Day
- 4-Day Tour: Lima, Cusco and Machu Picchu Excursion by Train
- 4-Day Tour: Lima, Cusco and Tour to Machu Picchu by Train