From Lima: Full Day to Paracas and Huacachina Desert Oasis

Explore the stunning natural wonders of Peru’s Paracas National Reserve and the enchanting Huacachina Desert Oasis on this full-day adventure from Lima. Set out on a scenic boat cruise to see the Islas Ballestas, home to sea lions and penguins, then savor a winery lunch with pisco tasting. Ready for an adrenaline rush? Get ready to dune bash and sandboard through the breathtaking desert landscapes. This excursion promises an unforgettable insight into Peru’s rich heritage.

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Good To Know

Full-day tour from Lima visiting Paracas National Reserve, Islas Ballestas, and the Huacachina desert oasis, including a boat cruise, winery lunch, and dune bashing.
Pricing ranges from $75 to $71.25 per person, with a 5% savings, and the tour includes transportation, guide, snacks, and travel insurance.
Opportunity to observe diverse marine wildlife like sea lions and Humboldt penguins during the boat cruise to Islas Ballestas.
Immersive Peruvian cultural experience with a winery visit, pisco tasting, and a thrilling dune bashing and sandboarding adventure in Huacachina.
Meeting point near Larcomar, with prompt 5 AM departure, and recommendations to bring sun protection and water for hydration.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview and Pricing

This full-day tour from Lima takes visitors to the stunning Paracas National Reserve and the captivating desert oasis of Huacachina.

Priced from $75.00 to $71.25 per person, it offers a 5% savings. The tour lasts one day with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance. Travelers can reserve now and pay later.

The itinerary includes a boat cruise to Islas Ballestas, a winery lunch with pisco tasting, and an exhilarating dune bashing and sandboarding experience.

Transportation, an English/Spanish guide, snacks, and travel insurance are all included, making this an exceptional value for adventurous travelers.

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Exploring Paracas and Islas Ballestas

After departing Lima early in the morning, the tour heads south towards the Paracas National Reserve.

The highlight of this portion is a 2-hour boat cruise to the Islas Ballestas, known as the "Poor Man’s Galapagos".

A 2-hour boat cruise to the Islas Ballestas, known as the "Poor Man’s Galapagos", offers a unique glimpse into the diverse marine wildlife of this region.

Visitors can observe:

Sea lions basking on the rocky shores.
Colonies of Humboldt penguins.
Numerous species of marine birds, including guano-covered cormorants and pelicans.

This boat tour offers a unique glimpse into the diverse marine wildlife found in this region.

With the Paracas Peninsula as the backdrop, the Islas Ballestas provide an unforgettable natural spectacle.

Winery Visit and Pisco Tasting

Next, the tour visits the NIETO winery for a 45-minute lunch stop. Guests can enjoy a delicious Peruvian lunch while taking in the scenic views of the vineyards.

Following the meal, the group partakes in a 30-minute pisco tasting. Pisco is Peru’s national spirit, and the tasting provides an opportunity to sample different varieties and learn about the local production process.

This winery experience offers a chance to immerse in Peruvian culture and savor the flavors that make the region renowned. It’s a tasty break from the day’s sightseeing adventures.

Thrilling Dune Bashing and Sandboarding

One of the highlights of the tour is the thrilling dune bashing and sandboarding experience in Huacachina.

Thrill-seekers will love:

Riding in dune buggies that swiftly navigate the towering sand dunes.
Trying their hand at sandboarding, gliding down the slopes of the desert oasis.
Capturing stunning panoramic views from the top of the dunes.

Professional drivers operate the buggies, ensuring a safe yet exhilarating ride.

Participants must have their own travel insurance, but the experience is included in the tour.

An unforgettable adventure awaits in the Huacachina Desert.

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Returning to Lima

As the day draws to a close, the tour group heads back to Lima, arriving at the JW Marriott Hotel around 10:30 PM. Tired but exhilarated, they reflect on the day’s adventures – from the awe-inspiring Islas Ballestas to the thrilling dune bashing and sandboarding. The journey home is comfortable, with the bus providing a smooth ride. Upon arrival, guests are free to rest or explore the vibrant city further, armed with memories and stories to share.

| — | — | — | — |

| 5:00 PM | 10:30 PM | 5 hours 30 minutes | 265 km |

There's plenty more to explore in Lima

Included Features and Inclusions

The tour package includes a comprehensive set of features to ensure a hassle-free and enjoyable experience.

These include:

Round-trip transportation from Lima, so you don’t have to worry about logistics.
An English and Spanish-speaking tour guide to provide insights and assistance throughout the day.
A 2-hour boat tour in Paracas to see the Islas Ballestas, home to sea lions, penguins, and marine birds, as well as a thrilling buggy ride and sandboarding experience in the Huacachina desert.

Snacks, lunch, and local taxes are also included, making this an all-inclusive and value-packed day trip.

Important Considerations and Recommendations

To ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience, there are a few important considerations and recommendations to keep in mind.

A few important considerations to keep in mind for a smooth and enjoyable experience.

First, be at the meeting point near Larcomar by 5 AM as the tour departs promptly. Remember to bring sun protection like sunglasses and sunscreen, as well as water to stay hydrated.

Due to safety concerns, the tour isn’t suitable for babies under 1 year old. Professional drivers will operate the buggies, but personal travel insurance is required.

Finally, the boat tour may be cancelled if sea conditions are unsafe, with a partial reimbursement provided.

Customer Feedback and Ratings

According to the reviews, the full-day tour to Paracas and Huacachina has received an impressive overall rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars based on 291 customer evaluations.

The guide rating stands at 4.8/5, while the transportation and value for money received 4.5/5 and 4.6/5, respectively.

Positive highlights include:

A comfortable bus, delicious breakfast and lunch, and a beautiful boat ride.
An enjoyable wine tasting experience.
A thrilling sand buggy adventure.

Customers also praised the helpful tour guide and enjoyable group dynamics, contributing to the tour’s high ratings.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is the Maximum Group Size for This Tour?

The tour doesn’t specify a maximum group size. However, it’s common for small-group day tours from Lima to have around 15-20 participants to ensure a personalized experience and efficient transportation.

Can I Bring My Own Snacks or Drinks on the Tour?

Yes, passengers can bring their own snacks and drinks on the tour. The tour provides snacks, but allowing personal items helps control costs and provides flexibility for individual preferences.

Is There an Option to Upgrade to a Private Tour?

Yes, there’s an option to upgrade to a private tour. This allows travelers more flexibility and personalized attention, though it’ll cost more than the standard group tour. Prices for the private tour start at $150 per person.

Can I Request a Specific Language for the Tour Guide?

Yes, you can request a specific language for the tour guide. The tour offers guides available in both English and Spanish, so you can choose the language that best suits your needs when making your booking.

Are There Any Discounts Available for Students or Seniors?

Yes, there are discounts available for students and seniors. Customers can save up to 5% on the tour price by booking online. The discount applies to both student and senior tickets.

The Sum Up

This full-day adventure from Lima to Paracas and Huacachina delivers a thrilling blend of natural wonders and cultural experiences. Witness the Islas Ballestas’ diverse wildlife, savor pisco at a local winery, and get your adrenaline pumping with dune bashing and sandboarding. With all transportation, an expert guide, and travel insurance included, this budget-friendly tour provides an unforgettable insight into Peru’s captivating landscapes and rich heritage.