Travelers visiting Lima can experience the natural wonders of Peru’s southern coast on a full-day tour that takes them to the captivating Islas Ballestas and the enchanting Huacachina Oasis. This adventure-packed excursion offers an opportunity to witness diverse marine life, indulge in Peruvian cuisine, and explore the awe-inspiring desert landscapes. Whether you’re seeking an exciting day trip or a glimpse into the country’s diverse landscapes, this tour promises an unforgettable experience.

Contents show

Good To Know

A full-day tour from Lima that visits the Ballestas Islands and the Huacachina Oasis, including a boat tour, pisco tasting, and dune buggy adventure.
The tour is priced from $60 per person and includes hotel pickup, round-trip transportation, and free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.
The Ballestas Islands boat tour allows participants to observe sea lions, Humboldt penguins, and seabirds in their natural habitat, often referred to as the "Poor Man’s Galápagos."
After the boat tour, the tour stops at the Cultur Pisco Restaurant for a 1-hour lunch break and a visit to the Cultur Pisco Winery for a tasting.
The tour culminates with an exhilarating dune buggy ride and sandboarding experience in the Huacachina Oasis, surrounded by the stunning desert landscape.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Overview of the Tour

The Full-Day Tour of Islas Ballestas and Huacachina offers a comprehensive exploration of Peru’s natural wonders. Priced from $60 per person, this 17-hour excursion includes hotel pickup, round-trip transportation, and an action-packed itinerary.

A comprehensive 17-hour tour exploring Peru’s natural wonders, including the Ballestas Islands and Huacachina desert oasis, priced from $60 per person.

Travelers will discover the Ballestas Islands, known as the "Poor Man’s Galápagos," and witness sea lions, Humboldt penguins, and various seabirds.

After lunch, the tour continues to the stunning desert oasis of Huacachina, where participants can enjoy a thrilling dune buggy ride and sandboarding experience.

With free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, this tour offers flexibility and value for those seeking an unforgettable day in Peru.

Here are more experiences we've reviewed in Paracas

Ballestas Islands Boat Tour

Visitors embark on a 1.5-hour boat tour of the Ballestas Islands, often referred to as the "Poor Man’s Galápagos."

On this part of the excursion, they’ve the opportunity to witness an abundance of marine wildlife, including colonies of sea lions and Humboldt penguins.

The islands are home to an impressive array of seabirds, such as boobies, pelicans, and cormorants, which can be observed nesting and soaring overhead.

The boat ride offers a unique vantage point to appreciate the dramatic cliffs and caves that characterize the Ballestas Islands, providing a truly immersive natural experience.

Paracas to Ica Transfer

After the boat tour of the Ballestas Islands, the tour continues with a 1-hour bus ride from Paracas to the city of Ica.

Upon arrival, the group will stop for a 1-hour lunch at the Cultur Pisco Restaurant.

Upon arrival, the group will stop for a 1-hour lunch at the Cultur Pisco Restaurant.

Following lunch, the tour visits the Cultur Pisco Winery for a 30-minute tour and tasting. This allows travelers to learn about the production of Peru’s signature spirit.

From the winery, the tour proceeds to the renowned Huacachina Oasis, where guests have 40 minutes of free time to explore the beautiful desert lagoon before embarking on an exciting 2.5-hour dune buggy ride and sandboarding adventure.

Lunch at Cultur Pisco Restaurant

Following the boat tour of the Ballestas Islands, the group travels for 1 hour by bus to reach the city of Ica.

Upon arrival, they head to Cultur Pisco Restaurant for a 1-hour lunch. The restaurant offers a menu showcasing Peruvian cuisine and, of course, pisco, the national spirit of Peru. Guests can sample pisco-based cocktails and enjoy a traditional Peruvian lunch.

The stop provides a chance to refuel before the next adventure – a tour of a nearby pisco winery.

After the satisfying meal, the group departs Cultur Pisco Restaurant and continues on to the Huacachina Oasis.

More Great Tours Nearby

Pisco Winery Tour and Tasting

From Cultur Pisco Restaurant, the group heads to a nearby pisco winery for a 30-minute tour and tasting.

They learn about the distillation process and the history of pisco, Peru’s national spirit. The guide explains the different grape varietals used and the unique flavor profiles of each type of pisco.

Guests have the opportunity to sample several pisco varieties and discover their favorites. The tasting provides a deeper appreciation for the complexities of this artisanal liquor.

The tasting allows guests to explore the complexities of this artisanal liquor, discovering their favorite pisco varieties.

With newfound pisco knowledge, the group departs the winery, eager to explore the famous Huacachina Oasis.

There's plenty more to explore in Paracas

Arrival at Huacachina Oasis

The group arrives at the stunning Huacachina Oasis, a tranquil desert lagoon surrounded by towering dunes.

They’re given 40 minutes of free time to:

Explore the charming village, filled with quaint cafes and shops
Snap photos of the picturesque oasis and dramatic sand dunes
Hire a guide to walk them through the dunes for a closer look
Relax by the lagoon and take in the serene desert atmosphere

Soon, it’s time for the thrilling dune buggy ride and sandboarding adventure, the grand finale of this full-day tour.

Dune Buggy Ride and Sandboarding

Departing the Huacachina Oasis, the group hops into the adrenaline-filled dune buggies. Engines roar to life as the buggies climb and descend the towering sand dunes. Riders grip the sides, hearts racing with excitement.

At the top, the guides demonstrate proper sandboarding techniques. Participants strap in, then glide down the slopes, kicking up clouds of sand.

Guides demonstrate proper sandboarding technique. Participants strap in and glide down slopes, kicking up clouds of sand.

After the thrilling ride, the group gathers for photos amid the stunning desert landscape.

With the dune buggy and sandboarding adventure complete, it’s time to head back to Lima, ending an unforgettable day of natural wonders and adrenaline-fueled fun.

Return Journey to Lima

After the thrilling dune buggy ride and sandboarding adventure, the group departs Huacachina Oasis for the 4-hour bus journey back to Lima.

The comfortable, air-conditioned bus offers a chance to:

Unwind and reflect on the day’s unforgettable experiences
Admire the changing landscapes as the bus winds through the Peruvian countryside
Catch up on some rest before the late-night arrival in the bustling capital
Anticipate sharing photos and stories with friends and family back home

The tour concludes with a drop-off at the original pick-up locations around 10:30 PM – 11:00 PM, completing a memorable full-day exploration.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are There Any Age Restrictions for the Dune Buggy Ride?

There are no specific age restrictions for the dune buggy ride, but it’s not suitable for people with mobility impairments. Participants should be able to get in and out of the buggy safely.

Can We Bring Our Own Food and Drinks on the Tour?

No, participants can’t bring their own food and drinks on the tour. The tour includes breakfast and lunch, and water is provided. Bringing outside items is prohibited to maintain cleanliness and safety during the activities.

Is There an Option to Extend the Duration of the Tour?

There’s no option to extend the tour’s duration. The itinerary is fixed at 17 hours. However, you can book additional activities in the Paracas or Huacachina areas on your own if you’d like to extend your day.

Can We Make Additional Stops Along the Way?

While the tour has a set itinerary, travelers can request additional stops along the way, subject to guide and driver availability. However, this may impact the overall timeline and activities included in the day.

Do We Need to Bring Our Own Equipment for Sandboarding?

No, you don’t need to bring your own sandboarding equipment. The tour includes the necessary gear like sandboards and dune buggies. Just be sure to wear comfortable shoes and bring sun protection for this part of the adventure.

The Sum Up

This full-day tour from Lima offers an unparalleled adventure, showcasing the stunning Islas Ballestas and the captivating Huacachina Oasis. Witness the diverse marine life, indulge in Peruvian cuisine, and embark on thrilling dune buggy rides and sandboarding activities, all for just $60 per person. It’s an exhilarating and unforgettable experience that shouldn’t be missed.

You can check availability for your dates here: