Exploring the captivating Huacachina Oasis and the Ballestas Islands offers a one-of-a-kind adventure just a short distance from Lima. Embark on this 17-hour tour and uncover the natural wonders of Peru’s iconic desert landscapes and marine wildlife. With transportation, a boat cruise, lunch, and thrilling dune buggy rides all included, this comprehensive experience promises an unforgettable journey. Discover why this highly-rated tour has delighted so many travelers, and get ready to…

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Good To Know

This full-day tour from Lima takes visitors to the Huacachina Oasis and Ballestas Islands, offering a mix of wildlife encounters and adventure activities.
The tour includes transportation, a boat cruise, lunch at a winery, and dune buggy rides and sandboarding at the Huacachina Oasis.
Highlights include seeing sea lions, Humboldt penguins, and marine birds at Paracas National Reserve and exploring the picturesque Huacachina Oasis.
The tour has an overall rating of 4.8 out of 5, with positive feedback regarding the friendly guides, comfortable transportation, and memorable experiences.
Travelers should come prepared with recommended items and be flexible in case of weather-related itinerary changes or potential language barriers with the English-Spanish bilingual guides.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Overview and Pricing

The tour from Lima to the Huacachina Oasis and Ballestas Islands is priced from $65.00 per person and lasts approximately 17 hours.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. Customers can reserve their spot now and pay later.

The tour starts from Larcomar in Miraflores and includes transportation via van, a boat cruise for wildlife viewing, lunch at a winery, and dune buggy and sandboarding activities at the Huacachina Oasis.

The estimated return time to Lima is around 10 PM, with a snack and souvenir stop along the way.

Looking for more options in Paracas? We've reviewed plenty of other experiences.

Itinerary Highlights

Meeting point for this excursion is Larcomar in Miraflores.

From there, travelers will ride in a van for 3.75 hours to Paracas.

At Paracas, they’ll embark on a 2-hour boat cruise to the Paracas Islands, where they’ll spot sea lions, Humboldt penguins, and marine birds.

Afterward, the group will enjoy a 1-hour lunch at the NIETO winery, with an optional pisco tasting.

Next, they’ll visit the Huacachina Oasis for a 2-hour dune buggy ride and sandboarding adventure.

The return journey includes a snack and souvenir stop at "Racimo de Uva" before estimated arrival back in Lima at 10 PM.

Activities and Experiences

Although the Paracas National Reserve is home to South America’s first sea lion sanctuary, visitors can also encounter a variety of other fascinating wildlife, including Humboldt penguins and diverse marine birds, during the boat cruise around the Paracas Islands.

After the wildlife viewing, the tour continues to the iconic Huacachina Oasis, known for its picturesque lake surrounded by towering sand dunes.

Thrill-seekers can enjoy an exhilarating dune buggy ride and try their hand at sandboarding down the dramatic slopes. For a more challenging experience, visitors can rent professional boards to showcase their skills on the dunes.

Customer Reviews and Feedback

Based on traveler reviews, the Huacachina Oasis & Ballestas Island tour has an overall rating of 4.8 out of 5.

Positive experiences highlighted by customers include:

Friendly guides and excellent food
Comfortable transportation
Memorable wildlife encounters and breathtaking landscapes
Engaging and knowledgeable tour guides
Opportunity to practice Spanish with guides who may not have perfect English

Reviewers praised the tour’s ability to offer a diverse range of activities and experiences, from encountering sea lions and Humboldt penguins to dune buggy rides and sandboarding in the picturesque Huacachina Oasis.

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Important Information

Travelers should bring sunglasses, a hat, sandals, biodegradable sunscreen, and sports shoes for the Huacachina Oasis & Ballestas Island tour.

The itinerary may change due to weather or other conditions. The boat tour can be canceled for safety reasons, but financial reimbursement is available.

While the tour guides aim to provide an engaging experience, their English proficiency may vary, presenting an opportunity to practice Spanish.

There's plenty more to explore in Paracas

What to Bring

Visitors should pack a few essential items for the Huacachina Oasis & Ballestas Island tour. The tour involves both water and desert activities, so appropriate attire and gear are necessary.

Itinerary Changes and Cancellations

Although the itinerary is carefully planned, it’s important to note that it may be subject to changes due to weather conditions or other unforeseen circumstances.

For instance, the boat tour to the Paracas Islands may be canceled for safety reasons. In such cases, a financial reimbursement will be provided.

Plus, the tour guides, while knowledgeable, may not have perfect English proficiency, presenting an opportunity for travelers to practice their Spanish skills.

Travelers should remain flexible and prepared for potential itinerary adjustments, as the tour company prioritizes their safety and satisfaction throughout the experience.

Language Considerations

While the tour guides are knowledgeable about the destinations, travelers should keep in mind that their English proficiency may not be perfect.

Some key language considerations include:

Tour guides may have varying degrees of English fluency, from intermediate to advanced.
Communicating with guides may require patience and occasional gestures or rephrasing.
This presents an opportunity to practice Spanish and take in the local culture.
Understanding basic Spanish phrases can enhance the overall experience.
Travelers should feel empowered to ask for clarification if needed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are the Tour Guides Fluent in English?

The tour guides may not have perfect English, but they provide an opportunity for travelers to practice their Spanish. While their English proficiency may vary, they are generally knowledgeable and strive to ensure a memorable experience.

What Are the Cancellation Policies for This Tour?

The tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. Customers can book their spot and pay nothing upfront, allowing for flexibility in their travel plans.

Is There an Option to Extend the Tour Duration?

Yes, there’s an option to extend the tour duration. Travelers can choose to add extra activities or spend more time at each location for an additional cost. The exact extension options can be discussed with the tour provider.

Can I Bring My Own Sandboarding Equipment?

Travelers can bring their own sandboarding equipment for the tour. However, the tour company provides sandboards and gear, so it’s not necessary to bring your own. Using the provided equipment is included in the tour price.

Will the Tour Continue in Poor Weather Conditions?

The tour may be subject to changes due to weather conditions. While the boat tour could be canceled for safety reasons, the land-based activities like dune buggy rides and sandboarding are likely to continue as scheduled.

The Sum Up

This tour from Lima to Huacachina Oasis and Ballestas Islands offers a unique blend of natural beauty and adventure. Visitors can expect stunning landscapes, diverse wildlife, and a range of thrilling activities, including dune buggy rides and a boat cruise. With a high customer rating and an affordable price, this 17-hour excursion promises an unforgettable experience for all who embark on it.

You can check availability for your dates here: