From Lima: Paracas and Huacachina Day Trip With Buggy Ride

Embark on an exhilarating day trip from Lima to the stunning Paracas and Huacachina regions. You’ll cruise the Ballestas Islands, explore the Ica Desert by buggy, and try your hand at sandboarding. This adventure-packed excursion includes round-trip transportation, activity fees, and an English-speaking guide to enhance your experience. With a mix of natural wonders and adrenaline-fueled activities, this day trip promises an unforgettable journey beyond Lima’s city limits.

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Key Points

This one-day trip from Lima includes a boat tour to the Ballestas Islands, exploration of the Ica Desert, and exhilarating sandboarding and buggy rides.
Transportation, activity fees, and an optional winery visit are included in the trip cost of $52-$100 per person.
The trip departs Lima at 5:30 AM and returns around 11:45 PM, providing a full day of adventure.
Travelers should bring essential items like hats, sunscreen, and comfortable shoes, and leave valuables at home during free time.
The trip has a 4.7 out of 5 rating based on reviews, with positive feedback on the buggy ride experience.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Trip Overview and Highlights

This day trip from Lima to Paracas and Huacachina offers a diverse array of experiences. It lasts one day and costs between $52-$100 per person, saving up to 48%.

Highlights include a boat tour to Ballestas Islands, exploring the Ica Desert, and sandboarding. An English and Spanish-speaking guide is provided. Visitors can also enjoy free time to explore the Huacachina oasis and swim in the lagoon.

The trip departs Lima at 5:30 AM and returns around 11:45 PM, with transportation and all activity entrance fees included.

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Detailed Itinerary

The day trip starts with an early 5:30 AM departure from Lima, followed by a 4-hour bus ride to reach Paracas.

Departing Lima at a brisk 5:30 AM, a 4-hour bus ride takes visitors to the coastal town of Paracas.

Visitors embark on a 2-hour boat tour of the Ballestas Islands, where they can observe sea lions, Humboldt penguins, and a variety of birds.

After the boat tour, there’s a lunch break before heading to the Ica Desert and the Huacachina oasis.

Adventurers can then enjoy a thrilling sandboarding and buggy ride across the desert dunes.

The day trip concludes with a return to Lima around 11:45 PM, with drop-off at the original pickup location.

Inclusions and Optional Activities

The tour package includes round-trip transportation from designated pickup locations in Lima, such as hotels in Miraflores.

The tour also covers:

Entrance tickets for all activities, including the boat tour to the Ballestas Islands and the sandboarding and buggy ride in the Ica Desert.
A visit to an artisanal winery with tastings of piscos and wines.
The option to add a lunch at a local restaurant.
Adventure sports, such as the buggy ride and sandboarding, are included in various package options.

Preparing for the Adventure

While preparing for the adventure, travelers should gather a few essential items. A hat and sunscreen are musts to protect against the desert sun. Comfortable, closed-toe shoes are recommended for the buggy ride and sandboarding.

Bring a camera to capture the stunning landscapes and wildlife. Stay hydrated by packing a water bottle. Don’t forget to pack any necessary medications and a light jacket for the boat tour.

Leaving valuables at home is advised, as there will be free time to explore the Huacachina oasis. With the right preparation, travelers can fully enjoy the Paracas and Huacachina experience.

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Reviews and Ratings

Based on the information provided, travelers have generally given positive reviews of the Paracas and Huacachina day trip.

Out of 3 reviews, the overall rating is 4.7 out of 5.

Highlights include:

Positive feedback on the thrilling buggy ride experience across the Ica Desert dunes.
Some criticism regarding communication and alternative activities when ocean conditions prevented the boat tour.
Mixed reviews on the stop at a restaurant for a liquor demonstration.

There's plenty more to explore in Paracas

Exploring Paracas: Ballestas Islands Boat Tour

Boasting an abundance of marine life, the boat tour of the Ballestas Islands is a highlight of the Paracas and Huacachina day trip.

During the 2-hour excursion, travelers get a close-up view of sea lions, Humboldt penguins, and various seabirds. The rugged, rocky islands are home to these captivating creatures, allowing visitors to witness their natural habitats.

The boat navigates along the shoreline, providing excellent photo opportunities. Despite the potential for rough ocean conditions, this activity offers an immersive encounter with Paracas’ diverse wildlife, making it a must-do for nature enthusiasts on the day trip.

Sandboarding and Dune Buggy Ride in Huacachina

After exploring the Ballestas Islands, the day trip continues to the enchanting oasis of Huacachina.

In the Ica Desert, visitors can look forward to:

An exhilarating dune buggy ride across the towering sand dunes
The chance to try sandboarding, gliding down the slopes on a specialized board
Stunning vistas of the crescent-shaped lagoon and surrounding dunes
Ample time to relax and enjoy the unique desert landscape

The buggy ride and sandboarding activities are included in the tour, providing an unforgettable adventure amidst the mesmerizing Peruvian desert scenery.

Transportation and Logistics

The tour departs from central Lima locations at 5:30 AM, providing a 4-hour bus ride to the Paracas region.

Pickup is available at select Miraflores hotels, ensuring a hassle-free start to the day trip.

The round-trip transportation is included, with drop-off at the original pickup point upon returning to Lima around 11:45 PM.

The round-trip transportation is included, with drop-off at the original pickup point upon returning to Lima around 11:45 PM.

Throughout the journey, a knowledgeable tour guide accompanies the group, offering commentary in both English and Spanish.

The comfortable, air-conditioned vehicle ensures a pleasant travel experience, allowing guests to relax and take in the scenic countryside along the way.

Since You Asked

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

While customers are generally allowed to bring their own food and non-alcoholic drinks, the tour operator recommends enjoying the included lunch and provided refreshments for convenience and to fully experience the local cuisine. Alcoholic beverages are not permitted on the tour.

Are Children Allowed on the Sandboarding and Buggy Ride?

Children are allowed on the sandboarding and buggy ride activities, but they’ll need to wear appropriate safety gear. It’s best to check with the tour operator about any age or height restrictions beforehand.

How Accessible Is the Tour for Travelers With Disabilities?

The tour may not be fully accessible for travelers with disabilities. Certain activities like sandboarding and buggy rides may not be suitable for those with mobility issues. It’s best to check with the tour provider for specific accessibility details.

Can I Leave Valuables in the Vehicle During the Tour?

Travelers shouldn’t leave valuables in the vehicle during the tour. The tour operator advises keeping valuables with you at all times to avoid theft or loss. Secure storage is not provided, so it’s best to keep important items on your person.

Is There a Bathroom or Changing Room at the Huacachina Oasis?

Yes, there are public restrooms and changing areas available at the Huacachina oasis. Visitors can use these facilities during the free time to explore the scenic desert lagoon and enjoy swimming.

The Sum Up

This day trip from Lima to Paracas and Huacachina offers an exhilarating mix of natural wonders and outdoor adventures. Witness the diverse marine life of the Ballestas Islands, then embark on a thrilling buggy ride and sandboarding experience in the Ica Desert. With round-trip transportation and an English-speaking guide, this is an unforgettable way to explore Peru’s stunning coastal landscapes.

You can check availability for your dates here: