From Lima: Paracas, Ballestas Islands, and Huacachina Oasis…

Situated along the stunning Peruvian coast, this daytrip from Lima offers a captivating blend of natural wonders and cultural experiences. Witness the diverse wildlife of the Ballestas Islands, soak in the serene beauty of the Huacachina Oasis, and indulge in the flavors of Ica’s renowned wineries – all within a single day. Whether you’re seeking adventure, relaxation, or an immersive cultural journey, this itinerary promises to leave you with unforgettable memories. Intrigued? Let’s dive deeper into the highlights of this remarkable day trip.

Contents show

Good To Know

Discover the wildlife, natural wonders, and scenic features of the Ballestas Islands on a 2-hour boat tour from Paracas, located off the Peruvian coast.
Explore the Paracas Bay, view the "El Candelabro" geoglyph, and observe marine fauna such as penguins, sea lions, and seabirds during the boat tour.
Immerse in the cultural heritage of the Ica valley with a guided winery tour and tasting, showcasing the region’s renowned wine and pisco production.
Venture into the unique desert landscape of the Huacachina Oasis, where you can enjoy thrilling dune buggy rides and sandboarding activities.
Benefit from convenient transportation arrangements, including pickup from Miraflores and a hassle-free day trip itinerary covering Paracas, Ballestas Islands, and Huacachina Oasis.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Discover the Ballestas Islands

The Ballestas Islands, a breathtaking archipelago off the coast of Paracas, offer visitors a unique opportunity to witness the region’s rich marine life.

During the 2-hour boat tour, guests can observe a vast array of seabirds, including Humboldt penguins, guano birds, and sea lions basking on the rocky shores.

The towering cliffs and grottoes provide a dramatic backdrop, and the mysterious "El Candelabro" geoglyph can be seen from the sea.

The towering cliffs and grottoes provide a dramatic backdrop, with the mysterious "El Candelabro" geoglyph visible from the sea.

This excursion offers a fascinating glimpse into the natural wonder of Peru’s Pacific coast, making it a must-see for nature enthusiasts.

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

Exploring the Paracas Bay

Why visit Paracas Bay during this day trip? After a 2-hour van ride from Lima, the first stop is Paracas Bay.

Here, travelers embark on a 2-hour boat tour to the Ballestas Islands. During the tour, they’ll admire the famous "El Candelabro" geoglyph from the sea.

The boat ride also offers opportunities to observe a variety of marine fauna, including penguins, sea lions, and an array of seabirds.

The boat tour provides a chance to witness the natural wonders of this coastal region, setting the stage for the day’s adventures in the Ica desert.

Winery Tour and Tasting

After the boat tour of the Ballestas Islands, the tour proceeds to Ica for a guided winery tour and tasting.

At the winery, guests will learn about the region’s wine and pisco production. The bilingual guide provides insights into the winemaking process and the history of these Peruvian spirits.

Visitors can sample a variety of wines and piscos, savoring the unique flavors of the local grapes and distillation methods.

This wine tasting experience allows guests to explore the rich culinary heritage of the Ica valley before continuing on to the Huacachina Oasis for sandboarding.

Discovering the Huacachina Oasis

Where does the tour next take visitors after the winery experience?

The tour then travels to the Huacachina Oasis, a desert oasis surrounded by towering sand dunes. Visitors have the opportunity to go on a thrilling dune buggy ride and try sandboarding down the dunes. The guide provides instruction and equipment for this unique adventure.

Afterward, there’s time to explore the charming oasis town, home to restaurants, bars, and the iconic Huacachina Lagoon. This desert landscape offers a stark contrast to the coastal region, providing an unforgettable experience for tour participants.

More Great Tours Nearby

Sandboarding and Dune Bashing

At the Huacachina Oasis, visitors embark on a thrilling dune buggy ride and have the chance to try sandboarding down the towering sand dunes. The dune buggies race along the golden slopes, providing an adrenaline-filled experience. For sandboarding, participants strap in and glide down the dunes, feeling the wind in their hair.

| Dune Buggy Tour | Sandboarding |

| — | — |

| Duration: 2 hours | Duration: 1 hour |

| Suitable for all ages | Minimum age: 8 years old |

| Guided by experienced drivers | Instruction and equipment provided |

| Offers panoramic desert views | Suitable for beginners and experts |

The Huacachina excursion delivers thrilling desert adventures that capture the essence of this captivating oasis.

There's plenty more to explore in Paracas

Scenic Views and Photogenic Spots

What captivating vistas await visitors on this day trip? From the sea, marvel at the towering "El Candelabro" geoglyph carved into the cliffs.

During the Ballestas Islands boat tour, witness colonies of playful sea lions, adorable Humboldt penguins, and countless seabirds amid the dramatic rock formations.

Witness colonies of playful sea lions, adorable Humboldt penguins, and countless seabirds amid the dramatic rock formations of the Ballestas Islands.

At the Huacachina Oasis, soak in the stunning desert landscapes, with towering dunes providing the perfect backdrop for thrilling sandboarding and dune buggy adventures.

Throughout the journey, travelers are treated to scenic views that make for incredible photo opportunities and lasting memories.

Convenient Transportation and Accessibility

The day trip offers convenient transportation, making it accessible to travelers.

Pickup is provided from 25 locations in Miraflores, including major hotels like Hilton Garden Inn and JW Marriott.

The journey begins with a 2-hour van ride to Paracas Bay, where the boat tour departs.

After the tour, the group travels to Ica for lunch and a winery visit, then on to Huacachina Oasis.

The day trip concludes with a return to Lima, with drop-off at the specified locations.

The transportation arrangements cater to the needs of travelers, ensuring a seamless and hassle-free experience.

What to Expect and Recommendations

Travelers can expect a well-organized and immersive day trip that showcases some of Peru’s most captivating natural wonders. The itinerary includes a boat tour to the Ballestas Islands, home to an abundance of marine life, followed by a guided winery tour and tasting in Ica.

The highlight of the day is the visit to the iconic Huacachina Oasis, where guests can experience thrilling sandboarding and dune bashing in the desert. Throughout the journey, knowledgeable bilingual guides provide insights, and the included transportation ensures a seamless and comfortable experience.

Recommendations include packing sun protection, comfortable clothing, and a camera to capture the stunning scenery.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Tour Suitable for Young Children?

The tour may not be ideal for young children due to the long duration and potential seasickness from the boat ride. However, the activities at Huacachina Oasis could be enjoyable for families with older kids.

How Much Time Is Allotted for Each Activity?

The tour allots 2 hours for the Ballestas Islands boat tour, 2 hours for the sandboarding and buggy tour at Huacachina Oasis, and lunch time in Ica. The total duration of the tour is 18.5 hours.

Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks?

Travelers can bring their own food and drinks on this tour, as breakfast and lunch are not included. However, visitors are advised to follow the tour operator’s guidelines and not disrupt the group activities.

Is the Tour Available in Other Languages Besides English?

The tour is available in English and Spanish. While bringing your own food and drinks isn’t allowed, the itinerary includes free tastings of Peruvian wines and piscos, as well as opportunities to purchase meals at your own expense.

What Is the Cancellation Policy for This Tour?

The tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. There’s also a reserve now & pay later option available, providing flexibility for travelers.

The Sum Up

This day trip from Lima offers a diverse and exhilarating experience. Visitors can marvel at the wildlife and natural wonders of the Ballestas Islands, indulge in a winery tour, and embark on an adventure in the Huacachina Oasis, complete with dune buggy rides and sandboarding. With convenient transportation and accessibility, this excursion promises a memorable exploration of Peru’s stunning coastal region.

You can check availability for your dates here: