From Lima: Private Excursion to Paracas, Ica and Huacachina

Explore the natural wonders of Peru’s southern coast with a private excursion from Lima. You’ll discover the diverse marine life of the Ballestas Islands, savor local flavors and wines in Ica, and experience the thrilling dune buggy rides and sandboarding in the Huacachina oasis. This 16-hour adventure offers an immersive cultural experience tailored to your schedule, allowing you to escape the bustling capital and uncover the region’s breathtaking landscapes. What else awaits you on this exciting journey?

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Key Points

This private excursion from Lima takes you on a 16-hour tour to Paracas, Ica, and Huacachina, showcasing Peruvian culture, nature, and adventure activities.
The tour includes a boat cruise to the Ballestas Islands, a wine tasting experience in Ica, and sandboarding in the Huacachina desert.
Flexible pickup times from Lima, comfortable air-conditioned transportation, and the option to reserve and pay later with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.
Immersive exploration of Peru’s stunning landscapes, including dramatic rock formations, a desert oasis, and the opportunity to observe diverse marine life.
The tour is not suitable for wheelchair users, but complimentary wheelchair-accessible pickup is available.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview

This private excursion takes travelers on a comprehensive journey through the stunning landscapes of Paracas, Ica, and Huacachina.

Priced from $260 per person, the 16-hour tour includes hotel pickup, guided excursions, and all necessary tickets.

Highlights include a tour of the Ballestas Islands, a wine tasting in Ica, and the thrill of sandboarding in the Ica desert.

Explore the Ballestas Islands, enjoy wine tasting in Ica, and experience the thrills of sandboarding in the Ica desert.

With a range of activities and opportunities to experience Peruvian culture, this tour offers an immersive exploration of the region.

Travelers can secure their spot with a reserve now, pay later option and benefit from free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.

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Paracas: The Ballestas Islands

The excursion begins with a journey to the Ballestas Islands, a natural wonder often dubbed the "Peruvian Galapagos."

Travelers will board a boat and cruise through the archipelago, marveling at the diverse array of marine life that inhabits the islands. They’ll observe colonies of Humboldt penguins, sea lions, and various seabirds, including guanay cormorants and Peruvian boobies.

The dramatic rock formations and sea caves provide a stunning backdrop, and the tour guide will share insights about the islands’ ecology and conservation efforts.

This captivating introduction sets the stage for the rest of the day’s adventures.

Ica: Lunch and Wine Tasting

After marveling at the natural wonders of the Ballestas Islands, the tour continues to the vibrant city of Ica.

Here, visitors enjoy a 1.5-hour lunch, savoring traditional Ica cuisine with vegetarian options.

Following the meal, the group heads to a local cellar for a 1-hour wine tasting, sampling Peru’s representative wines and Pisco.

Indulge in a delectable Ica-style lunch, catering to various dietary preferences.
Discover the rich wine heritage of the region through a guided tasting.
Elevate the experience with a celebratory Pisco toast.

Huacachina: Dune Buggy Rides and Sandboarding

Next, the group ventures to the enchanting oasis of Huacachina. There, they embark on an exhilarating dune buggy ride, soaring over the golden sand dunes. The buggy weaves and climbs, offering breathtaking views of the serene lagoon and surrounding desert. After the thrilling ride, it’s time to try sandboarding. Participants strap on boards and descend the towering dunes, carving graceful turns and experiencing the rush of speeding down the slopes. This unique adventure in Huacachina caps off a day filled with diverse experiences and stunning natural landscapes.

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Transportation and Pickup

For this private excursion, the tour company arranges complimentary pickup from the traveler’s hotel or address in Miraflores, Lima.

The journey begins with a comfortable 3-hour drive to Paracas, allowing guests to sit back and enjoy the scenic countryside views. Upon arrival, the group will embark on a 2-hour guided tour of the Ballestas Islands.

The scenic 3-hour drive to Paracas allows guests to take in the countryside before the 2-hour guided tour of the Ballestas Islands.

The private transportation is air-conditioned, ensuring a pleasant ride throughout the day.
Pickup times are flexible, with departures offered at either 4:30 AM or 6:30 AM from Lima.
Travelers can request wheelchair-accessible pickup, though the tour itself isn’t suitable for wheelchair users.

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Inclusions and Accessibility

The private excursion includes private transport to and from the hotel, as well as the services of a certified tourist guide.

Lunch with entrance, background, soda, and Pisco toast is provided. Tickets and taxes for the Ballestas Islands, buggy rides, and sandboarding are all included.

However, the tour isn’t suitable for wheelchair users, though wheelchair-accessible pickup is available.

Visitors should pack comfortable shoes, a jacket, breathable clothing, goggles, sunscreen, and sunglasses. Light clothing is recommended due to sun exposure.

Departure times are either 4:30 am or 6:30 am from Lima.

Recommendations for Preparation

When preparing for the private excursion, visitors should pack comfortable shoes suitable for walking on uneven terrain.

They’ll also want to bring:

Breathable, lightweight clothing to stay cool in the desert climate
Sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat to protect against the strong sun
Any necessary medications or personal items

Layers are recommended, as temperatures can fluctuate throughout the day.

Bringing goggles is also advised for the sandboarding activity.

Visitors should be prepared for a full day of exploration and adventure in the stunning Peruvian landscapes.

Departure Times and Duration

Departure times for the private excursion are either 4:30 am or 6:30 am from Lima.

The early morning departures allow travelers to make the 3-hour drive to Paracas and arrive in time for the 2-hour guided tour of the Ballestas Islands.

After exploring Paracas, the group travels to Ica for lunch, a wine tasting, and sandboarding in the desert.

The total duration of the excursion is 16 hours, with the return journey to Lima taking 4 hours.

This comprehensive day trip allows visitors to experience the highlights of Paracas, Ica, and Huacachina in a single day.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can This Tour Be Customized for Individual Preferences?

The tour can be customized to individual preferences. Travelers can adjust the itinerary, activities, and departure times to suit their needs. The tour provider offers flexibility to accommodate personal preferences and ensure a memorable experience.

Are There Any Age or Health Restrictions for This Tour?

There are no age restrictions, but the tour isn’t suitable for wheelchair users. Guests should be able to walk for short periods and climb in/out of vehicles. Those with mobility issues may face difficulties during certain activities.

How Do I Communicate Any Dietary Requirements for the Lunch?

Guests can communicate any dietary requirements, such as vegetarian or gluten-free, when booking the tour. The tour provider will accommodate these needs and ensure a suitable lunch is provided.

Is Photography Allowed During the Ballestas Islands Tour?

Yes, photography is allowed during the Ballestas Islands tour. Visitors can capture the diverse wildlife and natural scenery on the islands, including Humboldt penguins, guaneras, and marine wolves.

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

Guests are generally not allowed to bring their own food and drinks on the excursion. The tour includes lunch and drinks, so outside items aren’t necessary. Participants should check with the tour operator if they have any special dietary needs.

The Sum Up

This private excursion from Lima offers a captivating blend of natural beauty, cultural experiences, and adventure. Travelers can marvel at the Ballestas Islands, indulge in a traditional lunch and wine tasting, and thrill in dune buggy rides and sandboarding in the picturesque Huacachina oasis. With convenient hotel pickup and comfortable transportation, this 16-hour tour provides an immersive and unforgettable journey through Peru’s stunning landscapes.

You can check availability for your dates here: