From Lima: Visit Paracas, Ballestas Islands, Huacachina and Vineyard in Ica.

Embark on an unforgettable journey from Lima to explore the stunning Paracas National Reserve. Marvel at breathtaking landscapes and diverse wildlife. Enjoy a thrilling boat tour to the Ballestas Islands, home to playful sea lions and charming Humboldt penguins. Venture to the picturesque Huacachina Lagoon for exhilarating sandboarding and dune buggy rides. But the adventure doesn’t end there – cap off your trip with a visit to a vineyard in Ica for a taste of local wines.

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Key Points

Explore the natural wonders of Paracas National Reserve, including dramatic landscapes and opportunities to spot diverse wildlife.
Take a boat tour to the Ballestas Islands, known as the "Poor Man’s Galápagos," to see colonies of Humboldt penguins and sea lions.
Discover the mysterious Candelabro geoglyph, a massive ancient figure etched into the coastal sands, during the Ballestas Islands boat tour.
Experience the thrilling activities of Huacachina Lagoon, an oasis surrounded by towering sand dunes, such as sandboarding and dune buggy rides.
Visit the wineries in Ica to sample the region’s renowned wines and learn about the winemaking process.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Exploring Paracas

What makes Paracas such a captivating destination? This coastal town boasts a unique blend of natural wonders and cultural heritage.

The Paracas National Reserve, a protected desert peninsula, is a highlight, offering dramatic landscapes sculpted by wind and waves. Visitors can explore ancient geoglyphs, spot diverse wildlife, and enjoy sunsets over the Pacific.

The Ballestas Islands, known as the "poor man’s Galapagos", are a short boat ride away, allowing up-close encounters with sea lions, Humboldt penguins, and migrating birds.

With its blend of outdoor adventures and historical significance, Paracas captivates all who visit.

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

Boat Tour to Ballestas Islands

After exploring the captivating landscapes of Paracas, the next highlight of the journey is the boat tour to the Ballestas Islands.

Often called the "Poor Man’s Galápagos", this archipelago is home to an abundance of wildlife, including:

Thousands of Humboldt penguins waddling along the rocky shores.
Colonies of sea lions basking in the sun.
Diverse migratory birds soaring overhead.

The boat ride also offers a glimpse of the mysterious Candelabro geoglyph, a massive ancient figure etched into the cliffs.

The boat ride offers a glimpse of the mysterious Candelabro geoglyph, a massive ancient figure etched into the cliffs.

This exhilarating excursion promises an unforgettable encounter with Peru’s natural wonders.

Sighting Humboldt Penguins and Sea Lions

The Ballestas Islands teem with life, as visitors embark on an exhilarating boat tour that provides unparalleled glimpses of the region’s remarkable wildlife. Gliding across the azure waters, they’re greeted by colonies of Humboldt penguins nestled along the cliffs, their distinctive black and white attire a sight to behold. Nearby, sleek and charismatic sea lions bask on the rocky outcrops, occasionally diving into the waves with graceful agility. The tour also unveils the Candelabro, a massive geoglyph etched into the sand, adding an air of mystery to the captivating journey.

| Animal | Characteristics |

|——–|—————–|

| Humboldt Penguins | Black and white plumage, nest along cliffs |

| Sea Lions | Sleek, charismatic, bask on rocky outcrops |

Discovering the Candelabro Geoglyph

Curiously etched into the coastal sands, the Candelabro geoglyph captivates visitors during the Ballestas Islands boat tour.

This enigmatic figure, measuring an impressive 595 feet in length, features a distinctive three-pronged design that evokes the shape of a candelabra. Experts believe the geoglyph may have served as a navigational marker or held symbolic significance for ancient Andean cultures.

Measuring 595 feet, the Candelabro geoglyph’s three-pronged design may have served as a navigational marker for ancient Andean cultures.

As you glide past, you’ll have the chance to:

Examine the intricate lines and curves that make up the Candelabro.
Ponder the mysteries surrounding its origin and purpose.
Capture stunning photographs of this remarkable natural wonder.

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Lunch at Las Dunas Hotel in Ica

Leaving the Candelabro geoglyph behind, the tour now leads the group to the elegant Las Dunas Hotel in Ica, where a delightful lunch awaits.

Set amidst sprawling gardens, the hotel offers a tranquil oasis. Guests savor a spread of Peruvian specialties, like ceviche, lomo saltado, and quinoa salad. The meal’s presentation is as pleasing as the flavors, with vibrant colors and artful plating.

After the hearty lunch, there’s time to stroll the hotel’s grounds, admiring the lush greenery and peaceful ambiance.

Refreshed, the group gears up to explore the next stop on the itinerary – the iconic Huacachina Lagoon.

There's plenty more to explore in Paracas

Strolling Through Plaza De Armas in Ica

After the leisurely lunch, the group sets out to explore the Plaza de Armas, the vibrant heart of Ica.

The plaza blends ancient and modern architecture, creating a captivating atmosphere. Visitors can:

Admire the striking cathedral, a colonial-era masterpiece.
Stroll through the lush gardens, adorned with fountains and sculptures.
Observe the bustling local life, with vendors, street performers, and residents going about their daily routines.

The group takes their time, soaking in the vibrant energy and the rich cultural heritage of this picturesque town square, a testament to Ica’s enduring spirit.

Adventuring in Huacachina Lagoon

Next, the group ventures onward to the captivating Huacachina Lagoon, known as the "Oasis of America." Nestled amidst towering sand dunes, this natural wonder beckons visitors to experience its adrenaline-fueled delights. Guests can choose from a variety of thrilling activities, such as sandboarding and tubing down the dunes. For an extra burst of excitement, they can also hop on tubulars for heart-pounding rides across the dune circuits. Throughout the adventure, there are ample opportunities to capture breathtaking photographs of the surreal desert landscape.

| Activity | Duration | Cost |

| — | — | — |

| Sandboarding | 1-2 hours | $10-$20 |

| Dune Buggying | 1-2 hours | $20-$30 |

| Tubing | 30-60 minutes | $5-$10 |

| Tubular Rides | 30-60 minutes | $10-$15 |

| Photography | As desired | No additional cost |

Sandboarding and Tubing in the Desert

Visitors to Huacachina Lagoon can’t resist the temptation to try their hand at sandboarding and tubing down the towering dunes.

This adrenaline-fueled adventure offers:

Heart-pumping descents on custom-made sandboards, carving turns through the golden sand.
Exhilarating rides on inner tubes, traversing the contours of the dramatic landscape.
Ample photo opportunities to capture the sheer thrill of soaring down the slopes.

Whether a seasoned daredevil or a first-time adventurer, the desert playground of Huacachina promises an unforgettable experience that will leave you craving more.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is There a Minimum Age Requirement for the Tour?

The tour doesn’t have a minimum age requirement, making it suitable for all ages. Families with children can enjoy the experience, though parents should consider their kids’ abilities for activities like sandboarding.

Can I Book This Tour for a Private Group?

Yes, you can book this full-day tour from Lima as a private group. The tour operator offers small group experiences with a limit of 7 participants, so you can reserve the entire tour for your private party.

What Is the Cancelation Policy if I Need to Reschedule?

The tour operator offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, allowing you to reschedule without penalty. If you need to change your plans, you can book your spot now and pay later, providing flexibility.

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

Passengers are not allowed to bring their own food and drinks on the Ballestas Islands boat tour. The tour includes a lunch stop at a hotel in Ica, so meals and refreshments are provided as part of the package.

Are Dune Buggy Rides Included in the Tour Package?

No, dune buggy rides are not included in the tour package. The package does, however, offer sandboarding and tubing activities in the desert as well as adrenaline-filled rides on tubulars with various dune circuits.

The Sum Up

Exploring Paracas’ stunning landscapes, marveling at the playful Ballestas Islands’ wildlife, and soaring over Huacachina’s sand dunes make this an unforgettable journey. Capping it off with a vineyard visit in Ica lets you savor the region’s natural and cultural delights. This diverse adventure from Lima showcases the captivating wonders of Peru’s southern coast.

You can check availability for your dates here: