Full Day Paracas Ballestas Islands, City Tour Ica Tubular

The Full Day Paracas Ballestas Islands and City Tour Ica offers an unforgettable day trip from Lima. Guests will marvel at the Ballestas Islands’ diverse marine life, explore Ica’s colonial heritage, and experience the thrill of sandboarding down the dunes of the Huacachina oasis. This captivating tour promises to immerse visitors in Peru’s natural wonders and cultural traditions, leaving them eager to uncover more of the country’s hidden gems.

Key Points

• Explore the Paracas region and Ica city in a full-day tour from Lima, including a boat tour of the Ballestas Islands and activities in the Huacachina oasis.
• Depart from Lima at 2:00 am, arrive in Paracas at 6:30 am, and start the Ballestas Islands boat tour at 8:00 am to observe marine wildlife.
• Discover Ica city’s colonial architecture, visit an artisanal winery for Pisco and wine tasting, and experience thrilling sandboarding and a Tubular Tour at the Huacachina oasis.
• Enjoy a comfortable 4.5-hour journey in a modern, air-conditioned bus and have the opportunity to rest during the travel to Paracas.
• Conclude the day with a breathtaking sunset view over the Huacachina lagoon after the sandboarding and Tubular Tour experiences.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Overview of the Full Day Tour

This full-day tour offers an opportunity to explore the natural wonders of the Paracas region and the charming city of Ica.

Starting from Lima, you’ll depart at 2:00 am and arrive in Paracas at 6:30 am.

The Ballestas Islands tour begins at 8:00 am, where you’ll witness the Candelabra figure and observe diverse marine wildlife.

After the boat tour, you’ll enjoy a city tour of Ica, including visiting an artisanal winery and tasting local piscos and wines.

The day concludes with a thrilling sandboarding and Tubular Tour experience in the stunning Huacachina oasis, ending with a breathtaking sunset.

Departure and Travel to Paracas

Departing from Lima at 2:00 am, the tour bus takes guests on a comfortable 4.5-hour journey to Paracas, arriving at the coastal town at 6:30 am.

This early start ensures participants can fully enjoy the day’s activities. The modern, air-conditioned bus provides a smooth ride along the coastal highway, allowing passengers to rest and prepare for the adventures ahead.

Upon reaching Paracas, the group will transfer to the pier, ready to embark on the Ballestas Islands tour, the first highlight of the day.

Ballestas Islands Boat Tour

At 8:00 am, the boat tour of the Ballestas Islands begins. Guests will witness the famous Candelabra geoglyph and observe diverse marine wildlife, including sea lions, penguins, pelicans, and boobies.

The boat will navigate the rugged, rocky islands, providing a close-up view of the abundant wildlife. The tour offers an opportunity to appreciate the natural beauty and ecological significance of this protected area.

Visitors can capture stunning photographs of the islands’ dramatic landscapes and the fascinating creatures that call this place home. The tour lasts approximately 2 hours, providing an immersive and memorable experience in Paracas.

Exploring Ica City

After the Ballestas Islands tour, the group continues their journey to the city of Ica, arriving at around 1:30 pm.

First, they explore the Plaza de Armas, the heart of the city, surrounded by colonial architecture.

Then, they visit a local artisanal winery to learn about the production of Pisco, Peru’s signature spirit. Here, they get to taste various Piscos and wines, discovering the region’s rich winemaking heritage.

With renewed energy, the group heads to the iconic Huacachina oasis to try sandboarding and the thrilling Tubular Tour, capping off the day with a breathtaking sunset over the dunes.

More Great Tours Nearby

Visiting the Artisanal Winery

From the Plaza de Armas, the group heads to a local artisanal winery to learn about the production of Pisco, Peru’s signature spirit.

The guide explains the traditional distillation process, showcasing the copper stills used to extract the clear, aromatic liquor. Visitors sample various Pisco varieties, each with its distinct flavor profile.

They discover the differences between Pisco Sour, a classic Peruvian cocktail, and the pure, unadulterated Pisco.

The winery tour provides a hands-on experience, allowing participants to appreciate the craftsmanship and heritage behind this iconic Peruvian beverage.

The tasting concludes the immersive Ica city exploration.

Experiencing Huacachina Oasis

What’s the highlight of the day for many visitors? The thrilling Tubular Tour and sandboarding experience at the Huacachina oasis.

Nestled amidst towering sand dunes, this desert oasis offers an adrenaline-filled adventure. Participants board a 4×4 vehicle and ride up the dunes, then descend in a tubular sled at high speeds, carving turns and experiencing the rush of sandboarding.

This activity is suitable for all skill levels, making it an exhilarating experience for everyone. The tour culminates with a breathtaking sunset view over the serene lagoon, capping off a day of exploration and discovery in the Ica region.

Sandboarding and Tubular Tour

The Tubular Tour and sandboarding experience at the Huacachina oasis is a thrilling highlight for many visitors. Glide down the golden dunes on a specialized board, soaring over the smooth slopes.

Afterwards, hop aboard the Tubular, a buggy-like vehicle that navigates the dunes with ease, offering panoramic views of the surreal landscape. The Tubular Tour is suitable for all skill levels, making it an accessible adventure for the whole family.

As the sun sets, soak in the breathtaking vistas, capping off an unforgettable day exploring the natural wonders of Ica and Paracas.

Returning to Lima

As the sun begins to set over the dunes, it’s time to start the journey back to Lima. The bus departs Ica at 7:30 pm, ensuring a comfortable and efficient return trip.

Travelers can sit back, relax, and reflect on the day’s adventures as the bus navigates the coastal roads. The Cruz del Sur cruise service provides a reliable and convenient mode of transportation, allowing guests to arrive in Lima in the late evening.

With the memories of the Ballestas Islands, Ica, and Huacachina etched in their minds, the trip comes to a close, leaving participants with a newfound appreciation for Peru’s natural wonders.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Guests are welcome to bring their own food and drinks on the tour. However, it’s important to note that no littering is allowed, and all waste should be properly disposed of or taken with you at the end of the day.

Is There Any Age Restriction for the Tubular Tour?

The Tubular Tour in Huacachina is suitable for all ages and skill levels. There are no age restrictions, making it an enjoyable experience for the whole family. The activity is designed to accommodate participants of different ages and abilities.

How Is the Weather Typically During the Tour?

The weather is typically sunny and mild during the tour, with temperatures ranging from 20-25°C (68-77°F). Visitors should dress in lightweight, comfortable clothing and bring sun protection, as the coastal areas can be quite exposed.

Can I Book Separate Activities Instead of the Full-Day Package?

Yes, travelers can book separate activities instead of the full-day package. The provider offers flexibility, allowing visitors to select individual activities like the Ballestas Islands tour or the Ica city tour and tubular experience based on their interests and preferences.

What Is the Best Time of Year to Visit the Ballestas Islands?

The best time to visit the Ballestas Islands is during the Peruvian summer months of December to March, when the weather is mild and the marine wildlife is most active. Visitors can spot sea lions, penguins, and a variety of seabirds during this peak season.

The Sum Up

This full-day tour from Lima offers an unforgettable adventure. Guests can marvel at the Ballestas Islands’ diverse wildlife, explore Ica’s colonial charm, and experience the thrilling sandboarding and tubular tour at the Huacachina oasis. With a seamless itinerary and a mix of natural wonders and cultural highlights, it’s an excellent way to discover the wonders of Peru’s southern coast.

You can check availability for your dates here: