Embark on an exhilarating full-day adventure from Lima to Paracas, Ica, and Huacachina. This all-inclusive tour promises an intimate experience with a maximum of 15 travelers, led by a local guide. Explore the Ballestas Islands, indulge in local wines, and embark on thrilling dune buggy rides and sandboarding. With a vegetarian lunch option, this tour caters to diverse tastes. Discover why this day trip is a must-do for adventure-seekers seeking an unforgettable journey beyond Lima.
Key Points
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A full-day tour from Lima that visits Paracas, Ica, and the Huacachina oasis, featuring a boat ride to the Ballestas Islands, winery visit, sandboarding, and dune buggy rides.
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The tour includes pickup from Miraflores, Barranco, and San Isidro, and provides a small-group experience with an air-conditioned vehicle and local guide.
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Highlights of the tour include observing marine wildlife like Humboldt penguins and sea lions, and thrilling adventures such as sandboarding and dune buggy rides in the desert landscape.
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The tour has a 91% traveler recommendation rating, with positive feedback on the dune buggy and sandboarding experiences, despite some issues with tour guide communication and itinerary changes.
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The tour is a long day trip with approximately 4 hours of travel each way, and some guests have reported cramped van conditions, suggesting the need for a larger vehicle to enhance comfort.
Overview and Highlights
This full-day tour from Lima offers visitors the opportunity to explore the stunning natural landscapes and cultural attractions of Paracas, Ica, and Huacachina.
Boasting a 91% traveler recommendation, the tour includes a boat ride to the Ballestas Islands, where guests can spot Humboldt penguins and sea lions.
The tour also features a winery visit, sandboarding, and dune buggy rides in the Huacachina desert oasis.
Travelers embark on this small-group adventure with the comfort of an air-conditioned vehicle, snacks, and a local guide to provide a personalized experience.
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Itinerary and Inclusions
The tour begins early at 5:00 AM, providing ample time to cover the day’s full itinerary. Travelers are picked up from Miraflores, Barranco, and San Isidro, with additional pickup service available for an extra cost. The air-conditioned vehicle transports guests to a range of exciting activities, including a boat tour of the Ballestas Islands, a winery visit, sandboarding, and dune buggy rides. Included in the tour are all fees and taxes, snacks, buggies, lifejackets, tastings, an official guide, bottled water, and a vegetarian lunch option.
| Inclusions | Details |
| — | — |
| Transportation | Air-conditioned vehicle |
| Fees & Taxes | All included |
| Snacks | Cookies, frugos, Lays potatoes |
| Activities | Boat tour, winery, sandboarding, dune buggy |
| Lunch | Vegetarian option available |
Guest Experiences and Feedback
While some reviews highlighted issues with tour guide communication and language barriers, many guests provided positive feedback on the overall activities, particularly praising the thrilling dune buggy rides and sandboarding experiences.
Though a few guests complained about itinerary changes and timing inconsistencies, notable guides were lauded for their attentiveness and friendliness, enhancing the experience.
Tour Logistics
To ensure a more intimate experience, the tour has a maximum of 15 travelers. This small group size allows for personalized attention and a comfortable journey.
The tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours prior, providing flexibility for travelers. Despite the long day, the round-trip travel time of approximately 4 hours each way is manageable.
However, some guests have noted cramped van conditions, suggesting a larger vehicle may enhance the overall comfort.
The tour logistics include:
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Maximum of 15 travelers
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Free cancellation up to 24 hours before
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Long day trip with 4 hours of travel each way
Recommendations and Considerations
Highly recommended for those seeking adventure and scenic beauty, the Paracas, Ica, and Huacachina tour from Lima provides an ideal opportunity for travelers looking to explore local culture and nature.
While some guests experienced discrepancies between advertised amenities and actual offerings, the majority found the experience worth the price, with highlights in the exciting activities like dune buggy rides and sandboarding.
Some travelers noted cramped van conditions, suggesting a larger vehicle for comfort.
Exploring the Ballestas Islands
A highlight of the Paracas, Ica, and Huacachina tour is the boat tour of the Ballestas Islands.
These islands off the coast of Peru are home to an abundance of wildlife, including:
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Humboldt penguins
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Sea lions
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Cormorants and other seabirds
Travelers have the opportunity to observe these fascinating creatures in their natural habitat.
The boat tour provides an up-close view of the islands’ dramatic rock formations and caves.
With the chance to see such diverse marine life, the Ballestas Islands excursion is a must-do activity on this comprehensive day trip from Lima.
Indulging in Local Wines
As part of the Paracas, Ica, and Huacachina tour, visitors have the opportunity to indulge in the region’s renowned local wines. The tour includes a stop at a winery, where guests can sample a variety of Peruvian vintages. This provides a chance to learn about the local wine-making process and appreciate the unique flavors of the region.
| Wine | Varietal | Tasting Notes |
| — | — | — |
| Tacama | Cabernet Sauvignon | Full-bodied, with notes of dark fruit and spice. |
| Ocucaje | Malbec | Smooth, with a subtle oakiness and hints of plum. |
| Queirolo | Sauvignon Blanc | Crisp and refreshing, with citrus and herbaceous notes. |
The wine tasting experience allows travelers to enjoy Peruvian culture and savor the local terroir.
Thrilling Dune Adventures
The dune buggy rides and sandboarding activities offer thrilling adventures for visitors to the Huacachina oasis.
Guests can look forward to:
Zooming over towering sand dunes in sturdy dune buggies, with expert drivers at the helm.
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Zooming over towering sand dunes in sturdy dune buggies, with expert drivers at the helm.
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Gliding down the slopes on wooden or plastic boards, capturing the adrenaline rush of sandboarding.
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Capturing stunning panoramic views of the desert landscape from the top of the dunes.
These heart-pumping activities allow travelers to fully enjoy the unique desert environment, providing an unforgettable experience during the Paracas, Ica, and Huacachina tour from Lima.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Customize the Tour Itinerary?
No, the tour itinerary can’t be customized. It’s a pre-set full-day tour with a fixed schedule of activities. Travelers must follow the provided itinerary to experience the highlights of Paracas, Ica, and Huacachina.
What Are the Steps for Refunding the Tour?
To request a refund, travelers can cancel the tour up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. The tour operator offers free cancellation within this timeframe as per their policy.
Is There an Option to Upgrade Transportation?
Yes, the tour offers an option to upgrade to a larger vehicle for an additional cost. This can provide more comfortable and spacious transportation for the long day trip.
How Accessible Is the Tour for Mobility-Challenged Travelers?
The tour’s accessibility for mobility-challenged travelers is limited. It involves activities like sandboarding and dune buggy rides that may be physically demanding. However, the tour provider can accommodate travelers’ needs with prior notice and arrangement.
What Should I Bring to Enjoy the Activities Fully?
To fully enjoy the activities, travelers should bring comfortable walking shoes, sun protection like hats and sunscreen, camera, and extra cash for optional purchases. Layered clothing is also recommended to adapt to varying weather conditions.
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