Full Day to Paracas & Huacachina From Lima With Ballestas Island & Sand Boarding

Exploring the natural wonders of Peru’s southern coast is a must for any visitor. This full-day tour from Lima to Paracas and Huacachina promises an exhilarating experience, showcasing the region’s diverse landscapes and abundant wildlife. Travelers can expect to witness the stunning marine life of the Ballestas Islands, then embark on an adrenaline-fueled sandboarding adventure amidst the iconic dunes of Huacachina. With a mix of activities and ample inclusions, this tour provides a well-rounded glimpse into some of Peru’s most captivating destinations.

Key Points

• This full-day tour from Lima takes you to Paracas and Huacachina, offering a boat tour of the Ballestas Islands and a sandboarding experience on the dunes.
• The tour includes roundtrip transportation, a professional guide, and activities such as a vineyard visit and Pisco tasting.
• Travelers can expect a comprehensive itinerary spanning approximately 17.5 hours, with breakfast and lunch provided during the tour.
• The tour is suitable for moderately fit travelers, but those with back problems, pregnancy, or serious medical conditions should avoid it.
• Based on 24 reviews, the tour offers a diverse range of experiences, but some customers have complained about the long travel time and quality of the lunch.

Tour Overview and Highlights

This full-day guided tour from Lima takes travelers to explore the natural wonders of Paracas and Huacachina.

You’ll sail to the Ballestas Islands to witness diverse marine wildlife, including penguins and sea lions.

Then, you’ll experience the thrill of sandboarding down the Huacachina dunes before enjoying a wine and Pisco tasting at a local vineyard.

Thrill of sandboarding the Huacachina dunes, followed by a wine and Pisco tasting at a local vineyard.

This tour is an ideal weekend getaway or day trip from Lima, providing a chance to escape the city and learn about Peru’s stunning landscapes and rich cultural heritage.

Inclusions and Logistics

The tour includes round-trip transportation from Lima, with hassle-free pickup from your accommodations between 4:50 am and 5:10 am.

A professional tour guide accompanies the group, and all fees and taxes are included.

The activities encompass:

1. A boat tour of the Ballestas Islands to see marine wildlife.

2. A thrilling buggy ride through the Huacachina dunes.

3. Sandboarding down the dunes.

4. Wine and Pisco tasting at a local vineyard.

Breakfast and lunch are provided during this full-day adventure that lasts approximately 17.5 hours, with a maximum group size of 17 travelers.

Tour Duration and Schedule

The tour operates from 5:00 am to approximately 10:00 pm, totaling 17.5 hours. This includes 3 hours of activities, 2 hours for lunch, and 8 hours of travel.

The day trip starts with a hassle-free pickup from your accommodation in Lima between 4:50 am and 5:10 am.

The tour group size is capped at 17 travelers, ensuring a personalized experience.

Whether you’re looking for a weekend getaway or a day trip from Lima, this comprehensive tour provides an efficient way to explore Paracas and Huacachina, with all fees and taxes included.

Customer Reviews and Experiences

Based on the 24 reviews, the tour is rated 3.9 out of 5 stars.

Positive feedback highlights the tour’s organization, stunning landscapes, and fun activities like buggy rides and sandboarding. However, some customers complained about the long travel time and quality of the provided lunch. Experiences with the tour guide’s language proficiency were mixed.

The tour offers a diverse range of experiences:

• Exploring the Ballestas Islands and its marine wildlife

• Thrill of sandboarding on the Huacachina dunes

• Relaxing wine/Pisco tasting at a local vineyard

• Hassle-free roundtrip transportation from Lima

Health and Safety Information

Although the tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, it’s generally suitable for travelers with moderate physical fitness.

Participants should avoid this tour if they’ve back problems, are pregnant, or have serious medical conditions.

The included activities, such as the boat tour, buggy ride, and sandboarding, require a moderate level of physical ability.

Guests are encouraged to thoroughly review the health and safety information before booking.

The tour operator offers private tour options for those seeking a more personalized experience.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the tour departs.

Exploring the Ballestas Islands

As guests board the boat to explore the Ballestas Islands, they’ll witness an abundance of marine wildlife in its natural habitat.

These uninhabited islands are home to:

1. Humboldt penguins, known for their distinctive black and white markings.

2. Sea lions lounging on the rocky shores, often with their playful pups.

3. A variety of seabirds, including Peruvian boobies, cormorants, and Peruvian pelicans.

4. Impressive geological formations, including the "El Candelabro" geoglyph, a giant ancient candelabra-shaped design on the hillside.

The Ballestas Islands tour offers a unique opportunity to observe these magnificent creatures up close in their coastal ecosystem.

Dune Buggies and Sandboarding in Huacachina

After exploring the vibrant marine life of the Ballestas Islands, the tour moves inland to the desert oasis of Huacachina.

Guests board exhilarating dune buggies and race across the undulating sand dunes. At the top of the towering dunes, they disembark and try their hand at sandboarding, surfing down the steep slopes. This thrilling activity offers stunning views of the surrounding landscape.

Following the outdoor adventure, the group visits a local vineyard for a wine and Pisco tasting, sampling the region’s renowned libations.

The tour then returns to Lima, concluding an action-packed day in southern Peru.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is the Weather Typically Like on the Tour?

The weather is typically sunny and mild during the tour, with temperatures ranging from 65-75°F (18-24°C). However, the coastal regions can be cooler, so layering clothing is recommended to stay comfortable throughout the day.

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

Travelers are generally allowed to bring their own food and drinks on the tour. However, meals like breakfast and lunch are typically provided as part of the tour package, so bringing additional food may not be necessary.

Are There Any Discounts or Package Deals Available?

The tour operator does offer package deals and discounts for group bookings. Travelers can inquire about any special offers or promotions when booking the tour to get the best value for their money.

Can I Book the Tour in a Language Other Than English?

Yes, the tour can be booked in other languages besides English. According to the information provided, the tour operator offers private tour options for personalized service, which may include accommodations for different languages.

How Accessible Is the Tour for Elderly or Disabled Travelers?

The tour is not recommended for elderly or disabled travelers. It requires moderate physical fitness and is not wheelchair accessible. Travelers with back problems, pregnancy, or serious medical conditions should avoid this tour.

The Sum Up

This full-day tour from Lima to Paracas and Huacachina provides an exhilarating blend of natural wonders and adventure. Travelers can witness the marine wildlife of the Ballestas Islands, then embark on a thrilling sandboarding experience amidst the iconic dunes of Huacachina. With transportation, meals, and a small group size included, this tour offers a well-rounded and personalized day trip filled with unforgettable experiences.