Ica & Huacachina + Ballestas Islands Day Trip

Explore the wonders of Peru’s southern coast on an unforgettable day trip to Ica and Huacachina. Witness the Ballestas Islands’ diverse wildlife, visit a renowned winery, and discover the enchanting desert oasis of Huacachina. This 19-hour adventure offers a chance to take in the region’s natural and cultural treasures. With a range of activities and experiences, it’s an opportunity to create lasting memories. Where will this journey take you?

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Good To Know

This 19-hour excursion offers a combination of wildlife viewing, winery tours, and exploration of the Huacachina Oasis, starting from $80 per person.
The itinerary includes a speedboat ride to the Ballestas Islands, a winery visit with wine and pisco tasting, and the option to try sandboarding and buggy rides.
Transportation, an English and Spanish-speaking guide, and tasting experiences are included, while meals, boarding tax, and optional activities carry additional costs.
The tour can be booked online with a pay-later option and free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.
Highlights of the trip include the Paracas Candelabra geoglyph, diverse wildlife, and the unique desert oasis of Huacachina.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Trip Overview

The Ica & Huacachina Day Trip offers visitors a comprehensive exploration of the stunning natural and cultural attractions in the southern region of Peru.

Priced from $80 per person, the 19-hour excursion includes a speedboat ride to the Ballestas Islands, a visit to a local winery, and the chance to experience the picturesque Huacachina Oasis.

Along the way, travelers will encounter diverse wildlife, discover the history of pisco production, and have the option to try thrilling activities like sandboarding and buggy tours.

With free cancellation and a pay-later policy, this day trip provides an excellent value for adventurous travelers.

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Itinerary Highlights

After pickup from the chosen meeting point, the tour begins with a brief stop for rest and breakfast on your own. Next, visitors embark on a speedboat ride to the Ballestas Islands, offering opportunities to view diverse wildlife like sea lions, Humboldt penguins, and pelicans. The iconic Paracas Candelabra geoglyph can also be spotted from the boat. The itinerary then takes guests to a local winery in Ica for a tour and tasting of wines and pisco. Finally, the oasis of Huacachina is explored, with optional activities like sandboarding and buggy tours available.

| Itinerary Highlights | | |

| ——————- | —————- | —————- |

| Ballestas Islands | Winery Tour | Huacachina Oasis |

| Wildlife Viewing | Wine & Pisco | Sandboarding |

| Paracas Candelabra | Tasting | Buggy Tours |

Inclusions

This day trip includes several key elements to enhance the overall experience.

Transport by bus is provided, allowing visitors to sit back and enjoy the scenic journey.

A thrilling speedboat ride takes guests to the Ballestas Islands, where they can witness diverse wildlife and a massive geoglyph.

An English and Spanish-speaking guide leads the tour, ensuring clear communication.

Wine, pisco, and tejas tasting at a local winery offer a chance to savor local flavors.

Optional activities like buggy rides and sandboarding in the Huacachina Oasis provide added excitement.

Additional Costs

Although the day trip includes various covered costs, there are some additional expenses travelers should be aware of.

These additional costs include:

Meals – Budgeting S/ 50 (US$ 13.50) per person for meals not included in the tour.
Boarding tax – A S/ 20 (US$ 5.40) per person boarding tax that must be paid.
Optional activities – Sandboarding or buggy tours can be added for an additional S/ 40 (US$ 10.80) per activity, per person.
Personal expenses – Costs for souvenirs, tips, and any other personal items not mentioned in the inclusions.

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Booking Information

Travelers can check the availability for starting times on the booking page.

Once they’ve found a suitable departure, they can select the number of participants and their preferred date.

The meeting point for the tour is available on Google Maps, making it easy to find the starting location.

Customers don’t need to pay upfront; they can reserve their spot and pay later.

With free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, travelers have the flexibility to adjust their plans if needed.

The booking process is straightforward, allowing visitors to secure their Ica and Huacachina adventure.

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Ballestas Islands

The Ballestas Islands are a captivating natural wonder that lie just off the coast of Paracas, Peru. Visitors embark on a thrilling speedboat ride to witness the islands’ breathtaking landscapes and diverse wildlife.

The key highlights include:

Observing the unique Humboldt penguins, sea lions, and pelicans in their natural habitats.
Marveling at the enigmatic Paracas Candelabra geoglyph, a massive ancient symbol etched into the landscape.
Exploring the rugged, cave-riddled cliffs and rocky beaches that characterize the islands’ dramatic terrain.
Enjoying the picturesque vistas of the Pacific Ocean and the arid Paracas Peninsula.

Ica Winery Visit

After enjoying the thrilling speedboat ride and wildlife viewing at the Ballestas Islands, the day trip moves on to Ica, the heart of Peru’s renowned wine and pisco country.

Visitors get a behind-the-scenes look at a local winery, learning about the production process of these iconic Peruvian spirits. They’ll tour the facilities, observe the distillation, and sample different varieties of wine and pisco.

The tasting includes the popular sweet dessert wine called "tejas." This immersive experience provides a deeper appreciation for Ica’s vibrant wine and pisco culture, a highlight of the day’s adventures.

Huacachina Oasis

From Ica, the day trip continues to the striking Huacachina Oasis, a picturesque desert lagoon surrounded by towering sand dunes.

Visitors can:

Explore the idyllic oasis and its lush palm trees.
Try thrilling sandboarding down the massive dunes.
Embark on an exhilarating dune buggy adventure.
Relax by the tranquil lagoon or enjoy a drink at one of the local bars.

With its serene setting and exciting activities, the Huacachina Oasis is a highlight of the Ica and Ballestas Islands day tour.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is the Dress Code for the Trip?

The dress code for the trip is casual and comfortable. Participants should wear lightweight, breathable clothing and closed-toe shoes suitable for walking and sand activities. It’s also recommended to bring a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen.

Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks?

Participants can bring their own food and drinks for the trip. However, there are options to purchase meals and snacks during the scheduled stops. It’s recommended to check with the tour operator for any restrictions or recommendations regarding outside food and beverages.

Do I Need to Bring Any Special Equipment?

No special equipment is needed for this day trip. The tour provider will supply all necessary gear, such as life jackets for the boat ride. Participants should wear comfortable, weather-appropriate clothing and closed-toe shoes.

Is There an Option to Extend the Trip?

The tour doesn’t offer an option to extend the trip. However, travelers can explore the region further on their own after the scheduled tour ends. There are additional activities and sights to see in the Ica and Huacachina area beyond the day trip.

Are There Restroom Facilities Available During the Tour?

Yes, there are restroom facilities available during the tour. The itinerary includes a brief stop where participants can use the restroom, and there are also restrooms at the various locations visited throughout the day.

The Sum Up

This day trip offers an unforgettable adventure exploring Ica, Huacachina, and the Ballestas Islands. Witness wildlife and ancient geoglyphs, savor local wines, and enjoy thrilling activities like sandboarding. With a range of inclusions and optional extras, it’s a comprehensive yet flexible experience that showcases the best of Peru’s southern coast.

You can check availability for your dates here: