Uncover the wonders of Peru’s diverse landscapes and flavors on this comprehensive day tour from Lima. Witness the abundant marine life of the Ballestas Islands, then venture to the desert oasis of Huacachina for thrilling sandboarding. Cap off the day by learning the secrets of ceviche preparation from a local expert. This immersive experience promises to transport you beyond the typical tourist trail, offering a truly memorable taste of Peruvian culture. What else can this tour reveal about the heart of Lima?

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About Your Stay

A three-hour scenic boat tour to the Ballestas Islands to observe diverse wildlife, including seabirds, sea lions, and Humboldt penguins.
Thrilling sandboarding and sand carts adventure in the golden dunes of Huacachina for an adrenaline-filled experience.
Participate in a ceviche cooking class led by a local chef to learn traditional Peruvian culinary techniques and sample the freshly made dish.
Taste local delicacies like chocotejas and tiles, as well as local wines and piscos, for a glimpse into Peruvian food and drink culture.
Comprehensive tour package with hotel pickup, transportation, and entry fees included, ensuring a hassle-free and immersive experience.

Tour Highlights

The tour begins with a visit to the Ballestas Islands, a group of small islands off the coast of Paracas known for their diverse wildlife.

Travelers will spot seabirds, sea lions, and possibly even Humboldt penguins during the boat tour.

During the boat tour, travelers may spot seabirds, sea lions, and even the elusive Humboldt penguins.

Next, the group will head to the stunning desert oasis of Huacachina, where they’ll try their hand at sandboarding and sand buggy rides.

The highlight of the day is the ceviche cooking class, where participants learn to prepare this classic Peruvian dish under the guidance of a local chef.

Throughout the tour, travelers can enjoy tastings of local wines, piscos, and Peruvian snacks.

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Ballestas Islands Adventure

Visitors set sail on a scenic boat tour of the Ballestas Islands, a stunning natural wonder off the coast of Paracas. The three-hour excursion provides a unique opportunity to observe the diverse wildlife that inhabits the archipelago. Travelers can spot seabirds, sea lions, and even the elusive Humboldt penguins from the comfort of the boat.

| Highlights | Duration | Cost |

|————|———-|——|

| Observe wildlife | 3 hours | Included |

| View sea caves and rock formations | | |

| Learn about the islands’ history and ecology | | |

The tour also includes a visit to Paracas National Reserve, allowing visitors to enjoy the region’s natural beauty and rich cultural heritage.

Sandboarding and Sand Carts in Huacachina

After exploring the Ballestas Islands, the tour takes visitors to the oasis town of Huacachina.

Here, they’ll experience the thrilling adventure of sandboarding and sand carts (buggy). Participants strap on boards and glide down the towering golden dunes, feeling the wind in their hair.

Participants strap on boards and glide down the towering golden dunes, feeling the wind in their hair.

For those who prefer a more leisurely experience, the sand carts provide an exhilarating alternative, allowing travelers to sit back and enjoy the dune landscapes.

This unique activity offers a fun and adrenaline-filled interlude before the next part of the tour – the ceviche cooking class.

Ceviche Cooking Demonstration

Following the tour of the Ballestas Islands and the thrilling sandboarding experience in Huacachina, participants gather for the highlight of the day – a ceviche cooking demonstration.

An expert guide leads the class, showcasing the preparation of this iconic Peruvian dish. Guests observe as the guide expertly cuts and marinates the fresh seafood, explaining the traditional techniques.

Afterward, everyone has the opportunity to sample the freshly made ceviche, complemented by traditional Peruvian flavors.

The cooking demonstration provides a hands-on cultural experience, allowing visitors to learn about and appreciate the culinary heritage of Peru.

Included Amenities and Experiences

Aside from the tour of the Ballestas Islands and the sandboarding adventure in Huacachina, this experience includes a range of amenities and activities.

Travelers can look forward to:

Hotel pickup and drop-off in Barranco, Miraflores, and San Isidro
A guided tour of the Ballestas Islands with an English and Spanish-speaking guide
Tasting of local delicacies like chocotejas and tiles, as well as wine and pisco tastings
A ceviche cooking class demonstration and tasting, providing an immersive culinary experience.

The tour also includes lunch, entry fees, and transportation, making it a comprehensive and convenient way to explore Lima’s top attractions.

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Pickup and Meeting Details

The tour begins with hotel pickup from select locations in Barranco, Miraflores, and San Isidro.

Shared tourist transport will take you to the various sites throughout the day. Pickup details are provided upon booking confirmation.

The tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, but strollers are allowed. Infants must sit on laps.

Pregnant travelers and those with heart problems or serious medical conditions aren’t recommended to participate. Most travelers can join the tour, which is available for all ages.

Free cancellation is possible up to 24 hours before the experience starts.

Important Considerations

Travelers should consider several important factors before booking this tour. Certain individuals may not be suitable for the activities, such as those with mobility issues or medical conditions.

Plus, the tour involves extensive travel, so those prone to motion sickness should take precautions. Infants must be held on laps, and the tour isn’t wheelchair accessible.

However, the tour does accommodate service animals and is near public transportation. Ultimately, most travelers can participate, but it’s essential to review the details carefully to ensure the tour aligns with one’s needs and capabilities.

Not recommended for pregnant travelers or those with heart problems or serious medical conditions
Infants must sit on laps
Not wheelchair accessible
Service animals allowed

Customer Feedback and Host Response

While the overall tour experience received positive feedback, some customers suggested clearer descriptions for certain activities, such as the ceviche class being a demonstration rather than a full hands-on cooking class.

Reviewers appreciated the addition of the wine tasting, but felt the ceviche class could have been better communicated.

In response, the host acknowledged the feedback and committed to improving activity descriptions for better clarity in the future.

The tour received high ratings, with customers praising the variety of experiences and the knowledgeable guide.

The host’s willingness to address feedback was also well-received.

Questions About Your Stay

How Much Time Is Allocated for Each Activity?

The tour allocates time for each activity, though the specific duration is not provided. The itinerary includes a Ballestas Islands tour, sandboarding and sand carts, a ceviche cooking class demonstration, and tasting experiences throughout the day.

Are There Any Age Restrictions for the Tour?

The tour is available for all ages. Infants must sit on laps, and it’s not recommended for pregnant travelers. Most travelers can participate, as there are no specific age restrictions mentioned in the tour details.

Can the Tour Be Customized to Individual Preferences?

The tour can be customized to individual preferences, but specific requests may be subject to availability and additional fees. Travelers should discuss any special needs or preferences with the tour provider prior to booking.

What Should Participants Bring for the Activities?

Participants should bring comfortable, closed-toe shoes, sunscreen, sunglasses, a hat, and a small backpack or bag for the activities. It’s also a good idea to bring extra cash for any optional purchases or tips.

Is There an Option to Book the Tour Privately?

Yes, there’s an option to book the tour privately. The tour operator offers a private tour option for groups, which allows for a more personalized experience and flexibility during the tour activities.

Final Verdict On This Stay

This tour offers an unbeatable blend of wildlife, outdoor adventure, and culture. Witness the natural wonders of the Ballestas Islands, tackle the dunes of Huacachina, and learn the art of ceviche-making from a local expert. With convenient hotel pickup, a included lunch, and tastings of regional delicacies, this comprehensive experience showcases the best of Lima’s diverse attractions.