Lima: Ballestas Islands, Winery & Huacachina Oasis Private Tour

Exploring the wonders of Lima’s natural and cultural treasures is a must-do for any traveler. This private tour offers an exhilarating blend of wildlife viewing, wine tasting, and desert adventures. From the captivating Ballestas Islands to the charming town of Ica and the breathtaking Huacachina Oasis, this experience promises to leave you with a deeper appreciation for the diverse landscapes and experiences Peru has to offer. With so much to discover, it’s no wonder this tour is a popular choice among adventurous travelers.

About Your Stay

• This private full-day tour from Lima offers a comprehensive experience, including wildlife viewing at Ballestas Islands, a chocolate factory and winery visit, and a sand buggy and sandboarding adventure.
• The Ballestas Islands boat tour allows visitors to observe colonies of Humboldt penguins, sea lions, and diverse seabirds in their natural habitat.
• The tour includes a visit to a charming town of Ica, where guests can learn about artisanal chocolate making and sample award-winning Peruvian wines.
• The sand buggy and sandboarding experience at Huacachina Oasis provides an adrenaline-fueled adventure through the mesmerizing desert landscape.
• The tour is wheelchair accessible, accommodates dietary requirements, and has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 based on 8 reviews.

Tour Overview

This private full-day tour from Lima allows visitors to explore the captivating Ballestas Islands and the stunning Huacachina Oasis.

The tour highlights include wildlife viewing, buggy rides, and visits to a chocolate factory and winery. All meals and transportation are provided, ensuring a seamless experience.

Highlights include wildlife viewing, buggy rides, and visits to a chocolate factory and winery. Transportation and meals are provided for a seamless experience.

The itinerary features a boat tour of the Ballestas Islands to see sea lions, penguins, and diverse wildlife, followed by a visit to Ica for a chocolate factory and winery tour with lunch.

The tour culminates in a thrilling sand buggy and sandboarding adventure at the Huacachina Oasis.

Wildlife Viewing at Ballestas Islands

Although the Ballestas Islands are often referred to as the "poor man’s Galapagos," these rocky outcroppings teeming with wildlife offer an exceptional opportunity to observe a diverse array of seabirds and marine mammals in their natural habitat.

Cruise around the islands on a boat tour and witness colonies of Humboldt penguins, sea lions, and a variety of seabirds, including boobies, cormorants, and Peruvian pelicans.

The sheer number and proximity of the wildlife is truly remarkable, providing visitors with an unforgettable wildlife viewing experience.

Prepare to be amazed by the vibrant colors and dynamic behavior of these fascinating creatures.

Chocolate Factory and Winery Tour

After exploring the stunning Ballestas Islands, the tour transports visitors to the charming town of Ica, where they’ll have the opportunity to explore the rich flavors of Peruvian chocolate and wine. At a local chocolate factory, guests learn about the intricate process of crafting artisanal chocolates. They then visit a nearby winery to sample award-winning Peruvian wines and the traditional chica morada beverage, all while enjoying a hearty lunch.

| Chocolate Factory | Winery |

|——————-|——–|

| Artisanal chocolate making | Award-winning Peruvian wines |

| Cocoa bean processing | Traditional chica morada |

| Tasting various chocolate varieties | Lunch pairing |

Sand Buggy and Sandboarding Experience

Departing the charming town of Ica, the tour winds its way through the desert landscape towards the captivating Huacachina Oasis.

Anticipation builds as the group boards the adrenaline-fueled sand buggies. Zooming across the golden dunes, they feel the rush of the wind and the thrill of the ride.

Reaching the pinnacle of the towering dunes, it’s time to strap on the boards and glide down the slopes. The smooth, graceful movements of sandboarding contrast sharply with the wild buggy rides.

Both activities offer a unique perspective of the mesmerizing desert environment surrounding the tranquil Huacachina Oasis.

Meals and Transportation

The tour includes all meals and transportation throughout the day.

Guests start with a breakfast box provided during the drive from Lima to Paracas. Lunch is served at the chocolate factory and winery stop, and includes the local drink chica morada.

All transportation is via a private minivan or SUV, ensuring a comfortable and efficient journey. Refreshing drinks are available throughout the day.

The tour provides a seamless experience, taking care of the logistics so travelers can focus on enjoying the highlights of the Ballestas Islands, Ica, and Huacachina Oasis.

Important Information and Considerations

Although the tour is wheelchair accessible, it’s important to note that the terrain can be uneven and involve some walking.

The tour starts early at 4:30 AM, so travelers should be prepared for an early start.

An early 4:30 AM start time means travelers should be well-rested and ready for the day’s adventures.

Dietary requirements are accommodated, but pregnant women aren’t recommended to participate.

The tour is private, allowing guests to fully enjoy the experiences without large crowds.

While the guides provide a good level of information, some past travelers felt more in-depth details could be provided.

Tour Feedback and Ratings

Travelers have provided generally positive feedback on the Private Tour of Lima, with an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 based on 8 reviews.

Guests praised the overall experience and quality of food, though some criticized the lengthy drive time and felt the guide could have provided more information.

The standout experiences highlighted were the enjoyable activities like the sand buggy and sandboarding at the Huacachina Oasis, as well as the scenic views during the tour.

Questions About Your Stay

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

You can’t bring your own food and drinks on this tour. The tour includes breakfast, lunch, and refreshing drinks. Alcoholic drinks are available for purchase separately. The tour provider will accommodate any dietary requirements.

Are There Any Age Restrictions for the Sand Buggy and Sandboarding?

The tour has no age restrictions for the sand buggy and sandboarding experience at Huacachina Oasis. However, children must be accompanied by an adult. Participants of all ages can enjoy these thrilling activities as part of the tour.

Do I Need to Bring My Own Equipment for the Sandboarding?

No, you don’t need to bring your own equipment for the sandboarding. The tour includes the necessary gear like sandboards and helmets. You’ll be provided with everything you need to enjoy the sandboarding experience at the Huacachina Oasis.

Can I Customize the Tour Itinerary to Fit My Preferences?

Yes, you can typically customize the tour itinerary to fit your preferences. The tour provider is usually flexible and open to adjusting the schedule or activities based on your interests and needs.

What Is the Cancellation and Refund Policy for This Tour?

The cancellation and refund policy allows for a full refund if canceled at least 24 hours prior to the start time. Within 24 hours, a 50% refund is provided. There are no refunds for no-shows.

Final Verdict On This Stay

This Lima private tour offers a diverse range of experiences, from witnessing the vibrant wildlife of the Ballestas Islands to indulging in local wine and chocolate. The thrilling sand buggy rides and sandboarding at the Huacachina Oasis provide an adrenaline-filled highlight. With convenient transportation and a knowledgeable guide, this tour is a great way to explore the natural wonders and cultural attractions surrounding Lima.