The Paracas Islands and Oasis of Huacachina in Ica offer an unforgettable full-day adventure from Lima. Departing at 5:00 am, this tour takes you to the stunning Paracas Bay and the Ballestas Islands, where you’ll witness the region’s diverse marine life. After pisco tasting, the excitement continues with a thrilling buggy ride and sandboarding in the picturesque Huacachina Oasis. With meals, an English-speaking guide, and a small group size, this tour promises a personalized experience. But the real highlights await as you explore these natural wonders of Peru’s southern coast.
Key Points

- This full-day tour explores the stunning Paracas Islands and the enchanting Huacachina Oasis, with activities including a boat tour, buggy ride, and sandboarding.
- Includes round-trip transportation from Lima, with pickups and drop-offs near Parque Kennedy in Miraflores, ensuring a hassle-free experience.
- Led by an English-speaking guide who provides insights into the history, culture, and natural wonders of the region.
- Small-group tour with a maximum of 14 travelers, fostering a personalized and interactive experience.
- Participants should assess their physical abilities, as the tour includes some challenging activities and may not be suitable for those with certain medical conditions.
Tour Overview and Itinerary
This full-day tour provides an opportunity to explore the captivating Paracas Islands and the enchanting Huacachina Oasis.
The tour departs from Lima at 5:00 am and includes a visit to Paracas Bay, a boat tour of the Ballestas Islands, and pisco and wine tasting.
Travelers will then visit the Huacachina Oasis, where they can enjoy a buggy ride in the desert and try sandboarding.
Meals including breakfast, lunch, and dinner are provided.
The tour includes private transportation and an English-speaking guide, with a maximum group size of 14 travelers.
Here are more experiences we've reviewed in Lima
Transport and Meeting Points

The tour includes private transportation throughout the day, starting with pickup from hotels near Kennedy Park or a meeting point at Parque Kennedy in Miraflores.
Travelers are transported from Lima to Paracas, Ica, and Huacachina, then back to the original meeting point. This ensures a seamless and efficient experience, allowing participants to focus on the activities without worrying about transportation.
The private transport provides a comfortable and convenient way to explore the different destinations on the itinerary.
At the end of the tour, guests will be dropped off at the same meeting point where the journey began.
Tour Guide and Group Size

Although the tour has a maximum group size of 14 travelers, it’s led by an English-speaking guide who ensures a personalized and informative experience.
The guide provides valuable insights into the history, culture, and natural wonders of the Paracas and Huacachina regions.
They’re adept at managing the group, coordinating activities, and addressing any questions or concerns that may arise.
This small-group format allows for a more intimate and engaging tour, fostering opportunities for interaction and fostering a sense of camaraderie among the participants.
Health and Accessibility Information

While the Paracas Islands and Huacachina Tour offers a diverse range of activities, it’s important to note that the tour isn’t wheelchair accessible.
Travelers with back problems, pregnant women, and those with serious medical conditions may find the tour challenging. However, most travelers can participate in the activities.
The boat tour of the Ballestas Islands requires climbing into and out of the boat, and the buggy ride and sandboarding in the Huacachina Oasis can be strenuous.
It’s essential for participants to assess their physical abilities before booking the tour.
Pricing and Cancellation Policy

The price for the Paracas Islands and Huacachina Tour starts from $75.00 per person.
The tour also offers free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience starts. Travelers can reserve their spot now and pay later.
Plus, the tour provider provides the following cancellation policy:
- Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience starts
- Cancellations within 24 hours are subject to a fee
- No-shows won’t be refunded
- Rescheduling may be available, subject to availability and additional fees
Reviews and Recommendations

The Paracas Islands and Huacachina Tour has an overall rating of 4.7 based on 3 reviews.
Travelers praised the tour guide’s performance and the chance to see marine life. However, some suggested focusing more on the Huacachina oasis and reducing the rushed sand dune activities.
Plus, a few travelers experienced issues with timing and changing facilities before the return trip.
Exploring Paracas Bay

Situated along Peru’s rugged southern coastline, Paracas Bay boasts a diverse array of marine life and geological wonders.
During the Ballestas Islands boat tour, travelers can observe:
- Colonies of sea lions basking on the rocky outcrops
- Thousands of seabirds, including Humboldt penguins, Peruvian boobies, and cormorants
- Dramatic rock formations sculpted by wind and waves
- Glimpses of the Candelabra geoglyph, a mysterious ancient design carved into the cliffs
This breathtaking natural landscape provides a window into the abundant marine ecosystem thriving just off the Peruvian coast, making it a highlight of the Paracas and Huacachina tour.
Adventure in the Huacachina Oasis

After exploring the remarkable Paracas Bay, the tour moves inland to the mesmerizing Huacachina Oasis. Nestled amidst towering sand dunes, this natural wonder beckons adventurers. Participants embark on a thrilling buggy ride, navigating the undulating terrain. Next, they try their hand at sandboarding, gliding down the golden slopes. This adrenaline-fueled experience offers a unique perspective of the desert landscape. A refreshing break follows, with the opportunity to sip local Pisco and wine. Truly, the Huacachina Oasis provides a captivating blend of adventure and relaxation, making it a highlight of the day’s journey.
| Activity | Description |
|---|---|
| Buggy Ride | Thrilling ride through the desert dunes |
| Sandboarding | Gliding down the golden slopes |
| Pisco & Wine Tasting | Savor local spirits and wines |
Sum Up
This tour offers an exhilarating mix of natural wonders and thrilling activities. Travelers can explore the stunning Paracas Bay and witness the diverse marine life of the Ballestas Islands. The adventure continues with pisco tasting, a dune buggy ride, and sandboarding in the picturesque Huacachina Oasis. With a personalized experience and an English-speaking guide, this full-day tour from Lima is a must-do for those seeking an unforgettable journey.
More Walking Tours in Lima
- Lima: City Walking Tour & Catacombs & Magic Water Fountains
- Lima: Miraflores Trending Flavors Half-Day Walking Tour
- Lima: Flavors and Tradition Walking Tour With Food Tasting
- In Depth Barranco Art Walking Tour With a Local Artist
- Lima: Walking City Tour and Catacombs
- Pueblo Libre: Walking Tour on the Traces of Bolivar
More Tours in Lima
- Lima: Food Tour with History, Culture, and Local Cuisine
- Lima: guided tour of a nature reserve on the Rimac River
- From Lima: 16-DAY Tour of Peru and Bolivia With Accomodation
- Tour 9D: Lima – Machu Picchu – Lake Titicaca – Nazca – Ica
- From El Callao Port Lima: Tour to Machu Picchu
- From Lima: 13-Day Tour to Machu Picchu and Uyuni Salt Flats
More Tour Reviews in Lima
- Lima: Food Tour with History, Culture, and Local Cuisine
- Lima: guided tour of a nature reserve on the Rimac River
- Lima: Magical water and laser show
- From Lima: 16-DAY Tour of Peru and Bolivia With Accomodation
- Tour 9D: Lima – Machu Picchu – Lake Titicaca – Nazca – Ica
- From El Callao Port Lima: Tour to Machu Picchu
Still browsing? Here are more Lima experiences we've covered recently
- 3 Top-Rated Lima Tours & Experiences
- Lima: Food Tour with History, Culture, and Local Cuisine
- Lima: guided tour of a nature reserve on the Rimac River
- Lima: Magical water and laser show
- From Lima: 16-DAY Tour of Peru and Bolivia With Accomodation
- Tour 9D: Lima – Machu Picchu – Lake Titicaca – Nazca – Ica
- From El Callao Port Lima: Tour to Machu Picchu
- From Lima: 13-Day Tour to Machu Picchu and Uyuni Salt Flats
- From Lima: 10-Day Tour to Machu Picchu and Lake Titicaca
- From Huaraz/Lima: Huayhuash Mountain 11-Day Circuit Trip
- From Lima: Ballestas Islands, Nazca Line and Ica Tour 1 Day
- 4-Day Tour: Lima, Cusco and Machu Picchu Excursion by Train
