Price

From$90

Booking Form

Enquiry Form

Save To Wish List

175

Tour to the Ballestas Islands and Huacachina

________________________

From Lima, experience a complete adventure with marine wildlife, giant dunes, and adrenaline-pumping dune buggy rides. Discover the Ballestas Islands and glide through the Huacachina Desert. A day full of scenery and excitement.

SUMMARY

ITINERARY

INCLUSIONS

TiPS

PHOTOS

FAQS

Tour summary

We will start early in the morning, leaving Lima for the southern coast of Peru. The drive will take around 4 hours, covering about 250 kilometers. Along the way, we will enjoy scenic views of coastal deserts and rolling sand dunes. This day tour will offer a perfect mix of wildlife encounters and adventure.

In Paracas, we will board a speedboat to visit the famous Islas Ballestas. These islands are home to sea lions, Humboldt penguins, and a wide variety of birds. We might also spot dolphins swimming close to the boat. The boat ride will last around 2 hours and includes views of the mysterious Candelabra geoglyph.

After our marine adventure, we will continue south to the Huacachina Oasis, just 75 kilometers away. There, we will explore this stunning desert lagoon surrounded by huge sand dunes. We could ride dune buggies and try sandboarding on the golden hills. This thrilling experience will last about an hour and promises spectacular photos.

We will have free time to relax or enjoy a local meal before heading back to Lima. The return trip will offer one last look at the Pacific coast and desert landscape. This full-day tour will leave us with unforgettable memories. Join and discover the best of Islas Ballestas and Huacachina in one exciting day.

Itinerary

Paracas, Ballestas Islands, Ica & Huacachina Full Day Tour

Start Time: 4:30 – 5:00 AM

We will begin this full-day tour with hotel pickup in Lima between 4:30 and 5:00 AM. Our private vehicle will head south along the Pan-American Highway. The drive to Paracas will last around 4 hours, covering 250 kilometers. We will enjoy sunrise views over coastal deserts and the Pacific Ocean.

Arrival in Paracas and Ballestas Islands Tour

We will arrive in Paracas around 9:00 AM and head directly to the local dock. There, we will board a speedboat for a guided tour to the famous Islas Ballestas. The ride will take us across sparkling waters toward the wildlife-rich islands. We will see hundreds of seabirds, Humboldt penguins, and curious sea lions.

These rocky islands are a vital refuge for many marine species. During the tour, we might also spot dolphins swimming near the boat. On the return, we will view the Candelabra geoglyph carved into the sandy hillside. Its origins remain a mystery, but it measures over 180 meters long.

After the boat tour, we will drive one hour inland to Ica, located 75 km away. On the way, we will visit a traditional vineyard for a guided wine and pisco demonstration. We will learn how locals craft these drinks using ancient techniques. We could sample a variety of local spirits and wines during this stop.

We will enjoy a relaxing lunch at the vineyard or a nearby restaurant. Local cuisine includes flavorful seafood, criollo dishes, and refreshing fruit juices. After lunch, we will continue toward our next destination: the Huacachina Oasis. This lush desert lagoon lies hidden between golden sand dunes.

Huacachina Oasis and Dune Adventure

We will explore Huacachina, a rare desert oasis surrounded by tall dunes and palm trees. We will stroll around the lagoon and take in the stunning desert landscape. Next, we will hop into powerful dune buggies for an exhilarating ride through the sand. This action-packed hour will include steep drops, sharp turns, and thrilling climbs.

We will stop at the top of dunes for sandboarding. You may ride seated or standing, depending on your comfort level. Local guides will assist first-time sandboarders for a fun and safe ride. The sunset over the dunes will provide perfect photo opportunities.

Return to Lima

After a full day of discovery and adventure, we will begin our drive back to Lima. The return trip will take approximately 5 hours, depending on traffic. We will arrive in the capital around 11:00 PM. This tour will leave us with unforgettable moments from coast to desert.

Full Day Tour Summary:

Total distance traveled: Around 650 km
Tour duration: Approximately 18 hours
Lowest altitude: 0 meters (sea level at Paracas)
Highest altitude: 406 meters at Huacachina
Route: Lima – Paracas – Ica – Huacachina – Lima
Difficulty level: Easy to moderate depending on activities

INCLUSIONS

Hotel pickup and all ground transfers

Round-trip transportation from Lima to Ica

Professional bilingual guide and experienced driver

Guided boat tour to Islas Ballestas and view of the Candelabra geoglyph

City tour of Ica and Huacachina, including dune buggy ride and sandboarding

All entrance fees and local taxes included

EXCLUSIONS

Meals and drinks during the tour

Personal expenses and tips

Travel insurance

Optional activities not mentioned in the itinerary

Accommodation before or after the tour

Snacks or water (recommended to bring your own)

recommendations for the tour

Original passport or valid ID

Comfortable walking shoes or sneakers

Light jacket or windbreaker for the boat ride

Sunscreen with high SPF

Sunglasses and a wide-brim hat or cap

Reusable water bottle

Snacks for the road

Small backpack or daypack

Cash for meals, souvenirs, and tips

Camera or smartphone for photos

Swimwear and towel (optional, if planning to get wet)

FAQS

Is this tour suitable for children or older adults?

Yes, it is family-friendly. However, the dune buggy ride may not be suitable for very young children or seniors with mobility issues.

Do we need to bring passports for this tour?

Yes, we recommend bringing your original passport or a valid photo ID for identification purposes.

What animals can we expect to see at the Islas Ballestas?

We might see sea lions, Humboldt penguins, pelicans, boobies, cormorants, and sometimes dolphins.

Do we enter the water during the boat tour?

No, we will not enter the water. The wildlife is observed safely from the boat.

Is sandboarding safe for beginners?

Yes, local guides will assist all participants. You may sit or lie on the board if you're not comfortable standing.

Can we skip the dune buggy or sandboarding activity?

Yes, you may choose to relax at the oasis while others join the adventure.

Will we have free time to explore?

Yes, we will have free time in Huacachina to relax, take photos, or explore on foot.

Gallery

1 Review

Sort By:RatingDate

Eliana R.

Solo Traveller

“The perfect day trip from Lima!”
We loved every moment of this tour! The boat ride to the Islas Ballestas was magical — sea lions, penguins, and stunning views. Huacachina was straight out of a movie, and the dune buggy ride was pure adrenaline. Our guide was friendly, knowledgeable, and made the whole experience unforgettable!

November 2, 2024

Islas Ballestas and Huacachina Day Tour

Blog