Ballestas Islands and Huacachina Tour from Lima

🧭 Description

Embark on an unforgettable journey along the southern coast of Peru with our Full-Day Tour to the Ballestas Islands and Huacachina from Lima — a trip that combines marine wildlife, stunning natural landscapes, and thrilling desert adventures, all in a single day.

Begin your adventure heading toward Paracas, where you’ll take a boat ride to the Ballestas Islands, often referred to as the “Galápagos of Peru.” There, you’ll get up close to sea lions, Humboldt penguins, guano birds, and stunning rock formations that showcase the raw beauty of nature. Along the way, you’ll also enjoy a privileged view of the mysterious geoglyph known as the Paracas Candelabra — an ancient figure etched into the coastal desert sands.

Next, you’ll head to the city of Ica, renowned for its winemaking tradition, rich gastronomy, and vibrant desert atmosphere. Here, you’ll enjoy free time for a regional lunch and visit a local artisanal winery, where you’ll taste a selection of Peruvian wines and piscos.

The journey continues to the incredible oasis of Huacachina — a real-life mirage nestled among towering sand dunes. Here, you’ll stroll between palm trees and golden sands before experiencing an adrenaline rush with the famous dune buggy ride through the desert, followed by a fun-filled sandboarding session. Whether standing, sitting, or lying down, you’ll glide down the dunes like a true adventurer.

The day concludes with free time to enjoy the oasis, relax by the lagoon, or shop for souvenirs before returning to Lima with the feeling of having experienced a perfect blend of nature, history, culture, and adventure—all in just one day.

🗺️ Itinerary

🚐 Pick up and drop off from Lima

The tour begins early in the morning with a pickup from your hotel or a designated meeting point in Lima. Aboard a private, air-conditioned, and comfortable tourist vehicle, you’ll head toward the southern coast, traveling along the Panamericana Sur Highway as you leave behind the urban hustle and bustle.

☕ Arrival in Paracas and time for breakfast

After picking you up, we’ll prepare for a journey of approximately 3 hours. Along the way, we’ll stop at an artisanal bakery where you’ll have some free time to enjoy a freshly baked, warm breakfast.

🛥️ Boat ride to the Ballestas Islands

We will begin the tour to the Ballestas Islands by entering the “El Chaco” dock, where we will board a speedboat that will take us on a journey lasting just over an hour. During the trip, we will admire the famous Paracas Candelabra, as well as colonies of sea lions, Humboldt penguins, and a wide variety of guano birds.

🚌 Transfer from Paracas to Ica

After the boat excursion, you will continue by road toward Ica, crossing coastal deserts and agricultural valleys. Along the way, your guide will share interesting insights about the culture, history, and winemaking industry of the region.

🍽️ Free lunch in Ica

We will arrive at a tourist winery and restaurant, where you will have free time to optionally enjoy traditional typical dishes from Ica. Next, we will visit the tasting room, where you can sample more than five varieties of wines, piscos, and cream liqueurs. There will also be time for shopping.

🌴 Visit to the Huacachina oasis

After lunch, you will be transferred to the legendary oasis of Huacachina, a natural paradise surrounded by vast dunes, palm trees, and an emerald lagoon. This landscape looks like it came straight out of a postcard and is perfect for walking, relaxing, or taking panoramic photos.

🚙 Buggy ride and sandboarding

The most exciting part of the tour has arrived. Aboard powerful buggies, you’ll race across the dunes of Huacachina in an experience that feels like a roller coaster on sand. Then, you’ll try sandboarding, sliding down the golden hills on a board—whether standing, sitting, or lying down—depending on your style and skill level.

🏞️ Free time in the oasis

After the adventure, you’ll have time to relax by the lagoon, shop for handicrafts, refresh yourself with a local drink, or capture the final photos in the golden light of the sunset.

🚌 Return to Lima

In the late afternoon, you’ll begin the return trip to Lima. The journey back is usually calm—perfect for resting, listening to music, or reviewing the photos from a day that will remain etched in your memory. Arrival in Lima is expected at night, concluding this coastal adventure full of nature, history, and adrenaline.

✅ What does the Tour include?

Everything you need to experience an unforgettable day between the sea, desert, and oasis is included in this full-day tour:

🚐 Private tourist transportation (round trip)

Comfortable travel in an air-conditioned tourist vehicle from Lima to Paracas, Ica, Huacachina, and back. Includes pickup from your hotel or a meeting point in central districts.

🧭 Tourist guide on route

Accompanied by a professional guide who will share cultural, historical, and natural information about each destination with you.

🛥️ Boat ride to the Ballestas Islands

Open sea boat excursion with views of the Paracas Candelabra geoglyph and navigation around the islands to observe sea lions, penguins, and guano birds.

🌴 Visit to the Huacachina Oasis

Free access to the oasis, with time to explore the surroundings, take photos, or relax by the lagoon.

🚙 Dune Buggy Tour

Thrilling dune buggy ride through the Ica desert, perfect for adrenaline lovers.

🏂 Sandboarding in the desert

Use of boards to slide down the vast dunes of Huacachina, with basic assistance from a local guide.

🆘 Permanent assistance

Coordination and support from the organizing team throughout the entire tour, from pickup to your return to Lima.

❌ What is not included?

We clearly outline what is not included in the base price of the tour, so you can plan your budget with no surprises:

☕ Breakfast in Paracas

Although you will have free time for breakfast, the cost is the passenger’s responsibility. There are cafés and bakeries in front of the pier.

🍽️ Lunch in Ica

There will be a stop for lunch, but the cost is not included. You can choose from various restaurants or visit a local winery for food and wine/pisco tasting.

💰 Tips

Tips for the guide, driver, or support staff are not included. They are voluntary but greatly appreciated if you wish to acknowledge good service.

🛍️ Personal purchases

Additional expenses such as souvenirs, extra drinks, snacks, handicrafts, or purchases at local shops are not included.

🎫 Optional activities not mentioned

Any activity outside the detailed itinerary is not included. If you wish to add an extra boat ride in Huacachina or an additional visit to a winery, you can inquire in advance.

🌟 Recommendations

To help you make the most of this experience between the sea and the desert, please keep the following suggestions in mind:

🧴 Bring sunscreen and sunglasses

The weather in Paracas and the Ica Desert is usually sunny, even during winter. Protect your skin and eyes from the sun’s reflection off the water and sand.

🎒 Use a light and comfortable backpack

Pack the essentials: water, a hat or cap, sunscreen, a camera, a light change of clothes, and personal documents.

👟 Wear comfortable, closed-toe shoes

Especially for the dunes, where you’ll be walking on hot sand. Avoid wearing sandals.

💧 Hydrate

Bring a bottle of water, especially for the desert part of the trip. The dry climate can cause dehydration quickly.

📷 Bring your camera or cell phone with a charged battery

You’ll enjoy spectacular views on the islands and at the oasis, as well as the sunset over the dunes.

🧾 Carry cash in soles

Some shops, restaurants, and artisans do not accept credit cards. It’s advisable to carry small bills for purchases and tips.

❓Frequently Asked Questions

📍 Where is the collection from?

Pick-up is from centrally located hotels in Lima: Miraflores, San Isidro, Barranco, or other agreed-upon locations. For private tours, pick-up can be arranged from any area.

⏰What time does the tour start and end?

Pick-up starts at approximately 4:00 a.m., and the return to Lima is estimated between 9:00 p.m. and 10:00 p.m., depending on traffic.

🛥️ Do you land on the Ballestas Islands?

No. Due to environmental conservation regulations, the tour is conducted entirely by boat, circling around the islands. Wildlife can be perfectly observed from the vessel.

🏂 Is sandboarding mandatory?

No. You can participate in the activity if you wish, and the guide will teach you the safest ways to slide. You can also simply enjoy the buggy ride.

🍽️ Can I bring my own food?

Yes, although there are stops for breakfast and lunch. If you follow a special diet or prefer to bring your own snacks, you are welcome to do so.

🧒 Is the tour suitable for children?

Yes, as long as they are accompanied by an adult. The boat ride and visit to the oasis are family-friendly. The buggy ride and sandboarding are suitable for children over 6 years old.