Paracas & Huacachina - Full Day
- Duration
- Full Day
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Altitude
- 406 m / 1,332 ft
- Group Size
- Small Group
- Tour Language
- English & Spanish
Full-Day Trip to the Ballestas Islands and Huacachina Oasis from Lima
Escape the city and discover two of the most spectacular landscapes on Peru’s coast in a single day of adventure. This full-day tour from Lima combines the incredible wildlife of Paracas with the breathtaking dunes of Huacachina, creating an unforgettable experience filled with nature, scenery, and excitement.
We begin with a journey to Paracas, a peaceful coastal town known for the Paracas National Reserve and the famous Ballestas Islands. During the boat excursion, you will have the opportunity to observe sea lions, Humboldt penguins, and a wide variety of seabirds in their natural habitat.
Later, we continue to Huacachina, a natural oasis surrounded by towering sand dunes in the heart of the Peruvian desert. Here, you will enjoy an exciting dune buggy adventure and have the chance to try sandboarding while taking in some of the most impressive desert landscapes on Peru’s southern coast.
This is one of the most complete day trips from Lima and an excellent choice for travelers who want to explore beyond the city while making the most of their time in Peru.
- Tour Type: Nature, adventure, and scenic landscapes.
- Ideal For: Couples, families, groups of friends, nature lovers, and travelers looking to explore beyond Lima.
- Duration: Approximately 16 hours.
- Start and End Point: Lima / Lima.
- Departure Time: Approximately between 4:00 a.m. and 5:00 a.m.
- Difficulty Level: Easy.
- Languages: English and Spanish.
- Meals Included: No meals included.
- Season: Available year-round.
- Service Type: Small-group tour or private service.
Tour Highlights
- Cruise to the famous Ballestas Islands.
- Observe sea lions and Humboldt penguins.
- View the mysterious geoglyph known as El Candelabro.
- Visit the coastal town of Paracas.
- Explore the spectacular Huacachina Oasis.
- Enjoy an exciting dune buggy adventure.
- Experience sandboarding on the dunes of Ica.
- Admire some of the most breathtaking landscapes on Peru’s coast.
- Complete full day excursion from Lima.
Included
- Pick-up from selected hotels in Lima.
- Round-trip tourist transportation.
- Professional bilingual guide.
- Ballestas Islands boat excursion.
- Life jacket during the boat tour.
- Wildlife observation experience.
- Visit to the Huacachina Oasis.
- Dune buggy ride through the desert.
- Sandboarding experience.
- Assistance throughout the excursion.
Not Included
- Breakfast.
- Lunch.
- Beverages.
- Port tax and local tourist fees (if applicable).
- Travel insurance.
- Personal expenses.
- Tips.
- Services not specifically mentioned in the program.
4:00 a.m. | Hotel Pick-Up in Lima
We begin our adventure with pick-up from hotels located in Miraflores, San Isidro, or other pre-arranged locations. From there, we travel south along Peru’s coastline aboard a comfortable tourist vehicle.
7:30 a.m. | Arrival in Paracas
After approximately three and a half hours of travel, we arrive in Paracas, one of Peru’s most important coastal destinations and the gateway to the famous Ballestas Islands. You will have time to use the facilities, take photos, and prepare for the upcoming boat excursion.
8:00 a.m. | Ballestas Islands Boat Tour
We board a tourist boat and begin our journey across Paracas Bay toward the Ballestas Islands. During the navigation, we will observe the famous geoglyph known as El Candelabro, a giant figure etched into the desert hillside whose origin and purpose remain a mystery.
We then continue toward the Ballestas Islands, where you can observe sea lions, Humboldt penguins, pelicans, boobies, cormorants, and many other seabird species that inhabit this protected marine reserve. The boat excursion lasts approximately two hours.
10:00 a.m. | Free Time in Paracas
After returning to the harbor, you will have free time to walk along the waterfront, take photos, or enjoy a snack before continuing the journey.
11:00 a.m. | Journey to Huacachina
We board our transportation once again and continue toward the city of Ica and the famous Huacachina Oasis, located in the heart of Peru’s coastal desert.
12:30 p.m. | Arrival at Huacachina
Upon arrival, you will discover the natural oasis surrounded by palm trees, a tranquil lagoon, and towering sand dunes that make it one of the most photographed destinations in Peru.
You will have time to explore the area, relax, or enjoy lunch on your own at one of the nearby restaurants.
2:30 p.m. | Free Time to Explore the Oasis
Enjoy the peaceful atmosphere of Huacachina while admiring the desert scenery and discovering why this small oasis has become one of Peru’s most popular destinations.
4:00 p.m. | Dune Buggy and Sandboarding Adventure
The adventure continues with an exciting dune buggy ride across the towering sand dunes of the Ica Desert. For approximately two hours, you will travel through some of the region’s most spectacular landscapes as your driver navigates steep climbs and thrilling descents over the dunes.
You will also have the opportunity to try sandboarding on several dunes, a fun and beginner-friendly activity that allows you to experience the desert in a unique way.
6:00 p.m. | Sunset in the Desert
Before leaving Huacachina, we will make a special stop to enjoy one of the most anticipated moments of the day: sunset over the dunes. As the sun slowly disappears behind the desert landscape, the changing colors create an unforgettable setting and the perfect opportunity for memorable photographs.
6:30 p.m. | Return to Lima
After our desert adventure, we begin the journey back to Lima.
10:00 p.m. | Arrival in Lima
We conclude the excursion with drop-off at the designated locations in Lima. Please note that arrival times may vary slightly depending on traffic conditions, weather, and the pace of the activities throughout the day.
What to Bring
- We recommend bringing:
- Passport or valid ID.
- Comfortable and lightweight clothing.
- Athletic or comfortable walking shoes.
- Sunscreen.
- Sunglasses.
- Hat or cap.
- Light jacket for the early morning and evening.
- Water.
- Camera or smartphone.
- Cash for personal expenses.
Price
| Shared Service | From USD 85 per person |
| Private Service | Custom pricing available upon request. |
Prices may vary depending on the season, availability, and number of travelers.
Options to Customize Your Experience
Private Service
Enjoy a more flexible itinerary with private transportation and personalized service for your group.
Nazca Extension
This experience can be combined with a Nazca Lines flight or an additional overnight stay in Ica, subject to availability.
Private Airport Transfers
We can arrange special transfers for travelers arriving in or departing from Lima around the dates of the excursion.
Frequently asked questions
How long does the tour last?
The excursion lasts approximately 16 to 18 hours, including transportation and all scheduled activities.
Are the Ballestas Islands suitable for all ages?
Yes. The boat excursion is suitable for most travelers, including families and senior visitors.
Do I need previous experience for sandboarding?
No. Sandboarding is beginner-friendly and includes basic instructions before the activity begins.
Can I see penguins year-round?
Yes. Humboldt penguins inhabit the Ballestas Islands throughout the year, although the number observed may vary depending on the season.
Are meals included?
No. Breakfast and lunch are not included, allowing travelers the flexibility to choose their preferred dining options.
How physically demanding is the tour?
The difficulty level is low. Activities are accessible to most travelers and do not require a special level of fitness.
Is a private tour available?
Yes. We can arrange private services for couples, families, and groups seeking a more personalized experience.
What makes this excursion special?
The combination of wildlife encounters at the Ballestas Islands, the breathtaking Huacachina Oasis, thrilling dune buggy rides, and sandboarding adventures makes this one of the most complete and popular day trips from Lima.
