From US$207 per person.
Paracas, Ica and Huacachina Full Day Tour from Lima
- 15 to 16 hours door to door from Lima, of which about nine are on the road.
- Ballestas Islands by boat, two hours, morning only, with sea lions, Humboldt penguins and the 180 m Candelabro geoglyph.
- Dune buggy and sandboarding at Huacachina, about two hours, with the last run timed for sunset.
- Pisco distillery stop in Ica on the way.
- Runs all year: the coastal desert is dry every month. December to March is hot and busy; April to November is milder.
- Not for you if the trip is short and centred on Cusco. Nine hours of road is a lot for one afternoon of dunes.
This is a **15 to 16 hour day** that leaves Lima around 4:00 a.m. and gets back near 9:00 p.m. In between you are on a boat at the Ballestas Islands, in a pisco distillery in Ica, and on a dune buggy at Huacachina at sunset. Roughly nine of those hours are on the road. That is the trade you are making, and it is worth knowing before you book.
**The Ballestas Islands** are a two hour boat trip from Paracas, morning only, because the afternoon wind makes the crossing rough. You do not land; the boat circles islands covered in sea lions, Humboldt penguins, pelicans and guano birds in numbers that are hard to picture until you are there. On the way out you pass **El Candelabro**, a 180 metre figure cut into a hillside facing the sea that nobody has explained.
**Huacachina** is a village of about a hundred people built around a green lagoon in the middle of sand dunes, four kilometres from Ica. The buggy takes six to eight people out into the dunes for around two hours and drives it like a roller coaster. It stops at the top of a dune and hands out boards. Most people go down lying face first, which needs no skill at all. The last run is timed for sunset, when the dunes turn orange and then deep red.
**Do this tour if** you have a spare day in Lima and want desert and Pacific wildlife in one go. **Skip it if** your trip is short and built around Cusco and Machu Picchu: nine hours of road for an afternoon of dunes is a poor trade when the Sacred Valley is on the table. And skip the buggy, or sit near the front and say so, if you have back or neck problems. The ride is rough by design.
**What to bring.** Wrap-around sunglasses, because sand gets everywhere at speed. A scarf or buff for your mouth and nose. Sunscreen, more than you think, because there is no shade at all. Closed shoes; sandals fill with sand on the first dune. A bag for your phone, since fine sand ruins charging ports. And a warm layer for the boat, where the wind is constant.
The tour runs all year. The coastal desert is dry every month, so what changes is temperature and crowds: December to March is summer, above 30 °C and busiest with Peruvian visitors; April to November is milder, 18 to 25 °C, with a grey coastal cloud called la garúa that usually burns off by midday.
Hotel pickup in Lima, transport, the Ballestas boat and the buggy are included. The Nazca Lines are not part of this tour; they are two hours further south and need the two day version.
At a glance
- Days: 1
- Highest point: 520 m
- Price: From US$207 per person
Itinerary
Day 1: Ballestas Islands, Paracas Candelabra and Huacachina Oasis
Altitude: 520 m · Meals: Breakfast · Overnight: Lima
Very early, between 04:40 and 05:00 a.m., we will begin our trip from Lima to the beautiful bay of Paracas, one of the main nature destinations on the Peruvian coast. After a box-lunch breakfast, we will board a boat to sail toward the impressive Ballestas Islands, an extraordinary wildlife sanctuary where we will observe the enigmatic Paracas Candelabra, as well as sea lions, Humboldt penguins, pelicans, boobies, and numerous guano birds in their natural habitat. Afterward we will visit a traditional winery, where we will learn about the artisanal process of making Pisco, Peru's national drink, as well as local wines, enjoying a tasting before having free time for lunch (optional).
In the afternoon we will continue to the spectacular Huacachina Oasis, considered the only natural oasis in South America and one of the country's most emblematic desert landscapes. Surrounded by giant golden dunes, this destination offers the perfect setting to relax by the lagoon or get a dose of adrenaline with an exciting buggy ride and sandboarding, two of the most popular activities in the Peruvian desert. At the end of this unforgettable experience, we will begin the return trip to Lima, arriving approximately between 10:00 and 11:00 p.m., culminating a day that combines nature, wildlife, gastronomy, tradition, and adventure on the Peruvian coast.
What is included
- High Quality Service and Safety
- Transportation All our services are designed to offer you safety, comfort and a deep cultural experience.
What is not included
- Meals Not Included
- Tips for our staff (tips are customary in Peru; although our team receives a good salary, they are appreciated)
- Possible Additional Costs or Delays Beyond Our Control
Frequently asked questions
What does the Paracas, Ica & Huacachina one-day tour include?
The tour includes transport from Lima, a visit to the Paracas Reserve (Ballestas Islands), wine tasting in Ica, sandboarding and buggy ride at the Huacachina oasis, and return to Lima.
How long is the journey from Lima to Paracas?
Approximately 3.5, 4 hours by comfortable tourist bus. The tour departs very early (5:00, 5:30 AM) to make the most of the day and returns to Lima around 10:00, 11:00 PM.
Is sandboarding included in the price?
Yes, the buggy ride and sandboarding in the Huacachina dunes are included in the tour price.
What should I bring for this tour?
Comfortable and cool clothing, warm clothes for the night return, high-SPF sunscreen, sunglasses, clothes to cover yourself from sand, a camera and cash for meals and souvenirs.
Are meals included?
The tour includes lunch at a restaurant in Ica or Paracas. Breakfast and dinner are not included. There is free time to buy snacks or eat at the Huacachina oasis.
What is the Paracas National Reserve?
The Paracas National Reserve is one of the most important protected areas in South America, located on Peru's southern coast (Ica). It covers 335,000 hectares of coastal desert, beaches, cliffs and the Humboldt Sea. It is home to condors, flamingos, South American sea lions, Humboldt penguins and thousands of migratory birds. The Ballestas Islands are its main attraction for tourists.
Why are the Ballestas Islands famous?
The Ballestas Islands, known as the "Peruvian Galápagos," are famous for their enormous colonies of South American sea lions, Humboldt penguins, fur seals, dolphins and over 150 species of seabirds that inhabit them. The boat trip around the islands is one of the most spectacular wildlife sightings in all of Peru, fully included in our tour.
What animals will I see at the Ballestas Islands?
At the Ballestas Islands you are almost certain to see South American sea lions (in large groups on the rocks), Humboldt penguins, pelicans, boobies, guanays, cormorants and, with luck, dolphins and coastal condors soaring over the cliffs. The best time for wildlife sightings is in the morning, when the tour sets off early from Paracas port.
What is the best time to visit Paracas?
Paracas can be visited year-round thanks to its dry desert climate. December to March are the warmest months and perfect for the beach. May to October may bring the "Paracas" (strong southern wind) that stirs up the sea. For bird and sea lion watching, any month is good. Winds are strongest between July and August.
Is the Paracas and Ica tour safe?
Yes. It is one of the safest and most popular full-day tours in Peru, operated with comfortable licensed tourist buses on the safe intercity route (South Pan-American Highway). The Ballestas Islands boat trip uses authorized motorboats with life jackets. Sandboarding at Huacachina is also done with safety equipment and a guide.
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