From Lima: Ballestas Islands, Huacachina with buggy Economic

Experience the Best of Ica and Huacachina in One Day

If you’re dreaming of combining wildlife, adventure, and local flavors in a single day trip from Lima, this tour hits all those marks. For about $71, you’ll spend approximately 17 hours crisscrossing the Ica region, starting early and returning late, but packing in unforgettable sights. You’ll visit the Ballestas Islands, known as the “Galápagos of Peru,” for their teeming wildlife, and the Huacachina desert oasis, where huge dunes and adrenaline-pumping sandboarding await.

What’s great about this trip is the balance of nature, culture, and adventure. We loved how close you get to penguins and sea lions at the islands, and how the desert landscape feels like stepping onto another planet. Plus, the included wine and pisco tasting adds a flavorful local touch to the day.

One thing to keep in mind: this is a long day — a full 17 hours — so it’s best suited for travelers who enjoy full schedules and early mornings. If you’re someone who appreciates well-organized, value-packed excursions that tick multiple boxes in one trip, this tour is a strong choice. It’s particularly ideal if you love wildlife, outdoor thrills, and regional wines.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Key Points

• Wildlife at the Islands: See sea lions, Humboldt penguins, and guano birds on a guided boat tour.
• Adventure in the Dunes: Experience dune buggy rides and sandboarding on the largest dunes in South America.
• Cultural Flavor: Enjoy local wines and pisco with a guided tasting and learn about regional production.
• All-Inclusive Comfort: Transportation, boat rides, activities, and some meals are included, offering good value.
• Early Start, Long Day: Depart at dawn and return late, so plan accordingly.
• Authentic Experiences: Smaller group sizes and bilingual guides ensure an engaged visit.

A Deep Dive into the Full-Day Experience

Starting Out Bright and Early

The adventure kicks off before dawn, with pick-up points at Miraflores’ BCP Bank on Av. José Pardo and at Larcomar in front of the JW Marriott. This early start can feel grueling but is crucial to maximize your day. You’ll board a comfortable minibus with fellow travelers, heading south toward Paracas, a journey of about four hours.

This early departure means you’ll experience the quiet of the city and the scenic drive through Peru’s coastal landscape. The long drive is broken up with a quick stop in Paracas for a brief sightseeing opportunity—just enough time to get your bearings before the boat tour.

The Marine Wildlife of the Ballestas Islands

The highlight for many is the speedboat trip to the Ballestas Islands. The boat ride lasts around two hours, starting with a visit to The Candelabro, a giant figure engraved in the sand whose origins spark plenty of theories. It’s a fun photo opportunity and a good intro into the mystery surrounding the area.

Once at the islands, you’ll be surrounded by hundreds of sea lions, Humboldt penguins, and a variety of guano birds. The guide’s explanations add context to the wildlife and landscape you’re observing—something appreciated by travelers who like learning as they go. Expect plenty of photo moments and maybe even some curious dolphins if luck is on your side. One reviewer called this part “well worth it,” emphasizing how close and lively the animals are.

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Tasting Regional Wines and Pisco

After the boat adventure, you’ll make your way to the 10 Acres restaurant and winery, where the highlight is a tasting of local wines and piscos. The visit includes a guided tour about how these beverages are produced, giving you insight into Peru’s famed spirit and wine culture. The tasting is described as “exquisite,” with many reviewers praising the quality and flavor of the local products.

The meal here is usually simple — a regional style lunch — but the focus on beverages and the friendly guide makes it stand out. It’s a good chance to relax a bit and soak in the local flavors.

The Dunes of Huacachina: Adventure and Relaxation

After lunch, the journey continues to Huacachina, Peru’s only desert oasis. This magical spot is surrounded by towering sand dunes, providing a surreal landscape. Here, you’ll get off the bus to board tubulars — giant inflated tires attached to a dune buggy — for an adrenaline-rush ride over the sand.

The sandboarding experience is particularly popular, allowing you to slide down the dunes like a pro (or at least give it a good shot). The terrain is enormous, and the views are stunning—think vast, golden hills stretching to the horizon. Travelers describe the experience as “exciting” and “a lot of fun,” with some mentioning how the dunes feel like a scene from another planet.

Free Time and Shopping

Once the adrenaline subsides, you’ll have some free time to wander the oasis, take photos, or shop for souvenirs. It’s a relaxed way to soak in the scenery, maybe sip some water, and enjoy the desert atmosphere.

Return Journey and Reflection

After a full day of activity, the bus leaves Huacachina around 5:30 p.m., heading back north to Lima. The return trip takes about four hours, with arrivals back in Miraflores around 10:00 p.m. While long, this schedule allows you to pack in a lot without feeling rushed.

The Practical Side: What to Expect

This tour provides a well-organized and comprehensive experience at a reasonable price. The inclusion of transportation, boat rides, activities, and tastings offers good value. The group size tends to be small to medium, with a bilingual guide (English and Spanish) keeping everyone informed and entertained.

Keep in mind, costs like the $5 boarding tax for the islands aren’t included, and you’ll need to cover your own meals and drinks outside of the provided lunch and tastings. The early start might not suit everyone, especially if you’re not a morning person, but it’s necessary to maximize the day.

What We Love

• The wildlife tour on the islands is engaging, with plenty of chances for photos and close encounters.
• The sandboarding and buggy ride offer real thrills and a chance to get active in the desert landscape.
• The local wine and pisco tasting adds a flavorful cultural element, making the trip more than just sightseeing.

Things to Consider

• The length of the day can be tiring, especially for those unaccustomed to long bus rides.
• The basic breakfast offered early in the morning might not satisfy everyone, so packing a snack isn’t a bad idea.
• This tour isn’t suitable for very young children, pregnant women, or those with mobility issues, given the physical nature of activities and the early start.

Who Will Enjoy This Tour?

This trip is ideal for adventurous travelers who appreciate wildlife, like seeing penguins and sea lions up close, and enjoy outdoor activities like sandboarding. It’s also perfect for those interested in regional wines and spirits or wanting a taste of Peru’s diverse landscapes — from ocean to desert in one day.

It’s especially good for travelers who don’t mind a long day in transit and want a comprehensive, value-packed excursion that hits the highlights of the Ica region. If you’re looking for a laid-back, relaxing experience, this might be a bit full-on, but for active explorers and curious minds, it’s a fantastic choice.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is hotel pickup included?
No, the tour starts at designated meeting points in Miraflores, so you’ll need to arrange your own transportation to the starting locations.

How long is the boat trip to the islands?
The boat ride lasts approximately two hours, including time to see The Candelabro and wildlife in the islands.

What is included in the price?
Transportation, boat ride, bilingual guide, entry tickets to Huacachina, buggy and sandboarding activities, and a wine and pisco tasting are included.

Are meals included?
You’ll have a basic breakfast early in the morning and a regional lunch at the winery. Drinks and extras are not included.

Is this tour suitable for children or pregnant women?
No, given the physical activities and early start, it’s not recommended for children under 3, pregnant women, or those with mobility issues.

How do I cancel if my plans change?
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, allowing flexibility if your schedule shifts.

Final Thoughts

This full-day tour from Lima offers a well-rounded taste of Peru’s natural and cultural treasures. It combines wildlife viewing, adrenaline-pumping activities, and regional delights without breaking the bank. The blend of boat trips, desert adventures, and tastings makes it appealing for curious, active travelers eager to see and feel different sides of Peru.

While it’s a long day that demands energy and enthusiasm, it rewards you with diverse landscapes and memorable moments — from penguins to dunes to local wines. If your schedule allows and you’re ready for an action-packed, authentic experience, this tour is a smart pick.

In essence, it’s a day that broadens your understanding of Peru’s coastal ecosystems, vibrant desert life, and rich flavors — perfect for those who want to make the most of a single day in the region.

You can check availability for your dates here: More Great Tours Nearby