From Lima: Ballestas Islands, Huacachina, and Wine Tour is an engaging full-day adventure that takes you through some of the most iconic sights in the Ica Region. For $75 per person, you’ll start early and spend the day discovering marine wildlife, desert landscapes, and local flavors. With round-trip transportation and a guided experience, it’s a practical way to see the best of southern Peru without the hassle of planning each step yourself.

What we love most about this tour is the chance to see sea lions and penguins up close around the Ballestas Islands—a wildlife spectacle you won’t forget. The dune buggy ride and sandboarding in Huacachina are also pure fun, especially if you’re craving a bit of adrenaline and adventure. Plus, the wine and pisco tasting at a local winery adds a delicious, authentic touch that rounds out the day.

However, one thing to keep in mind is the early start—departing Lima at 5:00 AM might be tough for some travelers, especially if you’re not a morning person. Also, the schedule is quite packed, so if you prefer a more relaxed pace, this might feel a little rushed. Still, for those eager to maximize a single day and pack in diverse experiences, this tour fits the bill perfectly.

This experience suits travelers looking for an active, varied day trip that combines nature, culture, and adventure. It’s especially good for those interested in wildlife photography, wine tasting, and trying sandboarding for the first time.

Key Points

Wildlife & Marine Life: See sea lions, Humboldt penguins, and seabirds on a boat tour.
Adventure & Excitement: Dune buggy rides and sandboarding in Huacachina.
Cultural & Tasting Experiences: Enjoy lunch and wine/pisco tastings at a local winery.
Authentic Scenery: Visit the mysterious “El Candelabro” and explore the vibrant desert and oasis.
Time & Value: A full day packed with diverse activities for just $75.
Practical Details: Includes transportation, guides, and all major activities—just bring your camera and sun protection.

You can check availability for your dates here:

A Detailed Look at the Day

Planning more time in Paracas? We've covered other experiences worth considering.

Early Departure and Transportation

We set off from Lima around 5:00 AM, which is early but necessary to hit all the highlights comfortably. The bus ride, while long, offers a chance to relax and get ready for the day ahead. The group size tends to be moderate, and transport is included in the cost, making logistics straightforward. Once we passed through the checkpoint at Paracas, we headed straight for the boat tour, which is the first major stop.

Exploring the Ballestas Islands

The boat ride lasts about two hours, giving us plenty of time to soak in the sights. Our guide shared interesting insights about the islands—famous for their abundant marine life. We loved the closeness of the wildlife, with playful sea lions sunbathing on rocks and colonies of Humboldt penguins waddling around. The seabirds swooped overhead, making for fantastic photos.

A particularly memorable moment was seeing the “El Candelabro”—a giant, mysterious sand figure etched into the desert plain. Our guide shared intriguing theories about its origin; whether it’s an ancient symbol or just an elaborate natural formation, it’s a fun curiosity that sparks the imagination.

Lunch and Wine Tasting

After the boat tour, we headed to Ica for a well-deserved lunch. We appreciated the generous portions and local flavors, which set the tone for the wine and pisco tasting at a nearby winery. The winery itself was described as an upscale facility and the tasting was a highlight, with a notably excellent wine selection. As one traveler remarked, “The winery where we had wine tasting was very nice,” making it clear this part of the trip offers both quality and authenticity.

This stop not only satisfies the palate but also provides insight into the local culture of wine and pisco production—a craft deeply rooted in this region.

More Great Tours Nearby

Huacachina and the Sand Dunes

The final leg of the journey brings us to the Huacachina Oasis, a true desert gem. Once we arrived, we jumped into dune buggies—a thrilling ride that took us across the towering sands. The buggies are fast and bumpy, offering plenty of laughs and adrenaline. For those eager to add some action, sandboarding down the dunes is a must-try. We loved the instant rush of sliding down the sandy slopes, feeling a little like desert explorers.

After the adrenaline, there’s time to relax, walk around the oasis, snap photos, and browse local shops. The scenery is surreal—a tiny oasis surrounded by endless dunes, a perfect spot for a quick escape into nature.

While you're exploring Paracas, here are other experiences we've looked into

Return and Reflection

By 5:30 PM, we started the journey back to Lima, arriving around 10:30 PM. While the day is long, it’s packed with unforgettable moments. The experience offers great value—covering wildlife, adventure, culture, and scenery—all in one trip.

Final Thoughts on the Tour

This tour is ideal for active travelers who want a full, engaging day of sightseeing without the hassle of arranging transportation or guides. The combination of wildlife viewing, desert adventure, and wine tasting creates a well-rounded experience. Keep in mind, the early start and tight schedule may not suit everyone, but if you’re eager to make the most of your time and see diverse sides of Peru, it’s a fantastic choice.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

If you’re looking for a day trip that offers wildlife, adventure, and cultural flavor, this one hits the mark. It’s perfect for first-time visitors wanting a taste of Peru’s natural beauty and local traditions. Travelers interested in photography will appreciate the chance to capture wildlife and desert landscapes. Those curious about Peruvian wine and pisco will find the tasting experience especially rewarding.

Conversely, if you prefer a leisurely pace or have mobility issues, this might feel a bit rushed. It’s also not suitable for pregnant women, people with back problems, or those prone to seasickness, given the boat tour and bumpy dune rides.

FAQ

How early do I need to wake up for this tour?
You’ll depart from Lima at 5:00 AM, so be prepared for an early start. It’s worth it for the full day’s experience, but it may be tiring if you’re not an early riser.

Is transportation included?
Yes, round-trip transportation from Lima is part of the package, making logistics simple and convenient.

How long is the boat tour?
The boat tour of the Ballestas Islands lasts approximately 2 hours, giving ample time to see wildlife and take photos.

What should I bring?
Bring a hat, sunscreen, camera, water, and comfortable clothes suitable for both the sea and the desert. Be prepared for a thrilling dune buggy ride and sandboarding.

Is lunch included?
Yes, a generous lunch featuring local flavors is part of the tour, along with a wine and pisco tasting at a local winery.

Can I stay longer at Huacachina?
Yes, after the dune buggy and sandboarding, you’re free to explore or shop—just let your guide know if you wish to stay longer.

To sum it up, this tour from Lima offers a well-balanced mix of wildlife viewing, desert adventure, and cultural exploration at a reasonable price point. It’s a fantastic choice for active travelers who want to see the highlights of the Ica Region without the hassle of organizing each step themselves. Whether you’re a wildlife enthusiast, a thrill-seeker, or a wine lover, this trip provides memorable moments that showcase the diverse beauty of Peru.