From Lima: Ballestas Islands, Huacachina, and Winery Tour.

Experience Peru’s Coastal Wonders in a Single Day

Imagine waking up in Lima and heading south to explore the coast’s most iconic sights in one long, adventure-filled day. This tour takes you from Lima’s urban charm to the wild beauty of the Ballestas Islands, the adrenaline of sandboarding in Huacachina, and the sophisticated flavors of a local winery in Ica — all for about $110 per person, with a full 18 hours of fun.

What we love about this experience is how it mixes wildlife, adrenaline, and culture seamlessly. You’ll get up close with sea lions and penguins, ride across sand dunes in buggies, and sample Pisco and wine directly from local producers. Plus, the entire trip is guided by friendly, knowledgeable guides who keep things informative and moving smoothly. A small group size really makes the experience more personal and engaging.

One thing to consider is that the day’s schedule is packed, so if you’re not used to long travel days or early mornings, this might be an all-day affair — but the payoff is plenty of unforgettable moments. This tour suits travelers eager to see multiple highlights without multiple bookings, especially those interested in wildlife, adventure, and authentic local tastes.

If you’re someone who enjoys a balanced mix of nature, culture, and fun, this trip offers a great taste of what the southern coast of Peru has to offer — all in one day. It appeals especially to those curious about wildlife, who want a bit of thrill, and who appreciate the chance to taste local wines and Pisco.

Key Points

• Comprehensive Day Trip: Combines wildlife, adventure, and cultural experiences from Lima.
• Expert Guides: Knowledgeable bilingual guides make the trip engaging and informative.
• Wildlife Encounters: Closely observe sea lions, penguins, and guano birds on the islands.
• Adventure Activities: Sandboarding and dune bashing add a fun, adrenaline boost.
• Local Tastes: Includes wine and Pisco tastings at a local winery.
• Well-Organized: Smooth itinerary with clear timings and transport, perfect for busy travelers.

You can check availability for your dates here:

In-Depth Review of the Tour Experience

Starting Out: Lima Pickup and Early Drive
Your day begins with a pickup from your hotel in Lima — options are available from San Isidro or Miraflores. The drive to Paracas takes about four hours, giving you a comfortable window to relax, take in the scenery, or chat with fellow travelers. We appreciated the clean, modern bus with air conditioning, which made the long ride more enjoyable.

Visit to the Ballestas Islands
The highlight for many is the boat tour of the Ballestas Islands, often called the “Poor Man’s Galápagos.” Once at the tourist dock in Paracas, a short wait leads to your boat ride, where you’ll immediately see why this spot is so special. Expect to see sea lions dozing on rocks, Humboldt penguins waddling about, and clouds of guano birds soaring overhead.

Our guides provided fascinating insights into the wildlife and the mysterious Candelabro figure etched into the sand nearby. One traveler noted, “We loved the way the guide explained the theories behind the Candelabro, which added a fun mystery to the experience.” We might be biased, but wildlife viewing here feels authentic and close-up, especially when sea lions start barking from the rocks nearby.

The Candelabro and Scenic Drive
After the boat ride, you’ll stop at the Candelabro, a giant figure carved into the sand. Our guide explained the various theories behind its purpose, which added a layer of intrigue. From there, the scenic drive to Ica offers views of the desert landscape that make you appreciate how this coast balances arid beauty with lively wildlife.

Ica and the Winery Experience
In Ica, the tour takes a relaxing turn with a visit to a local winery. Here, you’ll tour the wine cellar and enjoy a tasting of local wines and Pisco, Peru’s national spirit. The guides make sure to explain the process behind the production, which adds depth to the tasting experience. Many reviews praise the quality of the wines and the knowledgeable guides who make the tasting engaging.

You might find the lunch options are at your own expense, but there are plenty of eateries nearby. The weekend dance and music show (if you’re there on a Saturday or Sunday) is a lively addition, giving you a glimpse into Afro-Peruvian culture.

Huacachina and the Dunes
Next, the adventure ramps up at the Huacachina Oasis, a striking natural lagoon surrounded by towering sand dunes. Here, a buggy ride whips you across the sands, providing a thrill that’s hard to match. The sandboarding session is brief but fun, especially for first-timers; you’ll slide down the dunes with basic instruction, and many travelers find it’s a surprisingly exhilarating experience.

Photographers will love the views of the oasis framed by dunes, and if you’re lucky, the sunset adds golden hues to this desert landscape. The guides emphasize safety and fun, making sure everyone gets a turn in the buggy and sandboard.

Timing and Group Size
The entire day is meticulously scheduled, with about two hours at the islands, an hour at the winery, and two hours at Huacachina. The return trip takes around five hours, so be prepared for a full day on the move. The small group size (limit of 15 people) fosters a more intimate atmosphere, allowing for personalized attention from your guides.

Price and Value
At $110, this tour offers a lot of value. You get transportation, bilingual guides, wildlife viewing, adventure activities, and tastings, all packed into one day. While the meals and some extras are at your own expense, the core experiences are well covered.

Authentic Experiences and Authenticity
Travellers consistently praise the guides for their warmth and knowledge. One reviewer mentioned, “Marco Polo was a great guide and did an excellent job attending to everyone’s needs.” Another highlighted the beautiful views and the excitement of sandboarding as the tour’s highlights.

Considerations and Practical Tips
This trip requires a good level of stamina; it’s a long day with lots of moving parts. Wear comfortable clothing, bring sun protection, and don’t forget your passport or ID. The tour’s safety measures, like the basic first aid kit and biosafety protocols, ensure a comfortable experience even amid ongoing health concerns.

If you’re prone to motion sickness, prepare accordingly — the boat ride on the islands can be bumpy, and the dune bashing can be quite energetic.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This tour is best suited for travelers who want a full, varied day that hits multiple highlights of the Peruvian coast — wildlife, adventure, and culture — without the hassle of planning multiple trips. It’s perfect for those eager to see iconic scenery like the Ballestas Islands and Huacachina dunes in one go, especially if you enjoy wildlife spotting and adrenaline-filled activities like sandboarding.

It appeals to adventure seekers who appreciate guided experiences and small groups that allow for more interaction. If you’re interested in local wines and spirits, the winery visit adds a nice touch of authentic flavor. The tours’ flexibility and friendly guides make it approachable, even for first-timers.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is included in the tour?
The tour includes round-trip transportation, bilingual guides, a boat trip to the Ballestas Islands, a visit to a winery with tastings, a dune buggy ride, sandboarding practice, and cultural entertainment if on weekends.

How long is the drive from Lima to Paracas?
The drive takes approximately four hours each way, so be prepared for a long day. The bus is comfortable and air-conditioned.

Are meals included in the price?
No, breakfast, lunch, and dinner are at your own expense, but there are stops for breakfast and opportunities to buy lunch in Ica.

What should I bring?
Bring your passport or ID, sun protection, comfortable clothing, and possibly a hat or sunglasses. A camera is recommended for photos.

Is the tour suitable for children?
The tour is generally suitable for older children and teenagers, especially those who enjoy wildlife, adventure, and cultural experiences. Keep in mind the long day and physical activities involved.

How big are the groups?
The group size is limited to 15 participants, making it more intimate and allowing guides to give personalized attention.

Can I cancel the tour?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, offering flexibility in case your plans change.

To sum it up, this tour from Lima offers a well-rounded experience of Peru’s coastal treasures, perfect for travelers who want to see wildlife, enjoy some adventure, and taste local spirits, all in one day. It’s an excellent choice for those looking to maximize their time and get a taste of what makes this part of Peru so special — all with the guidance of friendly, knowledgeable locals. Expect a full day of varied sights and activities, leaving you with plenty of stories and photos to take home.

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