From Lima: Day trip to Paracas, Ica, and Oasis Huacachina

This full-day tour from Lima for $65 per person is a whirlwind of natural beauty, adventure, and local flavor, covering Paracas, the Ballestas Islands, the Ica wine region, and the Huacachina Oasis. Starting early at 5:00 AM, we spend approximately 17.5 hours on a bus that takes us through some of Peru’s most iconic landscapes.

Two aspects that truly stand out are the marine wildlife viewing around the islands and the dune buggy rides that get your adrenaline pumping. The boat trip around the Ballestas Islands provides a glimpse of sea lions, penguins, and seabirds, while the sand dunes of Huacachina offer a thrilling ride on buggies and sandboards.

A possible consideration is the long travel time—about four hours each way—so this trip demands energy and patience. But if you’re eager to sample multiple Peru highlights in a single day, this tour packs a lot into a manageable package. It suits travelers who enjoy a mix of wildlife, scenic landscapes, and adventure, especially if you’re short on time but want an authentic taste of coastal Peru.

Key Points

Full-Day Adventure: Combines marine wildlife, desert dunes, and local wine tasting for a diverse experience.
Expert Guides: Known for friendly, informative guides like Giancarlo and Joel, who keep the day engaging.
Active Experiences: Sandboarding and dune buggy rides add a fun adrenaline rush.
Authentic Local Flavors: Enjoy a traditional lunch and tasting of regional wines and pisco.
Long but Well-Organized: Despite the long hours, reviews highlight a smooth itinerary and good transportation.
Ideal for Explorers: Perfect for those wanting a comprehensive, single-day snapshot of Peru’s coast.

You can check availability for your dates here:

An In-Depth Look at the Experience

While in Lima, here are other experiences we've covered

Starting Early for a Full Day of Discovery

We begin our adventure with a pickup around 5:00 AM from one of seven convenient locations in Lima, including Miraflores and San Borja. Early mornings mean we get a head start before the day’s crowds and heat set in, making the long journey more comfortable. The bus is comfortable and includes a small toilet—something we appreciated during the lengthy drive.

Paracas and the Ballestas Islands

Our first major stop is the Paracas pier around 9:30 AM, where we’ll go through a checkpoint before hopping onto a boat for the two-hour tour of the Ballestas Islands. This part of the trip is a highlight, especially for wildlife lovers. Expect to see sea lions lounging on rocks, colonies of Humboldt penguins, and an array of seabirds.

The boat circumnavigates the islands, offering dramatic views and plenty of photo opportunities. We loved the way guides explain the mystery of “El Candelabro,” a giant geoglyph on the hillside, with various theories about its origins. It’s a fun and intriguing start, setting the tone for the day.

Ica Region and Wine Tasting

After the boat tour, we hop back on the bus for about an hour-long drive to Ica. Here, a delicious lunch awaits—often included in the package—plus a chance to sample some local wines and pisco. Several reviews mention how much they appreciated the wine tasting experience, with one noting, “Lunch and the wine tasting was great but the highlight was the dune buggy riding in the desert like sand hills.”

This part of the tour offers a taste of Peruvian agriculture and craftsmanship. The wines are local, and the opportunity to taste regional varieties adds a layer of cultural insight that travelers find enriching.

More Great Tours Nearby

Huacachina Oasis: Dunes, Sandboarding, and Relaxation

The next stop is the Huacachina Oasis, a real desert gem. Upon arrival, we board dune buggies for a ride over the vast sand dunes. The buggies are fast and bumpy, giving us an exhilarating roller-coaster experience. Many reviews praise the guides like Joel, who work hard to make sure everyone enjoys the ride and feels safe.

Afterward, we get a chance to sandboard down the dunes—a fun challenge, especially if you’re new to it. The activity appeals to thrill-seekers, and you’ll love the incredible panoramic views from the top of the dunes.

The oasis itself offers a peaceful spot to stroll, take photos, and buy souvenirs. If you want to extend your stay in Huacachina afterward, you can arrange for a late return or accommodation, which is handy for those wanting more time to explore.

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

Return Journey and Reflection

By 5:30 PM, we begin the long drive back to Lima, arriving around 10:30 PM. Although the day is packed, many appreciate the organization and the variety of experiences. One reviewer noted, “The tour was well organized despite it was long,” and highlighted the “excellent communication” of the guides.

Practical Details and What to Expect

Transportation and Comfort

The tour uses a comfortable bus with plenty of space and a small toilet, making the long hours more bearable. Pickups are available at seven different locations in Lima, adding convenience. If you choose the hotel pickup option, your guide will meet you at your accommodation, saving you from extra logistics.

The Guides and Language

Guides are bilingual, fluent in English and Spanish, ensuring clear explanations throughout. Many travelers emphasize the guides’ friendliness and knowledge; Giancarlo and Joel are frequently praised for their engaging and helpful manner.

Timing and Pacing

While the itinerary is full, it’s designed for efficiency. The boat tour at Paracas is about two hours, the wine tasting and lunch around 1.5 hours, and the dune activities about two hours. The long bus ride is the main stretch of downtime, so pack snacks and patience.

What to Bring

Given the outdoor activities, pack windbreaker, sunglasses, sun hat, and sunscreen. The desert sun can be strong, and wind can pick up on the dunes.

Cost and Value

For $65, this tour offers a lot of value: wildlife viewing, adventure activities, cultural tastings, and scenic landscapes. The inclusion of all admission tickets and lunch makes it convenient and budget-friendly for a day packed with diverse experiences.

Who Would Enjoy This Tour?

This trip suits adventure-seekers and nature lovers who enjoy wildlife, scenic landscapes, and active pursuits like sandboarding. It’s also ideal for those short on time but eager to see a broad slice of Peruvian coast — you get marine life, desert dunes, and local culture in one day. Keep in mind, the long hours might not suit travelers with mobility issues or those who prefer more relaxed pace.

Final Thoughts

This day trip from Lima offers a comprehensive taste of Peru’s coast, blending wildlife, adventure, and local flavors. The guides’ enthusiasm and knowledge elevate the experience, making it more than just a sightseeing tour. The boat trip, wine tasting, and dune rides are standout moments that many reviews highlight with enthusiasm, and the organization appears smooth despite the long hours.

If you’re someone who loves active outdoor experiences, appreciates authentic local food and drink, and doesn’t mind a big day on the road, this tour is a fantastic option to maximize your Peruvian coastal visit. It’s a solid choice for those wanting a balanced mix of nature, culture, and adventure in a single day.

FAQs

How early does the tour start?
The pickup begins around 5:00 AM, giving you a jumpstart on the day’s activities.

Is breakfast included?
No, breakfast from S/16 (about $5) is not included, so consider bringing a snack for the morning.

How long is the boat tour?
The boat around the Ballestas Islands lasts approximately two hours, giving you plenty of time to see wildlife.

Can I stay longer in Huacachina?
Yes, if you wish to spend more time exploring or relaxing in Huacachina, just inform the tour operator after the dune activities.

Is this tour suitable for children?
While not explicitly stated, activities like dune buggies and sandboarding generally suit older children and teens; check with your provider for age restrictions.

What should I wear?
Dress in comfortable layers, bring a windbreaker, sunglasses, sun hat, and sunscreen, especially for the desert portion.

Are vegetarian or special diet meals available?
The tour includes a standard lunch; special dietary requests are not mentioned, so inquire beforehand if needed.

What about the long bus ride?
The comfort of the bus includes a small toilet, and reviews suggest the organization makes the lengthy hours manageable.

Is the tour bilingual?
Yes, guides speak both English and Spanish, ensuring clear communication in either language.

What if I want to cancel?
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, providing flexibility if your plans change.

This tour offers an excellent way to experience some of Peru’s most iconic coastal sights in one well-organized, adventure-filled day. Perfect for energetic travelers eager to see wildlife, try sandboarding, and sip local wines—all in a single, memorable trip.