Full Day Paracas Ballestas Islands, City Tour Ica Tubular is a lively and diverse way to experience some of Peru’s most iconic sights in just one day. For $160 per person, you’ll start early from Lima, heading south to explore wildlife-rich islands, a charming city, and thrilling sand dunes with an optional sandboarding adventure. The full itinerary promises a good mix of nature, culture, and adrenaline, making it ideal for travelers wanting a taste of everything without spending several days on the road.

Two aspects we particularly appreciate are the marine wildlife viewing at the Ballestas Islands, where sea lions, penguins, and seabirds group around impressive rock formations, and the adrenaline rush of sandboarding in Huacachina, which turns a scenic desert landscape into a playground for all experience levels. These highlights make the trip memorable and add genuine value to the day.

A potential consideration? The tour has a packed schedule, with early departures and a full agenda. If you’re someone who prefers more relaxed pacing or longer exploration time at each stop, this might feel a bit rushed. Also, there’s an additional cost for entrance fees to the pier and certain attractions, which adds to the overall expense.

This tour suits travelers who want a comprehensive day of adventure and sightseeing, especially those interested in wildlife, scenic landscapes, and quick cultural immersions. It’s perfect if you’re in Lima and looking for a well-organized, one-day escape that hits several highlights of the Ica region.

Key Points

Wildlife and Rock Formations: The Ballestas Islands offer close encounters with sea lions, penguins, and seabirds among striking sandstone formations.
Cultural Insights: A brief city tour of Ica provides a glimpse of local life and history, culminating in a visit to an artisanal winery.
Adventure in the Dunes: The Huacachina region delivers thrilling sandboarding and tubular dune rides, ideally timed at sunset.
Early Start, Full Day: The tour departs at 4:00 am from Lima, so be prepared for an early wake-up, but it packs a lot into one day.
Value for Price: For $160, you’re getting wildlife, culture, adventure, and transportation, making it a practical choice for a quick Peruvian getaway.
Guided Experience: Guides speak both English and Spanish, helping you understand each stop and making the experience more engaging.

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Exploring the Day in Detail

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The Journey Begins Early

Starting at 4:00 am from Lima may sound daunting, but it’s necessary to maximize your day. The drive south to Paracas takes roughly 3 hours, giving you a chance to see the Peruvian landscape change from urban sprawl to desert and coastal scenery. The ride itself is relatively comfortable, and the early start means you’ll beat the crowds at the tourist spots.

The Enigmatic Candelabra and the Marine Wildlife

Arriving in Paracas around 7:40 am, the first stop is the pier for the Ballestas Islands tour. You’ll hop aboard a boat at 8:00 am, just as the morning light illuminates the sea. En route, you’ll stop briefly to view the Candelabra, a mysterious geoglyph similar to the Nazca Lines, visible from the boat. It’s believed by some to have cultural or extraterrestrial significance, adding an intriguing element to your trip.

During the boat ride, the guide will point out the rock formations that resemble animals and other shapes, making the landscape lively and fun to interpret. Expect to see sea lions lounging on rocks, puffing penguins, and a variety of seabirds like pelicans and boobies. The wildlife viewing is a highlight, with many travelers noting how close and lively the animals are. One reviewer mentioned, “We loved the way the sea lions just basked on the rocks, and the guides made sure we got good sightings.”

Moving to Ica and the City Tour

By around 11:00 am, it’s time to head north to Ica for a city tour beginning around 1:30 pm. The town of Ica is lively, with a charming Plaza de Armas and streets filled with local markets and cafes. The local guide will show you the highlights and share insights into Ica’s history and culture.

A key stop is the artisanal winery, where you’ll get to see how Pisco and wines are made, with tastings of both. This session offers a flavorful break and a chance to understand local traditions. Many visitors appreciate the authenticity, noting the friendly guides and the chance to sample regional wines directly from the source.

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Huacachina: The Dunes and Sunset

After some cultural exploration, the tour moves to the Huacachina oasis, a tiny village built around a natural lake surrounded by towering dunes. This spot is a favorite for adrenaline-seekers, especially during the tubular tour and sandboarding starting at 4:30 pm. The tour includes multiple stops where you can practice sandboarding—gliding down the dunes on a board—often with guides helping novices.

Many travelers find this part exhilarating, especially at sunset when the landscape turns golden and the dunes cast long shadows. “Sandboarding was surprisingly easy and so much fun,” reports one reviewer. The experience is suitable for beginners and seasoned thrill-seekers alike.

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Returning to Lima

By 7:30 pm, after the dunes and sunset, the bus departs back to Lima, concluding your full day of sights, sounds, and adventure. It’s a long day, but the variety of experiences makes it worthwhile.

What This Tour Means for You

Choosing this tour means embracing a packed schedule with a mix of wildlife, culture, and adventure. It’s a good value considering the transportation, guided insights, and activities included. The early start and long hours are a trade-off for seeing multiple highlights in one day, so if you’re budget-conscious but eager for a comprehensive experience, this will suit you well.

The guides’ bilingual capabilities enhance the experience, especially if you’re not fluent in Spanish. The group size, generally small to medium, helps keep things personal and manageable. Just keep in mind the additional entrance fees for the pier and certain attractions—these are not included in the base price, but they are quite modest.

Final Thoughts

This tour offers a well-rounded snapshot of what makes the Ica region unique. From the spectacular wildlife on the islands to vibrant local culture and dunes perfect for sandboarding, it’s a day packed with contrasts that keep you engaged. It’s especially ideal for travelers in Lima who want a lively, educational, and adrenaline-pumping experience without needing to plan multiple days on their own.

If you’re craving a quick adventure that combines natural beauty and cultural insights, this tour hits the spot. The stunning views at each stop and the interactive activities make it a memorable choice that balances value and excitement. Just be ready for an early start and some busy hours—but the payoff is a day filled with stories to tell.

FAQ

What time does the tour start?
The tour departs from Lima at 4:00 am, so be prepared for an early wake-up.

How long is the drive from Lima?
The drive to Paracas takes approximately 3 hours, offering a chance to relax before the day begins.

Is there wildlife during the boat tour?
Yes, expect to see sea lions, penguins, pelicans, and boobies among the striking rock formations.

What is included in the price?
Your ticket includes the boat tour of the Ballestas Islands, transfer to the pier and Ica, the city tour, winery tastings, and the dune adventure in Huacachina.

Are food and entrance fees included?
No, food is not included, and there is an additional fee for entrance to the tourist pier and Sernanp Paracas.

Is sandboarding suitable for beginners?
Yes, the tour offers stops for sandboarding practice suitable for all levels, with guides available to help.

What languages are guides available in?
Guides speak both English and Spanish to accommodate different travelers.

How long is the entire tour?
The full experience lasts approximately 19 hours, from early morning departure to late evening return.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, cancellations are free up to 24 hours before the tour, allowing flexible planning.

Is this tour good for photography?
Absolutely. The landscapes, wildlife, and dunes provide fantastic photo opportunities, especially at sunset.

In sum, this Full Day Paracas, Ballestas Islands, Ica, and Huacachina tour offers a lively, varied experience packed into a single day. It balances wildlife encounters, cultural visits, and adventure sports, making it a fantastic choice for those eager to see diverse sides of Peru without extending their trip.